Whether you have a small pond or a large lake, lily pads can be a problem. These weeds are known for their ability to shade and choke out other vegetation and aquatic life in the water. However, they are also often appreciated for their decorative qualities. Fortunately, there are ways to remove lily pads from ponds without causing damage to the aquatic ecosystem.
Herbicides are used to kill lily pads and other aquatic plants. These chemicals can be expensive and are not always effective. They should be used as a last resort. When using chemical treatments, make sure you are following the instructions on the label and contact your local environmental agency for more information.
You can also use tools to remove lily pads from a pond. A specialized aquatic rake is a good option. You can also use a standard garden rake or a broom rake to gather the lily pads from inside the pond. You can then cut them down with shears. This is a less permanent solution than hand-pulling, but it can be very effective.
You can also dredge the bottom of the pond to remove rhizomes and other roots. This will only work in shallow ponds and will not get rid of lily pads on the top of the water. This method is best for rhizomes and lily pad roots, but it is not an effective long-term remedy.
A subsurface weed-guard barrier can be applied to the bottom of the pond in early spring. This will block sunlight and prevent rhizome sprouts from growing. The barrier should be applied after killing the lily pad vegetation.
Removing lily pads is a time-consuming process. There are a number of different tools available to do the job, so you will need to find the one that will work the best for your pond. You should wear protective gloves and be cautious when removing the lily pads. This technique is also only effective if there is no other pond plants to contend with.
Some pond owners choose to apply a chemical treatment to their ponds to get rid of lily pads. These are usually applied in small sections over a period of time. They can be harmful to aquatic organisms and should be used in strict accordance with the labels and regulations. You may also need permission from the local authorities to use these products. You should never spray an entire pond with a chemical treatment. This will disrupt the aquatic ecosystem and may cause too many plants to die. It is best to wait 2 weeks between treatments to allow the chemical to break down and return oxygen to the water.
For a more permanent solution, you can purchase and install a pond liner. A pond liner will help keep lily pads from growing in your pond. You will need to consider the size of your pond and how large the infestation is before deciding on a liner. Adding gravel to the pond will help slow lily pad growth.
