How to Kill Lake Grass

Too much vegetation in a lake can drain oxygen from the water, and dying vegetation can create a terrible odor. Add to this the fact that high quantities of vegetation could hinder recreational activities and harm wildlife, and it becomes understandable as to why lake grass and other water plants must be controlled to keep the waters healthy. That being said, you must be careful how you go about killing the grasses, or you will end up harming the very things you are trying to protect.

• 1

  Raise the water level, if possible, to kill the grass. It is always better to kill excess vegetation naturally instead of using chemicals, if you can. Grasses that are in the water can only grow to a specific height, so raising the water level will kill them as well as prevent further growth.

• 2

  Lower the water level, if possible. Lowering the water level can negatively affect plants that require a certain amount of pond water to grow, killing them. Additionally, lowering the water levels in the winter exposes the vegetation to freezing conditions.

• 3

  Pull the grass up if it is near the shore and you have the strength. This will kill the removed pieces, but might not prevent the grasses from growing back.

• 4

  Apply a weed and grass control that is safe for aquatic life, such as glyphosate. Follow the directions on the package as far as quantity. Spray the herbicide on the grass. You should also take note of how long after the application it will be before the pond can be used for livestock or recreation. This information should be included on the herbicide's packaging.