pond cattails - Ask Extension
I have a problem with cattails on my pond. I can't reach them from the shore. I know there's a lot of herbicides that are supposed to kill them. Whi...
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pond cattails #869493
Asked May 21, 2024, 3:32 PM EDT
I have a problem with cattails on my pond. I can't reach them from the shore. I know there's a lot of herbicides that are supposed to kill them. Which one should I use? It's about a 1/3 ac pond. I cut the ones I can reach, but there's still a bunch in the middle.
Portage County Ohio
Expert Response
I'm sorry for delay, tractracks. I thought I had replied, but my reply doesn't appear to have been posted.
Regarding cattails, I ordinarily begin with a recommendation for glyphosate (that's what will be listed on a product label as the active ingredient). Glyphosate has been on the market for a long time. There thus are many brands available and their price kept in relative check by competition. Be certain you select a glyphosate product specifically labeled for aquatic applications.
Timing for cattails is important. They store a lot of energy in underground structures and can potentially regenerate time and time again. Early in the season, they're putting their energy into reproduction. Their fluids are mostly flowing into the inflorescences (the flower spikes). Applying an herbicide early in the season will kill what's exposed, but will leave the roots and tubers largely unscathed. After the inflorescences have matured, they'll begin drawing fluids into their underground structure to survive the winter.
I thus ordinarily recommend you apply a systemic herbicide later in the summer, after the inflorescences have mostly matured (but ideally before most have seeded). However, the mature leaves are tough, waxy, and difficult to penetrate. Thus, also be certain to combine your herbicide with an appropriate surfactant (read product label for recommendations).
Do let me know if more discussion is needed.
And good luck out there!
Eugene
Regarding cattails, I ordinarily begin with a recommendation for glyphosate (that's what will be listed on a product label as the active ingredient). Glyphosate has been on the market for a long time. There thus are many brands available and their price kept in relative check by competition. Be certain you select a glyphosate product specifically labeled for aquatic applications.
Timing for cattails is important. They store a lot of energy in underground structures and can potentially regenerate time and time again. Early in the season, they're putting their energy into reproduction. Their fluids are mostly flowing into the inflorescences (the flower spikes). Applying an herbicide early in the season will kill what's exposed, but will leave the roots and tubers largely unscathed. After the inflorescences have matured, they'll begin drawing fluids into their underground structure to survive the winter.
I thus ordinarily recommend you apply a systemic herbicide later in the summer, after the inflorescences have mostly matured (but ideally before most have seeded). However, the mature leaves are tough, waxy, and difficult to penetrate. Thus, also be certain to combine your herbicide with an appropriate surfactant (read product label for recommendations).
Do let me know if more discussion is needed.
And good luck out there!
Eugene
