We have a large earth pond (@ 2 acres) and it is a wonderful place for wildlife. Last year the cattails seemed to EXPLODE and we need to tame them down a bit. Any suggestions? The volume and accessibility is too great for hand pulling or digging. We have concerns that chemicals may injure fish, turtles, muskrats, etc.
Too many cattails
From what I understand your only choice is physical removal, sorry. It would be best to start on it now, as it will only get worse with spring approaching (here).
Thanks. I was afraid of that. We still have a bit of ice, so there will be a brief reprieve.
Greetings tiswick--
You may want to contact your local extension agency, they may be of assistance.
Happy water gardening, lilypons
Thanks..I will do that. If there is info, I will post the results.
the only way I have ever been able to keep mine in check in earthen ponds is to use a small backhoe to remove them, and that only slows them down for a while......they will take over every open space if not removed...if you do find a solutions without herbicidesplease let me know .there is an aquacide for ponds , but it will kill all vegetation
wow i wonder why they sale for so high some places when they spread so well? i love them and looked at a few water gardening places online and they ranged from 4.99 to 6.99 each!
Kelly
Rodeo works well. I used it 3 years ago in my overgrown pond and it did NOT hurt the fish turtle and other plant life. I was going to do the backhoe thing but that would disturb the habitat far too much to suit me. Of course if You're ardently opposed to all chemical use then it is not an option for you.
kikis, What about other plant life, did the Rodeo affect other plants as well?
No. I sprayed it directly on the cattails. Rodeo is the "water safe" version of Roundup.
Oh, I see- great info! Thanks :-)