Pond Boss Forums Thread Like Summary - Pond Smartweed & Shoreline Cleanup

This past weekend I had a local guy clean up some of our smartweed/shoreline issue. The last 2 years it got so bad we could not fish from shore any longer. For now we left around 50% of it alone because we know the fish, small and large, probably love it, as do the micro-organisms. This guy created a neat attachment for his mini-backhoe that enables him to extend his reach farther out into the water. If it returns we think it will be easier to control early on. We plan on throwing some grass seed along the shore, but expect the pond to rise after our current drought.

Pond shoreline cleanup machine

Wow…Much better!

Strong work Mark. Unfortunately the Smartweed will spread, so just a few light-work options.

First, if you still have the DFD hire for help, then him walking around the clean bank with a backpack shouldn't be to bad. He could spot spray with Gylphate/surfactant combo on what will more likely pop up again. The bank looks very nice, and it's still wet. Pott's Feed Store in Emory has rye grass that pops up in 4-5 days if damp. It's around $35 for 50 pounds. There are feed stores around you, so you may get it closer too. It looks nice, and it will help hold the bank until the turf takes over.

Also, an easy way to clear areas is Navigate. It's not cheap, but spreading granular 2,4-D works well once it settles down. I've helped some lake dock owners that were infested with American Lotus. Navigate slowly killed them from the tubers, and the docks have stayed clean.

Spreading down wind and safety dress is needed, and this is what I use. SOLO Chest Spreader. Also, most 3M masks and cheap plastic goggles work well if they fit the face. Cheap throw away nitrile gloves help too.

I hope this helps.

That SOLO Chest Spreader also works well to spread seeds. The Rye Grass Seed could be spread with it. I use one to spread seeds in small food plots for deer and have used one to spread a mix of sand and Switchgrass seed in 12' wide strips for a visual barrier.

Great idea Al!