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Is your lake being choked out by aggressive invasive species? Have you tried to keep them at bay with no success? If you own a lake or other water feature, the last thing you want to experience is the complete takeover of unwanted plants or aquatic weeds that disrupt the natural ecosystem.

Invasive species (both aquatic plants and animals) can destroy the natural habitat, harm fish populations, and do much worse. But the good news is that there are ways you can control invasive species without harming your lake. You do not have to rely on chemical treatments that can cause more harm than good.

Here at Aquatic Restoration, we take great pride in offering dependable lake management services. In today’s post, we’ll share helpful tips that will help you keep various types of invasive species at bay without harming your lake. Keep reading to learn more.

Safe and Effective Control Methods

Managing invasive species in your lake doesn’t have to mean harming native plants, fish, and wildlife. Environmentally responsible strategies allow you to restore balance without creating new problems. Here are several proven approaches:

Mechanical and Manual Removal

One of the safest ways to control invasive aquatic plants is through manual or mechanical removal. Methods include raking, cutting, or using specialized harvesting equipment to physically remove plants from the water. While labor-intensive, this technique minimizes chemical use and preserves the surrounding ecosystem. Regular maintenance is necessary since fragments of plants like hydrilla and milfoil can regrow if left behind.

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Dredging

Dredging

Lakes are captivating natural features that contribute to the beauty and ecological diversity of many properties. However, over time, these water…

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Retention Pond Maintenance

A retention pond or detention pond stands as a silent protector against the flood of stormwater, safeguarding our communities from…

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Siphon Installation

A serene lake, tranquil pond, or vital wetland are the jewels of our communities, but what happens when they start…

Biological Controls

Introducing natural predators or herbivorous species can help manage invasive populations without relying on harmful chemicals. For example:

  • Grass carp can be used to control hydrilla and other submerged plants.
  • Beneficial bacteria and microbes can reduce excess nutrients that fuel plant growth.

However, biological control requires careful planning and regulation to ensure you don’t introduce another imbalance into the lake’s ecosystem.

Targeted Herbicide Treatments

When used responsibly, aquatic-approved herbicides can effectively control invasive species without harming fish or desirable vegetation. The key is selecting EPA-approved products and applying them at the right dosage and location. Professional treatment is highly recommended to ensure safe handling, compliance with environmental regulations, and minimal disruption to native species.

Preventing Future Infestations

The best way to protect your lake is to stop invasive species from entering in the first place. You can reduce the risk by:

  • Cleaning boats, trailers, and fishing equipment before entering or leaving the lake.
  • Monitoring for early signs of invasive plants or mussels.
  • Creating buffer zones with native vegetation around the shoreline to limit nutrient runoff.

A healthy lake requires consistent monitoring, early detection, regular lake dredging, and proactive management. The team at Aquatic Restoration recommends you choose environmentally safe control strategies in order to protect native habitats, improve water quality, and restore your lake’s natural beauty. It’s best to work with professionals to make sure invasive species are addressed effectively without creating unintended damage.

Reach Out to Aquatic Restoration for Dependable Lake Management Services

If you need help with controlling invasive species in your lake, get in touch with the specialists at Aquatic Restoration. Whether you’re dealing with water hyacinth, hydrilla, or zebra mussels, we’ve got you covered. Aquatic Restoration is a top-rated lake management company in Georgia with over 35 years of experience in the industry and a team of reliable specialists. We’ve built a reputation for restoring countless lakes and ponds in the areas we serve. Other services we offer include lake dredging, siphon installation, spillway renovation, shoreline stabilization, retention pond maintenance, and many more. Contact us now to schedule an appointment with our team.

06 / Sep / 2025

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