What Exactly Are Weeds, Anyway?

Excessive plant growth can create a variety of problems including stunted fish population, mosquito growth, foul odors, unsafe swimming conditions and clogged irrigation pipes. These issues can cost thousands of dollars in repairs and lost ornamentals.

Many aquatic weeds are of little value as a food source or habitat structure. Removing invasive species from your pond allows nature to restore native plants to support the fish and wildlife. The first step to fighting unwanted weed growth in your pond is plant identification

Algae

Lakes and ponds are threatened by excessive nutrients entering through lawn and garden run-off, wastewater discharges, detergent wastes, septic tank seepage and agricultural run-off.  Excessive nutrients support dynamic growth of aquatic algae, interfering with intended water uses and sometimes presenting health hazards to humans and animals.

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"Blooms" of algae, primitive plants with no true leaves, stems or root systems, can lead to a variety of problems or even be harmful to humans, pets or the environment:

  • Blue-green algae can cause illness and sometimes fatalities in pets, livestock and wildlife. This is called a harmful algae bloom or HAB.

  • Exposure to a harmful algae bloom or HAB can also lead to a variety of discomforts in humans.

  • Algae contamination can discolor drinking water and create unpleasant odors and tastes.

  • Excessive algae growth can also impart distasteful flavor to fish.

  • Algae decomposition can deplete oxygen in bodies of water and kill fish.

  • Excess algae can impede water intake from fire ponds and irrigation systems.

  • Algae can elevate organic solid content and the biological oxygen demand in wastewater oxidation ponds.

  • Excessive algae growth can quickly change lakes, ponds, lagoons and shorelines from scenic to unsightly.

Chris Borek