Filamentous Algae
As temperatures warm up, early growth of bright green stringy algae called Spirogyra often appears in shallow areas. While Spirogyra, and all algae species for that matter, are essential for oxygen production when present in moderation, large blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water as it decomposes, leading to fish kills and other negative impacts on aquatic organisms. Decaying Spirogyra mats can also release nutrients into the water, contributing to eutrophication and planktonic algal blooms.
Spirogyra algae under a microscope
Spirogyra algae
Manual removal of algae
Aquatic Plants
Our area’s most aggressive submerged invasive aquatic plants, especially Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and Curlyleaf Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), start emerging in March. These plants are notorious for growing early, taking up space we would like to see occupied by native plants. There are very effective proactive strategies to control these invasive plants before natives start growing, including the application of fluoridone. This EPA-approved herbicide is systemic, meaning it is absorbed into the roots and kills the plants off permanently. Application rates are very low compared to contact herbicides, and these low rates do not affect native plants. Best of all, it is applied very early in the growing season when the plants are tiny, limiting the amounts of nutrients released into the water column when they decay.
Eurasian Watermilfoil with seed head
Curlyleaf Pondweed
Manual Removal of Curlyleaf Pondweed
Emergent Plants
Cattails (Typha spp.) and bulrushes (Schoenoplectus spp.) start greening up along the shoreline. Narrow-leaf cattail is a non-native species widespread in our area. Management techniques include digging them out, which can occur anytime during the growing season. Otherwise, it is best to wait until late summer or early fall if treated chemically.
Cattails
Floating Plants
Duckweed and Watermeal are other potential plant growth in late spring. If your lake has a history of these tiny floating plants (Lemna or Wolffia spp.), they might begin emerging as the water warms. As these plant populations reproduce incredibly quickly (they can double in size in just one day), managing them early in the season is recommended before they grow out of control.
Duckweed and Watermeal
As plants emerge in the spring, the goal is to prevent invasive species from growing out of control and establish a healthy native plant community that provides oxygen, food, and shelter for various creatures. The end goal should be to create a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
Lake and Pond Management Expertise
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