Then we will drop that in the middle by boat and pull it to shore. Hopefully by hand but if it's too heavy we will use a 4-wheeler to tow.

Are Lake Rakes Always Good Choices? Rakes are great for smaller ponds and lakes, but may not be practical for large water bodies or extensive weed growth. Public domain. Algae Control Products: There are various algae control products available in the market, including chemicals and treatments that specifically target blanket weed. These products may work by disrupting the growth of the algae or by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that can compete with blanket weed for nutrients.

If you have a major pond weed problem, access to a boat and some friends to help you, then this is the tool for the job. I've got a small flat trailer that allows me to easily transport the paddle boat from pond to pond with my UTV.

This rake comes with 36″ width sturdy aluminum head and 11 ft durable 2 piece blue powder coated aluminum handle with pushpin splice. I bought a float twice the size of the rake head and cut it in half. This way, if one float doesn’t provide the desired buoyancy of the rake head, I can always add on the other half of the float. Step 2: Attach The Foam Float These can be cut and cleared the same way as submerged water weeds. With waterlilies, however, cutting gives only short-term control as new leaves will regrow from the rhizomesYou can cut the angle bar or rebar to size with an angle grinder. The rake in the video is quite wide, but then again, so is the area that the individual must cover. We suggest basing it on the size of the vehicle that will pull it out of the water. He’s using a tractor. You can go shorter if you’re using a four-wheeler. First, you will smooth out the edges with a rasp or grinder. When comparing rakes with different teeth, make your decision based on whether you want to rip weeds out from the bottom, collect loosely attached or floating weeds, or both. Also keep in mind that rakes with wider heads and more teeth can generally collect more weeds with every pass, though they may also be heavier and more unwieldy. Preventing weed growth: A pond rake can help you control weed growth in your pond. By removing weeds and their roots, you can prevent them from taking over your pond and choking out other aquatic plants. Consider how far you’ll have to stand or drive your vehicle from the shoreline. Often ponds and lakes are lined with wetlands that can make it difficult to get close to the edge.

The Weed Shear clears a wide path with each throw. It is light enough to toss and sinks for effective bottom cutting in deep or shallow waters. The length of the rope depends on the depth of your pond and what you’ll use to pull the rake through the water. The video recommends 200 feet of 800-strength rope. That’s a good size that will cover most situations. The general rule of thumb is 8 feet of line per 1 foot of depth. The length that the video suggests is probably a better choice than going with a formula. I would really like to find a better way to remove the harvested weeds from the water without the pitchforking as I explained above with the trash pump idea. Maybe a bigger pump with a bigger intake. The one I rented only had a 3" intake. Most water weeds float to the surface when cut and it is essential that as much as possible is removed from the water; left in place it decays leading to de-oxygenation. Where there are flow outlets, booms should be placed to prevent the weed washing downstream Chemical Treatments: Use pond-safe chemical treatments specifically formulated to combat blanket weed. Look for treatments that contain ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or beneficial bacteria that target blanket weed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and application, and be mindful of potential impacts on other aquatic life in the pond.Velcro has the advantage of easily being able to remove the float when needed. For example, if you want to target debris on the bottom of your pond. Pond Maintenance: Proper pond maintenance practices, such as regular debris removal, avoiding overfeeding of fish, and reducing nutrient inputs, can help prevent the buildup of excess nutrients that can fuel the growth of blanket weeds. Implementing good pond maintenance practices can be an essential long-term strategy for preventing blanket weed infestation. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these solutions may vary depending on various factors, such as the size of the pond, the severity of the blanket weed infestation, and the overall pond conditions. It’s recommended to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider consulting with a pond professional for tailored advice on controlling blanket weed in your specific pond. All ponds, from small shallow ponds, to largerlakescan becomechoked with weeds especially where there is nutrient rich run-off from surrounding agricultural land.

Improving water circulation: A pond rake can help you remove debris and dead plant material, improving water circulation and oxygenation. This can be especially important in warmer months when oxygen levels can decrease, leading to fish kills and other issues. Now that I've seen what has been done, my plan is to extend the handle to twice its length using a removable piece of conduit, to get leaves within 8-10 feet of the shore line. If you’re looking for a practical, unfussy lake rake, Outdoor Water Solutions’ model is one of your best options. Weighing only 7 lbs. and made of rustproof, powder-coated aluminum, this rake should prove both durable and fairly easy to use. Its 36-in head is wide enough for raking efficiently, and its rectangular teeth have beveled lips that are perfect for digging up roots. While the rake sinks naturally, it comes with a removable float that allows it to gather weeds floating on the surface as well as rooted at the bottom. Whatever methods are used, complete control is usually impossible. Regular inspection is therefore necessary to prevent re-establishmentPond Plants: Add floating or submerged pond plants such as water lilies, water hyacinths, or oxygenating plants to your pond. These plants provide a natural shade, which reduces sunlight penetration into the water, limiting the growth of blanket weeds. Additionally, these plants compete with blanket weeds for nutrients, helping to control their growth. Jake always has safety in mind when designing a rake. The latest designs have a few key features I would like to point out. If for no other reason, being in NY state, you should think about subscribing to Pond Boss Magazine to read his regular articles about his research and raising fish, in ponds, in the state of NY.