Asked By: Dave of Gary, IN
A: As the snow and ice melt, dried-up variegated cattails and lake reeds do little to enhance your landscape. They can, in fact, cause water quality and weed management problems, especially as spring approaches and new shoots emerge from the dead growth. It is important to clean this debris out of your pond before water quality issues arise.
Fortunately, removing cattails from a pond isn’t too difficult when you have the right tools.
How to Remove Cattails From a Pond in Winte
If temperatures are still on the chilly side, it's likely too early to start treating your pond or lake with beneficial bacteria like those found in Airmax MuckAway. Those little detritus destroyers prefer water that's at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit—and chances are good that it's well below that mark (unless you're in sunny Florida or California.) Besides, even with some oxygen-infusing aeration, it would take a long time before they could fully decompose large cattail or Phragmites stalks.
One option is to leave those dead weeds in the water until spring. They may attract wildlife and create an ideal home for insects, amphibians, and birds, as well as small rodents and other possibly unwanted visitors that will hide out in the shoreline brush.
The healthiest option for your pond is to pull out your weed-whacking tools and get to work.
We offer a range of cutters and rakes. The best aquatic weed rakes for Phragmites and cattails have long tines that can pull the plants out by their roots to reduce regrowth. Cutters, meanwhile, cut down the plants underwater for easy removal.
How to Get Rid of Phragmites in a Pond in Springtime
When the water temperatures rise and the weeds start to grow again in the spring, treat them with an aquatic herbicide formulated to tackle the toughest weeds. Remember: those chemicals only work when a growing plant absorbs them, so there's no sense in using them when the cattails and phragmites are dried up and dormant.
Lake Reed and Cattail Removal Help
If you are still having issues with cattail removal, The Pond Guy’s experts are available to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out at 866-766-3435. More information is also available below.
How to Get Rid of Cattails
Spray Cattails or Wait Until Spring
How to Treat Pond Weeds
What is the Best Pond Tool
How to Reclaim Your Lakefront Shoreline
Last Updated: August 14, 2024