It's time for Pond Treatment

Hot summer weather is nearly upon us! Now would be a good time to finally treat that pond and get it cleaned up and ready for swimming…

For many of us, this can seem like a daunting task. One look into those murky depths and we might find ourselves at a loss as to how to even begin reclaiming that aquatic jungle that now lies beneath the surface. While it may seem like the impossible, treating the pond may not be so difficult once we have a better understanding of the plant life and what it is that is making it thrive.

According to the N.H. Cooperative Extension, most aquatic vegetation found in ponds can be roughly divided into two groups: Macrophytes (the high-order of plant life such as grasses, leafy plants, etc.) and Algae (that green, slimy stuff.) Common macrophytes found in our region include cattails, pickerel weed, water lilies, duckweed, and rushes, as well as submerged species such as coontail and bladderwort.

All of the macrophytes and algae are competing for the available nutrients found in your pond. Thus, one of the most important things you can do to control excessive plant life in your pond is to control the in-flow of nutrients to the pond. Begin by examining potential nutrient-sources such as lawn fertilizers, livestock and wildlife manure, leachfields and/or leaking septic systems, composted materials, fallen leaves, and bare soil. Controlling these sources will help to eliminate the available nutrients and inhibit plant growth.

Once the source of nutrients has been controlled as much as possible (you may find that there is very little that can be done), pond treatment products can be added to eliminate existing, unwanted plant-life. Several pond treatment additives are available at WLFS to help control plants and algae:

Barley Pellets* - This increasingly-popular, highly effective method of controlling algae is naturally plant and fish safe. As barley decomposes, it releases a chemical which inhibits algae growth. In pelleted form, this product is relatively easy to apply in contrast to its straw-form counterpart. Warmer water temperatures do increase the rate of effectiveness.

Cutrine Plus* - According to the manufacturer’s website, this copper-based chemical algaecide/herbicide helps control plant life while being U.S.E.P.A. registered for use in drinking water reservoirs, farm fish and industrial ponds, etc. Upon following correct application procedures, ponds are safe for swimming, domestic uses, and livestock watering immediately after chemical application.

Aquashade* - The only “colorant” product of its kind registered by the U.S.E.P.A. for aquatic plant growth control. This blend of blue and yellow dyes screens specific portions of the sun-light spectrum necessary for photo-synthesis in aquatic plants.

Copper Sulfate* - This copper compound inhibits algae growth in ponds. It is known to be effective but care and caution should be used while applying this (and all pond treatment products!)

*Be sure to check your local, state, and federal regulations concerning the use of any pond treatment products. The use of pond treatment products may be regulated. Always read application instructions and warnings carefully before using any pond treatment products. Contact your local cooperative extension for more information on aquatic plants, pond treatment restrictions, proper application of treatment products, etc.

Sources:
N.H. Cooperative Extension - http://extension.unh.edu/news/GoodPond.htm

Applied Biochemists - http://www.appliedbiochemists.com/products.htm