How to Clean an Overgrown Lake

Without proper management, a lake can become overgrown, and will eventually form into a histosol, which is an area where organic matter accumulates to quantities where fresh, flowing water becomes boggy. Aquatic plants contribute aesthetic character, and are a food and oxygen source for the area surrounding the lake, but sometimes need to be contained to help the lake stay viable. Before a regimen aimed at controlling the overgrowth of a lake is initiated, the plants should be identified, so as not to be disturbed if they are a protected species. Non-protected species can often be raked, cut or pulled, to make the lake more viable for recreation and wildlife.

Things You'll Need

• Wading gear
• Field manual
• Boat
• Large net
• Scoop net
• Rake
• Garden shears
• Aquatic herbicide

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Determine what plant species are overgrown. Consult a field manual, or hire a botanist to come explore the area in and around the lake. Most times, there are more than one species causing the overgrowth of a lake. In this case, take precaution to keep at-risk species safe.

• 2

  Clean the surface of the lake. Wearing wading gear, walk as far out in the water as you can, skimming the surface of the lake with a scoop net. When the lake gets too deep to wade, drive a boat to areas that are overgrown and skim them with the scoop net. Collect all the debris in a pile on the shore for later disposal. Another technique to clean the surface of a lake involves dragging a large net behind the boat, collecting any plant matter. This method may work better for larger areas with massive overgrowth.

• 3

  Clean the shoreline. Invasive species can be raked, cut or pulled. They can then be collected and disposed of.

• 4

  Hire a dredging company to dredge the bottom of the lake if it is determined to be overgrown. If the surface of the lake is overgrown, it is likely that the bottom is overgrown, as well. A dredging company will be able to assess if this is the case or not. The cost of a dredging service is usually $10 to $30 per cubic yard.

• 5

  Prevent overgrowth from returning by using herbicides. Herbicide application should begin around the shoreline, and continue toward the center of the lake. There are herbicides available that will inhibit certain plant species specifically. It is generally considered better to use eco-friendly herbicides to control plant growth, if possible. Herbicides come in both pellet and liquid form, and are for the most part, safe for fish and other aquatic wildlife.