My pond is 2 years old and I have algae covering 20% of the top. I have been told to mechanically remove the algae and introduce the right cultivars of aquatic plants to consume the nutrients, therefore ridding me of the algae, or helping to control it. Can someone recommend a good mix of aquatic plants to accomplish this.

It is a fairly shallow pond, especially at the edges. 3/4 acre surface area. Kansas City, MO area.

Thanks!

The best advise I can give is to check out some ponds close to you, identify and research those plants, and determine if you want them in your pond. Maybe even be able to transplant from neighboring pond into yours.

I am an hour south east of KC and some of my favorites are...

Bank Dwellers that get into the water just a bit,

Mud Plantain,
Creeping Jenny, &
Smart Weed.

Emergents (close to the bank, but still in the water),

Thalia Dealbata,
Pickeral Weed, &
Arrowhead.

Sumbergents,

American Pond Weed, &
Hybrid Hardy Lillies.

Avoid:

Duck Weed,
Watermeal,
Cat Tails (maybe not depending on your opinion of them and the work they can create),
Lotus,
Coontail, &
Hydrilla

Do your homework and know your pond. Aquatic plants are usually described by the depths of water that they typically grow in. For example, Water Primrose typically grows in water that is shallow (at the bank) up to 4 foot deep (some websites say as much as 6 foot). Most of what I've seen is shallower than 2 foot, but you have to prepare for the worst...if your pond has plenty of shallow water (less than 4 foot deep) and the Water Primrose really likes it there, It will evetnually consume those shallow areas and make bank fishing unpleasant. Typically, the more clear the water the deeper the plant will thrive.

Thank you for the information. Where would I purchase some of these, to get some plants started?

I got Am Pondweed from a place north of Dallas. Maybe you could call Bass Pro to see if they know of places near you.

you might consider hiring a local fishing guide for a half day and get him to take you around where he know plants are growing. I am pretty sure he will know weedy areas. Know your plants, pack them in wet newspaper between the sheets and wash them under a sink, washing away anything you don't want in the pond. And then stick them in the ponds bottom. When fishing a lake in E. Texas I found and transported mine back home, cleaned/washed them up and planted them. Worked great. And you might sneek in a little fishing with the guide.