Aquatic Plant and Algae Management for Lakes and Ponds

Plant and Algae Management for Lakes, Ponds, and More

The plants and algae in your ponds, lakes, or other water bodies are a critical part of keeping its water system balanced – helping improve overall water quality, provide oxygen, enhance fish and wildlife habitats, and create shorelines and littoral areas that serve as filters for runoff.

Assess, Manage and Monitor Ponds, Lakes and Waterways

At Clarke, we realize, first and foremost, a healthy body of water is a source of life, a thing of beauty, and a functional necessity in the environment. Our goal for aquatic plant management is to support a stable, diverse plant community by managing invasive species and weeds as well as to support the public’s enjoyment of the water. Clarke’s team of experts bring decades of experience and management practices rooted in science-based analysis and diagnosis, precision product application methods and ongoing monitoring supported by the best available technologies.  

Clarke’s Approach to Plant and Algae Management for Lakes and Ponds is Based on Four Key Steps:

1. Inspection and Assessment: The Clarke team conducts a visual inspection and identification of plants and algae, including basic water quality monitoring checks. Surveying and mapping of the water body may also be needed, depending on its size and unique characteristics. 
2. Management Plan Design: Once the inspection and assessment are completed, a specific management program for your lake or pond can be designed, including recommendations for achieving long-term enhanced water quality.
3. Implementation: Our operations teams consisting of professional, licensed aquatic pesticide applicators implement the management plan using EPA-registered plant and algae control products in full compliance with the label and all local, state and federal regulations, including NPDES and the Endangered Species Act.
4. Monitoring Results: When you put your water body in our hands, we commit fully to the responsibility. We will see the program through, monitor progress, adjust as needed and always keep you informed. Plus, detailed reports on applications are available on-demand through the Clarke Customer Portal.

What Happens If There are Invasive Plant Species in Your Pond or Lake?

When invasive plants make their way into your water body or if native aquatic plants density becomes excessive, the impact can be catastrophic to the lake or pond’s ecosystem, native plant community, fish populations, recreational use, and property values. And the breadth of ever-changing factors acting on water bodies makes maintaining the plants and algae within your lakes and ponds extremely challenging. Factors impacting the health of plants in lakes, ponds, and other water bodies include:

• Recreational use (boating, fishing, ect)
• Temperature
• Rainfall
• Runoff
• Nutrient load
• Water depth and clarity
• pH levels

Without having a proper ongoing management plan in place that considers a lake's unique features, it is all too easy for these factors to go unnoticed, resulting in potentially disastrous and expensive outcomes. Clarke's team of experts bring decades of experience to each water body, working to meet the established goals and mitigate outside harmful effects on the entire water system. Contact our team to see how we can best meet your needs.