• Vegetation Management (VM) Rule #1: The pond's design and construction should limit the amount of shallow perimeter water to a level that will adequately support spawning and livestock requirements. Excessive amounts of shallow water will simply increase the primary habitat in which weeds and algae gain their foothold.
• VM Rule #2: "Clear water" is a weed problem waiting to happen. Consider the options for decreasing sunlight penetration, such as a pond fertilization program or a lake-dye. Pond fertilization, if properly administered, is preferred in most situations because of its beneficial impact on fish carrying capacity. Conversely, lake-dyes may negatively impact the pond's natural food chain. Therefore, the use of lake-dyes is normally discouraged in fishing ponds unless the food chain is being supplemented in a significant manner.
• VM Rule #3: Proactively monitor your pond in order to detect real or potential weed problems as early in the season as possible. Be able to identify problematic species upon sight. Since many aquatic plant and algae species have phenomenal reproductive capabilities, the ability to identify these species and initiate the appropriate early season response is crucial to a successful management program. (Note: Some of the largest forest fires could have been extinguished with a bucket of water had they been detected early on.)
• VM Rule #4: Evaluate, select and utilize the available vegetation management "tools" in a cautious manner. Be sure that the management option under consideration is actually effective on the targeted specie(s). As with power tools, the uses of vegetation management tools (i.e. grass carp, herbicides, algaecides) often pose certain degrees of risk, particularly when they're improperly deployed.
• VM Rule #5: NEVER use a herbicide or algaecide in your pond that is not intended (labeled) for aquatic-use. Too many times I've heard people say that they used "so and so" product (not labeled for aquatic use) to kill algae or weeds because it was cheap and it worked. Little do they realize the long-term impact that their cheap remedy is having on the other organisms in the pond - including the fish. Chemical manufacturers are not likely to overlook a safe and profitable market for their products. Therefore, if a chemical product isn't labeled for aquatic-use, you can rest assured that there is a very good reason why the manufacturer did not pursue such a use on the product's EPA registration.

• Vegetation Management (VM) Rule #6: When using aquatic herbicides, be sure to understand how they should be applied. Using the correct product incorrectly will very likely produce poor results. The leading cause of most "product failures" is improper or inadequate application technique and/or equipment.
• VM Rule #7: When using aquatic herbicides, be sure to apply them under the proper conditions. Some products achieve optimum effectiveness with a springtime treatment while others require the warmer temperatures of summer. Many products should only be applied under sunny conditions. Other products should only be applied when rain is not expected for several hours or when water levels are not expected to fluctuate for several days or weeks.
• VM Rule #8: When using aquatic herbicides, avoid the common misperception that "If a little bit is good, a lot is better!" You can only kill something so dead. The labeled use-rates should effectively perform the job if the treatment is conducted correctly. Over-treating a pond may create serious consequences for your fish and certainly for your pocketbook.
• VM Rule #9: Don't waste your time looking for a one-shot "cure-all" chemical treatment for aquatic weed problems. Aquatic weeds are similar to roaches. You may significantly reduce their population with a proper management program. But, shy of draining the pond, it is unlikely that you can prevent the reappearance of aquatic weeds forever.
• VM Rule #10: If you're unwilling or unable to take the time to learn and implement a proper aquatic vegetation management program, you may be better off in the long run to hire a reputable lake management company to tackle the challenge. Because aquatic vegetation management is as much an art as it is a science, an experienced commercial lake management service may help you avoid potentially serious problems down the road.

Understanding these basic "rules of engagement" is the first step toward a successful aquatic vegetation management program. Beyond this point, every pond should have a vegetation management program designed for its specific needs and circumstances.

Obviously, managing aquatic vegetation is not a small or simple task. But the reward of a navigable, "fishable" and aesthetically pleasing pond is invaluable, and well worth the effort.

Let one of our Lake & Pond Management Specialist develop a strategy to help manage your aquatic vegetation problem now, before the growing season starts. Call (800)433-2950 or respond to this email. We look forward to serving you soon!