Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Renovating a Pond or Lake? Overgrowth in an old dry pond

I have cut my dam to allow drainage until I can repair the leak. Asking to know how to prepare for the fix and get a list of priorities. There are several 4ft tall bushes and small willows that are far away from my dam but would end up under water. I would consider that to be a good thing, or am I wrong? Should I bushhog before the water fills.