What is Emergent Vegetation?
There are a number of different aquatic plants that can be categorized as emergent plant species. These plants tend to grow right along the shoreline and out into the shallow areas around the pond. In Northern Illinois, the most commonly seen emergent plants are Cattails, Phragmites, Bulrush, Spikerush, Arrowhead, Pickerelweed. Some of these plants are extremely invasive, meaning they will out-compete all surrounding plant life for resources. Cattails and Phragmites are the most invasive plants in this group and will expand their territory each season if left unaddressed.
While it is important to monitor and control the growth of cattails and phragmites, other emergent plants like Bullrush or Arrowhead are very beneficial as they act as a buffer zone taking in nutrients before they’re washed into the water and help hold together the shoreline’s structure. Furthermore, it is possible to create a shoreline garden of natural vegetation for an aesthetic feature.
Cattails and Phragmites
Cattails and Phragmites have the potential to rapidly expand down shorelines and into the water body. Other plants like Lilies and Water Primrose also reproduce and expand quickly. Some small patches are visually appealing however it is important to monitor the growth to ensure control measures are put in place.
McCloud Aquatics provides traditional chemical treatment for emergent vegetation growth occurring along shorelines and within the water body. This is a great way to begin clearing out invasive and unwanted vegetation. Keep in mind that these types of plants are highly invasive and are known to be resilient. Our treatments may require multiple applications over a period of years to garnish desired control. The chemical treatments do take time to work their way through the plant. However, timing is critical to the success of the treatment program. Single applications and season-long control are both available treatment options.
McCloud Aquatics also has the capability for the physical removal of most emergent vegetation infestations around the shoreline of a lake or pond. This option allows for chemical-free methods and will provide instant relief (However regrowth of the vegetation is likely without traditional chemical treatments).
We also provide cut down and removal services for emergent growth which had herbicide applied once an adequate amount of time has passed for the product to have reached its full effect. Most of the products we use are “systemic” which allows for treatment of the entire plant.