How early do lake weeds start to grow?
Curly-leaf pondweed is one of the first plants to grow in early spring (and typically dies off the quickest at the end of the summer). This is heavily dependent on sunlight, how fast the water warms up, and sediment type (sand versus muck).
How fast do lake weeds grow?
Eurasian Water Milfoil can grow up to two (2) inches per day and can quickly form dense mats that block out other native plants! Warm water temperatures and an abundance of sunlight speed up this process at a rapid rate underwater (plants typically grow at a depth of 15 feet or less).
How big of an area can I treat?
Aquatic plants are extremely important to the ecosystem of each waterway. Because of this, the Department of Natural Resources limits the amount of vegetation homeowners can remove in front of their property (up to 2,500 square feet without a permit, up to 5,000 square feet with a permit). Other limitations may apply dependent on how many feet of shoreline the property has and what type of lake weed proposed to be removed.
What if the treatment area encroaches your neighbor’s shoreline?
Sometimes dock systems and water trampolines cannot be directly in front of your waterfront property and need to be offset over property lines. Please check with your neighbors to see if they are ok with this service before proceeding.
How long does each treatment last?
We maintain your treatment area once per month over the summer. Just like a vegetable garden, weeds always somehow find their way back no matter what year after year. The timing and number that grows back is entirely dependent on if your shoreline had previously been managed and maintained, weather conditions, and sediment type (sand versus muck).
I DO NOT have a natural beach. Can I install one?
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has rules and regulations regarding these types of projects that happen below the ordinary high-water level. If you DO NOT have an existing beach, the proper permits need to be obtained. If you DO have an existing beach, you are allowed to add sand (a beach blanket) as long as the installation meets certain set requirements. More information can be found at http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/waters/shoreline_alterations_sand_blanket.pdf
