Anyone know of a way to rid your pond of cattails besides pulling them out or the use of chemicals ? It is a back breaking job.
thanks in advance
Dave
cattail removal
Do you mean finding a way to get them to commit suicide? LOL No, it's either mechanical or chemical. No getting around it. You'll have to be vigilant for the next three years as they have a tendency to regrow from even the smallest root. There is one other mechanical strategy. Starting in mid summer - now- cut them below the water line. Keep cutting them below the water line for remainder of the growing season. Next spring either pull what survived or wait until mid summer to begin the cutting strategy again. Don't cut in the spring. It will encourage them. Wait until mid summer. Best wishes for a cattail free pond.
I had pointed out to my dad a few years ago the cat tail I had just added to my new pond - he immediately offered to pay me to take it out, as he had spent the last few years ridding the cow pasture ponds of these 'monsters' (my new pond he figured was close enough to get seeds and thus new starts). He mentioned it took the backhoe digging it out everywhere before he was able to win the war... for now he has won. Im sure not everyone has a backhoe at their disposal as he does but you may want to check into the cost of renting one? possibly??
I wish you the best of luck in your war against them!