As debris falls to the bottom of a pond, it adds to the chaos and detritus already there, similar to algae and fallen leaves. Water quality is degraded when debris clogs up the water, compromises fish health, provides nutrients for weeds and algae, and even affects the efficacy of some products. Additionally, dead ponds vegetation is a fantastic nesting site for muskrats, leech, snakes, and many other pests.
When a plant fragment is left floating in the water, seeds or spores from weeds and algae can spread. Before you attempt to remove them, kill the vegetation with herbicides and algaecides in order to prevent this from happening.
The Chemical Contacts
To kill weeds and algae, such as Algae Defense, some chemicals need to contact the ponds vegetation. It is possible to make the chemical more effective by raking the vegetation before treating it. This will break large, thick plants into smaller pieces. Unlike a defined root system, chara reproduces by fragmentation, so as long as it does not come in contact with all the vegetation, it will continue to grow.
Systemic Chemicals
By absorbing into the roots of emergent shoreline plants, like cattails, a systemic chemical like Shoreline Defense kills them down to the roots. To prevent chemical absorption into the plant, it is best to cut down the plants before treating them, as this stops the absorption process. Check out our guide to weed identification for more information on how to treat algae and weeds.
Removable
Using a weed cutter and rake, remove the dead debris from the pond after you have eliminated the problem plants. These tools are perfect for the job: the Weed Cutter and the Razer Rake. It is important to remove dead vegetation so that it will not turn into fertilizer.
Hamper Weed and Algae Growth
Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely prevent weeds and algae. Your pond will appear more beautiful if you eliminate areas with a lot of vegetation. Once the weeds and algae have been removed, you can take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of future growth.
With Pond Dye, weeds and algae will be shaded and UV rays won’t accelerate their growth. The amount of protection is the same regardless of what color you pick. Water-soluble packets or liquids are available for pond dye. You will need to apply the dye approximately once every four to six weeks to achieve maximum results. Despite its temperature independence, Pond Dye is a year-round product.
By improving the airflow, weeds and algae will also become less likely to grow. Adding dissolved oxygen to the water increases its oxygen concentration and decreases decomposing debris. As a result, aerobic bacteria colonize reducing current muck build-up and making sure it does not accumulate in the future through the consumption of nutrients
