Understanding Cattails
Cattails (Typha species) are tall, erect wetland plants that have long, flat, blade-like leaves. They are among the most recognizable wetland species in North America. There are two main species of cattails native to North America, Typha latifolia (common cattail) and Typha angustifolia (narrow leaf cattail).
Cattails grow best in marshes, along pond edges, in ditches, and in shallow water that is 1 to 3 feet deep (The Nature Conservancy, 2023[1]). They thrive in full sunlight and wet, mucky soil. Cattails spread through their roots and rhizomes to form dense and extensive colonies or stands in wet areas. They also spread readily by wind-dispersed seeds that allow the plant to colonize new sites each year.
Why Cattails Can Be Problematic
While cattails can provide some benefits to ponds, they also have the potential to become overly aggressive and take over areas of the pond (Solitude Lake Management). When cattail stands become too dense, they can cause several issues:
Crowd Out Other Plants: An overgrowth of cattails can crowd out other beneficial native plants that provide food and habitat for wildlife. Cattail rhizomes spread aggressively and form thick mats that Other plants struggle to grow through (Magnolia Fisheries).
Take Over Shallow Areas: Cattails thrive in shallow water that is less than 2 feet deep. They can quickly colonize and fill in large shallow areas of a pond (Cornell Cooperative Extension). This reduces open water habitat.
Block Views: Dense cattail stands block views of the open water and reduce the aesthetic appeal of the pond. Property values can even be impacted by reduced water views (Solitude Lake Management).
Non-Chemical Control Methods
There are several non-chemical methods that can be effective for controlling cattails in ponds:
Hand removal involves physically pulling out cattails by the roots. This is very labor intensive but can be done in small areas. Make sure to remove all root material so the plants don’t grow back [1].
Cutting cattails can help control growth. Cut the leaves as close to the water line as possible, removing as much of the blade as you can. Then rake or collect the cut leaves and remove them from the pond so they don’t decay in the water [2].
Covering cattail growth with tarps or other waterproof materials blocks sunlight and can kill the plants. Leave tarps in place for at least a full growing season. Weigh down the edges so the covers stay in place [1].
Herbicide Options
There are several herbicide options for controlling cattails in ponds. The most commonly used herbicides are:
Glyphosate
Glyphosate is a systemic, non-selective herbicide that can be effective in controlling cattails. According to How To Control Cattails | Options For Cattail Removal, liquid glyphosate formulations work best when sprayed directly on the leaves of actively growing cattail plants above the water line.
Imazapyr
Imazapyr is another systemic herbicide that is selective for broadleaf plants like cattails. Products containing imazapyr, like Habitat Herbicide, are specifically labeled for aquatic use to control cattails. Imazapyr is absorbed through the leaves and roots of plants.
Fluridone
Fluridone is a systemic herbicide that inhibits photosynthesis. It is slower acting but provides long-term control of submerged cattail roots when applied properly. According to AquaPlant, fluridone products like Sonar and Avast can effectively control cattails in ponds when applied at the right dosage and for an adequate duration.
Timing of Control Methods
The timing of when you apply control methods for cattails can impact their effectiveness. In general, the best times are either early spring or late summer/early fall.
Cutting or mowing cattails in the spring tends to stimulate their growth, so it’s often recommended to wait until late summer or early fall if this is your only control method. According to the Cornell Cooperative Extension, “If cutting is the only control method used, it should be done in late summer or early fall to maximize control.”1
For herbicide applications, early spring or late summer/early fall is ideal. Spring applications are effective because the cattails are actively growing and will readily absorb the herbicide. Late summer/early fall is also a good time as this is when the plant is translocating nutrients to its root system, so the herbicide can travel throughout the entire plant.
It’s important to note that managing cattails often requires a multi-year approach. A single application of an herbicide or one instance of cutting/mowing will likely not eliminate an established stand of cattails. Expect to use control methods for at least 2-3 years for more effective long-term management.
