Duckweed prevention?

[surreysteve]

Hiya all

I have a large wildlife (only) pond that has attracted many ducks, moorhens and insects but in last year or two has become blanketed with duckweed which is not really ideal.

I believe that it has prob been brought in by a duck or heron and that the weed thrives in nutrient rich water. The last couple of years I have attempted to net it out but whilst this worked for a day or two it returned quickly and eventually blanketed the pond.

I don't particularly want to use chemicals but wonder what ideas people have to limit it's spread or perhaps balance the nutrients better in my pond so the weed isn't so prolific.

The pond is 100' x 50' (approx) so pretty large - I've attached a pic today (clear) and one from last year where the duckweed was just starting to take hold (it eventually blanketed the whole surface area)

NB I have even attempted to create an automatic duckweed remover along the lines of a pond skimmer but it is very hard to maintain.

All ideas welcomed

 

[j.w]

@surreysteve
I had a problem w/getting rid of it also but it was only taking over in my wildlife pond which is very small. I had to keep netting it out and I still see one pop up now and then. I just keep pulling it out. Your pond is huge tho! I can't keep any in my bigger pond w/fish. They eat it all up when any shows up. I do keep a supply of it growing in a very small pond I made just for it so I can scoop some out for the fish in the bigger pond now and then. Good luck on getting rid of it. I think continuing to pull it out is about all you can do to keep it down. The ducks will just keep bringing it back too.

 

[surreysteve]

View attachment 167562@surreysteve
I had a problem w/getting rid of it also but it was only taking over in my wildlife pond which is very small. I had to keep netting it out and I still see one pop up now and then. I just keep pulling it out. Your pond is huge tho! I can't keep any in my bigger pond w/fish. They eat it all up when any shows up. I do keep a supply of it growing in a very small pond I made just for it so I can scoop some out for the fish in the bigger pond now and then. Good luck on getting rid of it. I think continuing to pull it out is about all you can do to keep it down. The ducks will just keep bringing it back too.

Thanks for reply. I spent 2-3 days last year netting it out and removed 90% ....a week later the pond was covered again. I'm hoping to get in early this year and see if it makes any difference

 

[j.w]

Thanks for reply. I spent 2-3 days last year netting it out and removed 90% ....a week later the pond was covered again. I'm hoping to get in early this year and see if it makes any difference

Yep if you don't keep up on it you will have it covering back fast! I think you need a boat or you must have one already to do this.