Duckweed Control and Management in North American Ponds & Lakes
Duckweed is a problem that plagues many North American ponds, lakes and dugouts, however it can be removed and even better – it can be prevented!
Chemical-Free Duckweed Removal In American Ponds & Lakes
Duckweed removal is difficult as it seems like chemical herbicides are the only option we have to kill the pesky weed. Many herbicides have been shown to cause cancer and is not Pond Pro’s first choice. If you do choose to use herbicides, spray duckweed every two weeks. As soon as you see new growth, spray it before it covers a significant portion of your pond. Why? Duckweed is killed by herbicides but stays at the surface, brown in color, rotting and smelling for months.
Pond Pro’s experts recommend removing Duckweed manually instead by raking it out (We have tricks on how to modify a Weed Razer for easy duckweed removal HERE. While this can feel like a big task, it’s actually very simple and allows you to preventative pond treatment with a clean slate, while eliminating any risk from adding chemicals to your pond.
Duckweed Prevention In American Ponds & Lakes
Aeration For Duckweed Prevention
Duckweed prevention is far easier and economical than having to treat an entire pond after it has been taken over by duckweed.
A good aeration system is the most important thing you can do to keep your pond free of duckweed. An adequate aeration system will reduce phosphates and availability of other nutrients that duckweed requires to thrive. These energy-efficient pond aerators are the same systems used for fish ponds, dugouts and more, as they can be customized for any pond size. A large aeration system should also move much of the duckweed to the outside edges of the pond.
Learn more about Pond Aeration Here. Shop Can-Air Pond Aerators or Request a FREE Quote
Pond Bacteria For Duckweed Prevention
Pond Bacteria is also a key part of a maintenance plan to minimize duckweed growth. Pond Bacteria such as NaturalClear is like a probiotic for your pond, contributing to it’s health and aiding it create a healthy ecosystem. This all-natural pond bacteria uses up nutrients that duckweed would other wise live off, and eats away any dead vegetation that would otherwise turn into sludge on your pond bottom. An added bonus – this treatment works to help clarify water and reduce odors too! NaturalClear Pond & Lake Formulas are Pond Pro's biologist-approved highly concentrated formulas are effective and very safe. Because they are all natural, they can even be added in higher dosages for difficult ponds, making your pond maintenance stress-free.
QuickClear As A Duckweed Prevention
If after you try the two previous options you may have to clear nutrients out of the water faster by using Quick Clear clarifier/flocculent. This product will turn the pond water white while nutrients such as Phosphates are precipitated out of the water column. This is a more expensive treatment but might be necessary for ponds with persistent duckweed problems.