If you are fortunate enough to live in a development featuring a lake or pond or have access to these beautiful bodies of water, it is important to you that they are properly maintained and nurtured. Though there are many components to supporting a healthy balance in such ecosystems, a primary focus must be placed on aquatic weed control.

Whether you are noticing a change in the local pond now or want to take proactive measures to avoid future problems, use these three tips to better understand the nature of aquatic weeds and how the professionals can help you.

1. Educate Yourself

We are used to battling weeds in our garden and lawn, and though they are certainly a nuisance, we can usually control them on our own. Aquatic weeds are different, and their growth changes oxygen levels, chokes out beneficial plant life, decreases the water quality, and affects the growth and development of fish and other creatures. Add to this the dangers of weeds clogging motors and the creation of unpleasant odors, and you have a big problem on your hands. Prevention is the best medicine, but even if the problem has begun, all is not lost.

2. Plan Your Attack

As you look for help in managing the health of your lake, make sure the contractors you speak to are well-versed in integrative methods for weed control, follow EPA guidelines and are thorough about identifying the invasive plants in question. Though time is of the essence, different plants may require treatments that are unique to each species. Therefore, taking the time to properly analyze the condition of your water will help produce the results you desire.

3. Initiate Management Protocol

Regardless of the immediate issue, it is crucial that long-term management is implemented into the annual maintenance routine of the lake, pond, or waterway. By utilizing service professionals who have extensive knowledge in keeping bodies of water healthy, you can address problems before they spread. These monthly inspections are a simple way in which you can preserve the beauty and life of the water you love.