Aquatic Plant Management - Manual Methods - Hand Pulling, Cutting, & Rakinglant in the Western USA

Manual Methods

The Western Aquatic Plant Management Society

Description of Methods

Hand-Pulling

Handpulling Aquatic Plants Hand-pulling aquatic plants is similar to pulling weeds out of a garden. It involves removing entire plants (leaves, stems, and roots) from the lake bottom and disposing of them in an area away from the shoreline. In water less than three feet deep, no specialized equipment is required, although a spade, trowel, or long knife may be needed if the sediment is packed or heavy. In deeper water, hand pulling is best accomplished by divers with SCUBA equipment and mesh bags for the collection of plant fragments.

Cutting

Weedcutter Cutting differs from hand pulling in that plants are cut and the roots are not removed. Cutting is performed by standing on a dock or on shore and throwing a cutting tool into the water. A nonmechanical aquatic weed cutter is commercially available. Two single-sided stainless steel blades forming a "V" shape are connected to a handle which is tied to a long rope. The cutter can be thrown about 20 feet into the water. As the cutter is pulled through the water, it cuts a 48-inch wide swath. Cut plants rise to the surface where they can be removed. The stainless steel blades that form the V are extremely sharp and great care must be taken with this implement.

Raking

A sturdy rake makes a useful tool for removing aquatic plants. Attaching a rope to the rake Weedrake allows removal of a greater area of weeds. Specially designed aquatic plant rakes are available. Rakes can be equipped with floats to allow easier plant and fragment collection. Pull towards the shore because a substantial weight of material can be collected in a short distance.

Cleanup

These methods create plant fragments. It's important to remove all fragments from the water to prevent them from rerooting or drifting onshore. Plants and fragments can be composted or added directly to a garden.

Advantages

Manual methods are easy to use around docks and swimming areas.
These activities can be performed by the average home owner.
The equipment is inexpensive.
Hand-pulling allows the flexibility to remove undesirable aquatic plants while leaving desirable plants.

Disadvantages

Treatment may need to be repeated several times each summer.
These methods are not practical for large areas or for thick weed beds.
It is difficult to collect all plant fragments.
Some plants, like water lilies, are difficult to remove with manual methods.
Manual methods are labor intensive.
Pulling or raking weeds stirs up the sediment and makes it difficult to see the remaining plants.
Hand-pulling disturbs bottom-dwelling animals.
The V-shaped cutting tool is extremely sharp and must be only used with great care.

Permits

Permits are required for many types of projects in lakes and streams and permit requirements vary with each state. Check with your state and local jurisdictions before proceeding with your project.

Costs

Hand-pulling costs up to $130 for the average waterfront lot for a hired commercial puller.
A commercial weed cutter costs about $130 with accessories.
A commercial rake costs about $95 to $125. A homemade weed rake costs about $85 (asphalt rake is about $75 and the rope costs 35-75 cents per foot).