Pond Covered In Weed

[Blakloks 5]

The pond we have got is completely covered in weed would it be advisable to clear it all out to make it more inviting for ducks or will they feed on the weeds aswell?

[BIGLURKS 874]

Are u realising ducks or u trying too attract wild ducks

[Blakloks 5]

Wild ducks mate

[Bunny Boiler 177]

If it is excessive weed and it's the floating slimy stuff, then grab a pair of waders and a pool net and get the majority of it out. I believe Monty Don (who I personally find irritating) has done a tv programme on it recently. Worth watching. Then take a small amount of straw (theres quite a specific measurement for pond size, again, google it) and bundle it together. Throw this in the pond. The decomposing will slightly alter the pH but it is enough to prevent the weed growing back. You could always put feeders out with pellets and grit. This will encourage ducks and other birds in (free lunch after all!). Hope you start to see some bud.

[Blakloks 5]

It's more of an aquatic plant rooted to the bottom than a surface weed I'm not sure if it would be a natural food source or not

[BIGLURKS 874]

I would remove some of it were ur going too be feeding in a bit of the shallow water and remove enuf for there flights in and see how it goes next year if there eating it down leave it and keep we're ur feeding clear

[mark@mbb 31]

I its covered in the green weed its poisioness to wildlife ie dogs it normally comes because the sunlight hits the bottom of the pond they recon barley straw will clear it the enzimes in the straw clears the weed

[Blakloks 5]

It's over rub with it it's tadpole rich stuff co there is millions of them just now! Is it a clear it out job then put straw at the mouth of the inlet?

[b53hunt 15]

if you have a pesticides permit you will be able to get a aquatic herbicide that you can spray on the top and it will translocate through the weed killing it this is a specialized area i do quite abit with work but there are only certain chemicals you can use in and around a water coarse and if the pond has a outflow you must check where it goes and if it has in anyway entering the water supply and only use the recommended amount. "round up " aka glyphosate can be used to kill pond weed but when i use it i only use half rate. atb b

[The one 8,463]

I think it would help if they saw a clear bit of water like a landing strip .But you might need to ask the farmer before you spray the pond

[Blakloks 5]

That's what we were maybe thinking. It comes up easy as the bottom is peat. How much barley straw do you need is it a certain amount for a certain area if water?

[b53hunt 15]

they are trying to ban the use of barley straw at the minute were you planing on using the liquid form because it gives you a rate on the back of bottle i had some here but dont know where it is but if memory serves you dont need much atb b

[Blakloks 5]

I don't know I'm just seeing what would be the best solution to be honest

[b53hunt 15]

how big deep is the pond best thing might be to rake it out then put barley straw in afterwards but its one of those things you have to keep up with atb b

[toby63 1,236]

i would leave it alone the ducks will clear most of it and you can also see in the weed if theres ducks coming on your pit .and if you have trees or bushes round pit leave them aswell .ducks like shelterd pits