There’s nothing quite like owning a lakefront property—the serene views, the morning swims, the peaceful kayak rides. But when aquatic weeds take over your shoreline, that dreamy lake life can quickly turn into a frustrating tangle of muck and mess. Whether you’re dealing with dense mats of mil foil, floating patches of duckweed, or invasive curly-leaf pond weed, knowing how to manage and remove aquatic weeds is key to maintaining a clean, usable, and beautiful waterfront.
Here’s a look at the most effective techniques—ranging from simple manual options to high-tech solutions—that you can use to keep your shoreline clear and inviting all season long.
Manual Removal
Best For: Small areas, light infestations, early-stage weed growth
If your lakefront is only mildly affected, manual removal may be all you need. Tools like rakes, cutters, and weed forks can help you pull out aquatic weeds from the roots.
Aquatic Weed Rakes & Cutters: These specialized tools are designed to cut or collect submerged and surface weeds. Models with long handles and detachable heads make the job easier from the shore or dock.
Shoreline Skimmers: Great for floating weeds and algae on the surface.
Pro Tip: Remove the weeds completely from the water after raking. Leaving them onshore can allow seeds or fragments to re-enter the lake and re-establish.
Pros: Inexpensive, environmentally friendly
Cons: Labor-intensive, not ideal for large infestations
Benthic Barriers (Bottom Screens)
Best For: Preventing weed growth in targeted areas like swim zones or boat docks
Benthic barriers are like underwater weed-blocking carpets. They are placed on the lakebed to block sunlight and smother aquatic vegetation.
How They Work: These barriers are made of permeable fabric or PVC, allowing gas exchange while blocking sunlight to prevent photosynthesis.
Installation: You’ll need to anchor them securely to the bottom, and they typically work best in calm, shallow waters.
Pros: Long-lasting, low maintenance once installed
Cons: Installation can be tricky, not ideal for large or deep areas
Mechanical Harvesting
Best For: Medium to large infestations, regular maintenance
Mechanical harvesters are essentially aquatic weed mowers or underwater lawnmowers. These large machines cut and collect weeds, which are then removed from the lake.
Rental or Service-Based: Most lakefront homeowners won’t own one, but many lake management companies offer mechanical harvesting services.
Great For: Clearing access to docks, improving recreation areas, and large-scale weed control.
Pros: Quick results, effective for large areas
Cons: Costly, may require permits, can disturb the lake bed
Herbicides and Chemical Treatments
Best For: Widespread infestations, invasive species
Aquatic herbicides can be highly effective when used responsibly. There are both contact herbicides (which kill the plant’s surface) and systemic herbicides (which kill the plant down to the roots).
Important Considerations:
Always consult with a lake management professional.
You may need permits from local or state environmental agencies.
Choose EPA-approved, lake-safe herbicides.
Pros: Highly effective when used correctly
Cons: Risk of overuse, environmental concerns, temporary solutions
Biological Control
Best For: Natural, long-term weed control solutions
Biological control involves using natural predators or competitors to control weed populations.
Grass Carp: In some states, sterile (non-reproducing) grass carp are introduced to feed on invasive aquatic plants like hydrilla or milfoil. These fish can consume large quantities of vegetation but must be carefully regulated.
Beneficial Bacteria: Products containing enzyme blends or bacteria can help reduce muck and organic buildup that fuels weed growth.
Floating Islands or Wetlands: Installing small floating islands of native plants can outcompete weeds and help restore balance.
Pros: Eco-friendly, sustainable
Cons: Slower results, regulatory restrictions
Dredging
Best For: Long-term control of sediment and weed regrowth
Dredging involves removing layers of sediment and organic matter from the lake bottom, which often harbor weed seeds and nutrients.
Restoration Tool: Especially effective for lakes suffering from years of nutrient overload and weed buildup.
Requires Professional Help: Dredging is a significant undertaking and often requires permits, engineering plans, and environmental assessments.
Pros: Long-lasting solution, improves overall lake health
Cons: Very costly, time-consuming
Lake Drawdown (Water Level Lowering)
Best For: Seasonal weed control, used in coordination with other methods
Temporarily lowering the water level exposes and kills certain aquatic plants through freezing or drying. This is usually done during the winter months and often coordinated by local lake associations or municipalities.
Secondary Benefits: Also allows shoreline repairs, dock maintenance, and sediment compaction.
Not a DIY Option: Requires coordination and permission.
Pros: Natural method, no chemicals
Cons: Timing is critical, only works on certain weed types
Preventative Measures
Because the best weed control is prevention.
Once you’ve cleared your shoreline, keeping the weeds at bay is crucial. Here are some preventive actions:
- Maintain a Healthy Buffer Zone: Plant native grasses, shrubs, and perennials along the shoreline to trap nutrients and prevent runoff into the lake.
- Limit Fertilizer Use: Excess nutrients from lawns can lead to nutrient-rich water, encouraging weed growth.
- Regular Monitoring: Catching new growth early makes control easier and less expensive.
Final Thoughts
Aquatic weeds are part of any healthy lake ecosystem—but when they start to interfere with your enjoyment of your shoreline, it’s time to take action. Whether you choose a DIY manual method, hire a professional for mechanical harvesting, or invest in a long-term solution like dredging or benthic barriers, there’s a technique out there to match your needs and budget.
As always, make sure to follow local regulations and consult with a lake management professional when necessary. A thoughtful, balanced approach to weed control ensures you’ll enjoy your lakefront paradise for years to come—without all the green gunk getting in your way.
Need Help Managing Your Shoreline?
Reach out to your local lake association or a certified lake management company to evaluate your specific conditions and recommend the best solution. And remember: the sooner you act, the easier it is to reclaim your waterfront from unwelcome aquatic invaders.
Posted by Scott Freerksen “The Lake Guy”