Integrated Pest Management
The most effective approach for controlling cattails in ponds is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This involves using a combination of different management tactics such as:
Combining Methods: Using a combination of control methods like manual removal, mowing/cutting, herbicide application, and encouraging competition from native plants. This is more effective than relying on any single method.1
Prevention: Stopping cattails from spreading in the first place by cleaning equipment, preventing seed spread, and using plastic liners or bottom barriers in new ponds.2
Monitoring: Regularly surveying the pond to find and remove any new cattail shoots. This can stop them from taking hold. Early detection and quick action are key.1
Following IPM principles, and integrating multiple techniques, provides the best chance of long-term cattail control and healthy pond management.
Encouraging Native Plants
Native plants provide many benefits for ponds and the surrounding ecosystem. According to https://www.solitudelakemanagement.com/benefits-of-native-plant-buffers-lake-and-pond-management/, native plants provide a beneficial vegetative buffer around your waterbody that can help prevent erosion, protect the shoreline and limit nutrient loading. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and require less maintenance than non-native varieties. They also provide food and habitat for native wildlife like frogs, birds and insects.
When establishing native plants around your pond, it’s best to seed or plant them early in the growing season. Remove any existing invasive species first. Prepare the soil by tilling and raking to create a bed for seeds or plantings. Select native species suited to the light, soil and moisture conditions. Some good options for the Mid-Atlantic region include cardinal flower, swamp milkweed, blue flag iris and switchgrass (source: https://www.plantnovanatives.org/ornamental-pond-plants). Space plants appropriately and water thoroughly after planting. Use mulch to help retain moisture. Ongoing weeding and thinning may be necessary as the native plants establish themselves.
Living with Some Cattails
While cattails can quickly spread and take over a pond, they also provide benefits for wildlife. Leaving some cattails in strategic areas can help maintain biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Creating buffer strips along the pond edges and allowing cattails to grow in defined areas is a good compromise. Buffer strips along the shoreline help filter runoff and prevent erosion, while also providing shelter and nesting sites for birds and aquatic animals (Source). Areas of cattails interspersed throughout the pond are used by red-winged blackbirds, marsh wrens, ducks, turtles, frogs, and more for cover and nesting.
Leaving some cattails can help maintain appropriate oxygen levels in the water for fish and other pond life. Their root systems filter impurities and the plants help uptake nutrients that would otherwise contribute to algae growth. Strategically placed cattail stands increase biodiversity, improving the overall pond ecosystem.
By identifying areas to tolerate some cattail growth, pond owners can find the right balance between control and conservation. This allows enjoyment of the pond while also providing natural wildlife habitat.
Long-Term Management
Maintaining control of cattails requires consistent monitoring of the pond’s health, especially in spring and summer when cattails are actively growing. Regularly check for cattail seedlings and any resprouting from roots. Small cattail sprouts are easier to remove than fully matured cattails with an extensive root system.
Using an integrated approach combining mechanical, physical, chemical and biological methods as needed is the most effective strategy. Different methods may need to be applied at different times or sections of the pond depending on factors like water depth, wildlife habitats, and accessibility issues. Adapting management techniques based on changing conditions is essential for long-term success in limiting cattail overgrowth.
Periodic thinning of existing stands can help maintain proper oxygen and nutrient levels and prevent dense monocultures from forming.
Repeated cutting or herbicide applications may be required to fully eradicate cattails over many seasons, but consistent efforts make it more difficult for them to re-establish. Varying treatment locations and methods also reduces the chances cattails will develop resistance.
When to Seek Professional Help
Cattails can quickly take over a pond, so it’s important to take action before the infestation becomes unmanageable. In situations involving large-scale infestations, it is advisable to seek professional help from an experienced pond management company. According to SOLitude Lake Management, companies specializing in aquatic management can assess the extent of the cattail growth and determine the best approach for control and ongoing maintenance.
Professionals have specialized equipment and expertise to handle herbicide application on a large scale. They can determine the appropriate herbicide type and dosage for the specific conditions. As noted by AEC Lakes, experts follow strict protocols for safe and effective chemical treatment while minimizing environmental impact. They also use advanced techniques like submerging treated pellets under water to prevent overspray. Homeowners rarely have the proper training, equipment and licensing for large herbicide applications.
For severe cattail problems, bringing in the professionals can provide the knowledge and resources to restore pond health and beauty. Their integrated management plans also include long-term monitoring and maintenance.