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Ponds: Plant Management

Aquatic plants are a beneficial and necessary part of Missouri ponds and lakes. Without them, most other pond organisms cannot survive. Plants oxygenate the water, stabilize the shoreline and pond bottom, and provide food, cover, and nesting sites for fish. A diverse aquatic vegetation community occupies up to 30 to 40 percent of many healthy ponds. You should only consider control if vegetation is causing a problem for the fish population or fishing access.

In This Section

Algae Control

Learn how to control algae in your Missouri pond.

Cattail and Water Primrose Control

Learn how to control cattail and water primrose in your Missouri pond.

Duckweed and Watermeal Control

Learn how to control duckweed and watermeal in your Missouri pond.

Establishing Fish Cover

This Aquaguide shows you how to establish good fish cover in your Missouri pond or lake.

Floating Leaf Plant Control

Read how to control floating water plants such as water lily, water shield, and American lotus in your Missouri pond.

Grass Carp for Weed Control

Control aquatic weeds without using chemicals with the help of grass carp.

Nuisance Aquatic Plant ID

Learn to identify Missouri's nuisance water plants before you apply control measures.

Pond Area Estimator

This simple method helps you estimate your Missouri pond's surface acreage.

Submerged Plant Control

This Aquaguide shows you how to control submerged plants such as coontail, elodea, and naiad in your Missouri pond.

Water Plants for Your Pond

Aquatic plants are an essential ingredient in a quality pond or lake. This guide helps you choose and establish appropriate plants for your Missouri pond or small lake.