Control Pond Weeds | Texas Lake Solutions

There are a lot of ponds in rural America, and a lot of them are here in Texas.

Vegetation Management and Mosquito Control:
One of our most frequently asked questions.

Farm ponds and "Stock Tanks"

Almost every farmstead had a pond or two. Most well planned ranches had more, to meet the needs of cattle in a multi pasture grazing system. Many of these "stock tanks" have been subdivided into semi rural plots, and often serve as weed collectors! With a little work, they can be turned from problem areas into recreational havens!

Pond Weed Control

The biggest problem with ponds in East Texas is the weeds that seem to want to grow there. Getting rid of them, controlling them, and bringing the pond into balance, is well worth the effort if you love to fish. Even more so if you love to eat fish! Most ponds under an acre in size will not support bass, but if you like catfish, you are in for a treat! The first thing you will need to do is control the weeds.

Weed Identification

There is a great tool for pond managers from Texas A&M, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and The Agriculture Extension Agency. It is called "Aquaplant", and will help in several steps of your pond care and management. It is especially helpful in the weed identification that is so important in getting rid of the unwanted vegetation in your pond.

Weed Management

When you have identified your problem, you will want to know how to deal with it. Aquaplant can help in that regard as well. Just click on the "management options" link under the specific plant you have identified, and it will list your options. The list will offer mechanical, biological, and chemical options. If you choose to use chemicals, it will list the most appropriate ones.

Getting Started

The next step is to get started. If you choose chemical control, you will need to get the proper amount of the proper chemical, and follow the label directions carefully. This should be done for your own safety, and because "it is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with it's labeling!" Most of the details you need will be on the label. If the infestation covers a the largest part of your pond, you will want to treat no more than one quarter, to one half of it at a time. Rotting vegetation uses oxygen, and you don't want to deprive your fish.

Other Considerations

pH

You will want to check your ponds pH, which can be done with a simple test kit from a sporting goods store and most large department stores. If it is low, you will need to lime the pond to bring the pH up.

Fertilizing your pond to prevent weeds and feed fish

If the pH is alright, or after it is corrected, check the waters clarity. if light penetrates more than 18 to 24 inches, you will need to add a high phosphorous fertilizer to encourage algae bloom. This should be done, even if you plan to feed the fish. It will help to keep the weeds from growing back, by depriving them of light. This also feeds the microscopic critters that feed the bugs that feed the fish.

If your pond is smaller than an acre, it will not support bass very well, but it will support a lot of catfish if properly fed. For more detailed information on controlling pond weeds, and managing ponds, see our perpetually growing Ponds For Fishing section on this website.

For Lake Weed Control Services Call: 903.216.1408 for service in the East Texas Area.

How To Contact Us:

For more information email us at: james@texpest.com, or, for service, call: James (903) 216-1408

or mail us at:
12056 County Rd. 1139
Tyler, TX 75709