What Are Invasive Aquatic Weeds & Where Do They Come From?

When you look out at a pond or lake, you undoubtedly notice many plants in and around the water. While they may look harmless, the fact is at least some of the plants you are seeing are known as invasive aquatic weeds, which can do substantial damage to a lake or pond over time. From being a threat to wildlife to interfering with stormwater management and even recreational activities, it is imperative invasive aquatic weeds be managed and eradicated by lake and pond management companies in Florida, which have the necessary knowledge, skills, and equipment to do so. If you are unsure as to which types of weeds are invasive and how they take up residence in a pond or lake, here is some key information to remember.

Where Do These Weeds Come From?
Surprisingly, there are many ways in which invasive aquatic weeds can find their way to a pond or lake. In some situations, a strong storm that brings with it flooding or strong winds can carry with it plants or seeds that ultimately take hold in a pond or lake. Other examples of how these invaders appear include bird migration, recreational boats, and industrial shipping. Once these weeds arrive, they often have few if any natural predators or competition, allowing them to multiply rapidly.

How Can These Weeds be Controlled?
Once invasive aquatic weeds find their way to your pond or lake, getting rid of them can be difficult, but not impossible. However, since there may be multiple species present in and around the water, knowing which eradication methods to use can be tough. In most cases, you can try hand-pulling, cutting, burning, or even mechanical harvesting. Yet no matter what methods you use, they usually need to be repeated over a multi-year period to make sure weeds are completely gone from your pond or lake. If you have questions as to whether plants in and around your pond or lake are in fact invasive species, consult with an aquatic plant nursery in Florida.

What about Herbicides?
If physical removal efforts don't produce satisfactory results, select herbicides can be used to target such invasive aquatic weeds as hydrilla, water hyacinth, crested floating heart, and many others. In most cases, a new type of herbicide known as ProcellaCOR can be used to solve the problem. Shown to offer far less risk to the surrounding environment and native plants than other herbicides used in years past, ProcellaCOR should only be applied by certified professionals from lake and pond management companies in Florida.

If you believe invasive aquatic weeds have become a problem in your pond or lake, contact us here at Crosscreek Environmental Inc. for an evaluation of your situation. As one of the leading lake and pond management companies in Florida, we can assess the weeds in your pond or lake, offer suggestions for eradication, and offer a price quote for our services. If you want to schedule a consultation or have additional questions, call us at 941-479-7811.