Just when you have finished building your pond and think of putting beautiful aquatic plants to enhance its beauty or purchase a lake home that you find to have lilies and the water front, realize that extracting or removing them can be very difficult. These stunning looking plants besides adding beauty to the pond or lake front also create ruffles inside the pond. Hence excessive growth can lead to overgrowth and therefore need proper trimming and chopping or chemical treatment from time to time.
Before making a final decision of removing these, one need to decide whether you want to remove the entire lot or just want to trim or treat some. Do you also know these lily pads do have a role in improving the pond’s ecosystem?
First and foremost, plants release oxygen inside the pond that is beneficial for the aquatic species and enable them to thrive freely. Also, it’s important that you maintain proper movement inside the water and there is no stagnation inside the pond. Lily pads help in aerating the water for flora and fauna.
Now the question is when is the right time to start getting rid of Lily Pads
Once you realise that around 30% of the base area is affected, then it’s time to trim it and if the covered area is around 50% then you should chop it off. These lily pads act as a filter to the pond water and helps in keeping the pond clean and comfortable for other plants and animals. These also offer protection from sunlight, thereby controlling the growth of algae and hiding places for protection against potential predators. If you prefer to kill the root system of the lily pads, Aquacide Pellets applied after growth starts to occur is the best time.
Now it’s time to decide the method of extraction-Manual Vs. Chemical Treatment
You will find many chemical solutions and treatments available in the market for the effective treatment of these lily pads. Aquacide Pellets are a great systemic root killing product that is safe for wildlife.
Manual extraction of these depends upon how deeply they are submerged in water. Trimming them from the top will also be a temporary solution. You might also witness sudden growth of fully grown lily pads within a couple of weeks.
In case of overgrown lily pads, the use of chemical treatment is also advised. Hence, we suggest you use Aquacide Pellets or Shore Klear with Cygnet. Shore Klear (Glyphosate) and Aquacide Pellets (2,4-D) are eco-friendly product and used to treat different species of aquatic plants in ponds.
You can also try out an effective method – Just mix glyphosate with cygnet and spray the mixture thoroughly onto the lily pad leaves or broadcast the Aquacide Pellets around the growth. These methods are extremely operative and provide relief within about three weeks.
Lily pads are a beautiful addition to many ponds and water gardens, providing shade, habitat for wildlife, and aesthetic appeal. However, they can also become invasive and take over a water body if not properly managed. Knowing when and how to remove lily pads is crucial for maintaining a balanced aquatic ecosystem. This article will guide you through the best practices for managing lily pads, including the right time to start their removal.
1. Understanding Lily Pads and Their Growth Cycle
Lily pads, or water lilies, are perennial aquatic plants that thrive in still or slow-moving water. They reproduce through seeds and rhizomes, which can spread rapidly if left unchecked. Understanding their growth cycle is essential for effective management:
- Spring: As temperatures rise, lily pads begin to emerge from dormancy, sending up leaves and flowers. This is when they start to grow actively.
- Summer: During this period, lily pads reach their full size, and their growth can become rampant. If left unmanaged, they can cover large areas of the pond surface.
- Fall: As temperatures drop, lily pads begin to die back, and their leaves will eventually sink or decompose, potentially adding nutrients to the water.
- Winter: In colder climates, lily pads will go dormant, resting below the ice until spring.
2. When to Remove Lily Pads
Optimal Timing
The best time to start getting rid of lily pads depends on the specific goals for your pond and the growth stage of the plants:
- Late Summer to Early Fall: This is generally the ideal time to begin removal. By late summer, lily pads have reached their peak growth, and you can easily identify areas that need management. Removing them at this time helps prevent them from spreading further and allows for better water circulation and light penetration for other aquatic plants.
- Early Spring: If you notice that lily pads are starting to emerge and you anticipate they will become invasive, you can begin removal before they fully develop. This proactive approach can help keep their growth in check.
Signs It’s Time to Remove Lily Pads
- Overcrowding: If lily pads are covering more than 50% of the pond’s surface, it may be time to remove some to ensure adequate light and oxygen levels for fish and other aquatic life.
- Reduced Water Quality: An overabundance of lily pads can lead to decreased water quality, as decaying plant matter can increase nutrient levels, promoting algae growth.
- Impaired Aesthetics: If the lily pads detract from the overall beauty of your pond or block views, it’s a good time to consider removal.
3. Methods for Removing Lily Pads
Manual Removal
- Hand-Pulling: For small infestations, hand-pulling can be effective. Make sure to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth. This method is best done in late summer or early fall when the plants are fully grown.
- Rakes and Tools: For larger areas, using a rake or specialized aquatic weed removal tools can help. Ensure you’re not damaging other beneficial plants in the process.
Chemical Control
- Herbicides: If lily pads are significantly invasive, consider using herbicides specifically designed for aquatic plants. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that the product is safe for fish and other wildlife.
Professional Help
- Aquatic Weed Management Services: If you’re dealing with a large infestation or are unsure about the best approach, hiring a professional service can be beneficial. They can assess your pond’s condition and recommend effective removal strategies.
4. After Removal Care
Once you’ve removed lily pads, it’s essential to monitor the pond and maintain a healthy balance:
- Monitor Water Quality: Keep an eye on nutrient levels and clarity, as removing lily pads can temporarily disturb the ecosystem.
- Encourage Other Plants: Consider planting native aquatic plants that can compete with lily pads for space and nutrients, helping to maintain balance in the pond.
- Regular Maintenance: Establish a routine for monitoring and managing lily pads to prevent future overgrowth. Regular checks in late spring and summer can help you stay ahead of any potential issues.
Conclusion
Managing lily pads in your pond is crucial for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. The right time to start getting rid of them is typically late summer to early fall, or early spring if you anticipate overgrowth. By understanding their growth cycle and employing effective removal techniques, you can keep your pond beautiful and balanced. Regular maintenance and monitoring will ensure that lily pads remain a charming feature rather than an invasive problem, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of your water garden for years to come.