We provide the correct insight, knowledge, and equipment to aid you in your aquatic vegetation problems. We are commercially licensed and insured to purchase, sell, and spray aquatic herbicides and algaecides, and we use only labeled EPA approved chemical for aquatic environments. The chemical approach to aquatic weed control should always be performed by a professional due to the detrimental effects it could have on your fish population if used improperly.
There are three different types of aquatic vegetation that can grow in a pond/lake; submergent, emergent, and floating, and we carry the proper herbicides, algaecides, and lake dyes to control them all. In extreme cases of nuisance aquatic vegetation, it may take multiple visits to control the matter completely. Due to the nature of the chemical and the decaying plant matter absorbing oxygen, applications should no sooner than 2-3 weeks apart.
A biological approach can be taken to help aid in weed and algae reduction in ponds/lakes. This approach can be used with a chemical approach to attack the problem areas quicker, or it can be used instead of a chemical approach. Triploid Grass Carp, and Tilapia are the two most common uses for a biological approach. Triploid Grass Carp are used for their ability to eat aquatic weeds, while Tilapia is used to control algae. Each has their specific use, and one should not be used for the other. This is a very safe method of aquatic vegetation control, and the pros and cons of these fish can be discussed if you choose to use this route.
Remember that some weeds can be beneficial to your overall aquatic environment as fish cover and water filtration, but too much can become unsightly and a problem very quick. A good tip is that your pond/lake should not exceed 20% coverage from either weeds or algae. If this amount is rapidly approaching, we can help identify the aquatic weeds, and begin a aquatic vegetation control treatment immediately.
Algae growth is very common in South Texas, especially during summer and early fall when the outside temperatures are consistently hot. Algae can be eradicated with an algaecide and applied in sections around your pond, depending on the size and depth of your pond. A good rule-of-thumb to abide by is treating ¼ or ⅓ of the algae in your pond and then waiting around two weeks for that algae to decay and decompose. Once the two weeks are up, treat another ¼ or ⅓ area of algae. Follow the same process for the rest of the problem areas.
Filamentous algae usually becomes brown or red, with some hints of a dark yellow mustard color, when it is decaying or dead.
Cattails can be an aesthetically pleasing plant and provide many benefits to your pond, serving as habitat and structure for small invertebrates and insects that some of the fish species in your pond will enjoy feeding on. They also provide nice habitat for waterfowl species. However, cattails can spread rapidly around your pond perimeter and quickly hinder nice views of your pond. Cattails can be managed with an aquatic herbicide and surfactant (like vegetable oil) that can kill the plant from the top down to the root.
Yes! Tilapia are an excellent biological approach to controlling algae in many of the ponds we manage in South Texas. However, keep in mind that (a) you need an exotic species permit to stock tilapia in your pond; and (b) tilapia can reproduce every 17 days under the right conditions and can quickly outcompete other fish species if not managed properly by a strong population of largemouth bass or other game fish. Unsure? Chat with us!
