To get rid of elodea, there are a few methods that you can try. One option is to physically remove the plant from the pond by raking or seining it. This involves using a rake or net to gather up the elodea and pull it out of the water. However, it’s important to note that elodea can re-establish from any remaining fragments and roots, so you may need to repeat this process multiple times to fully eliminate the plant.
Another approach is to fertilize the pond to promote the growth of phytoplankton or algae. This can create a “bloom” of these microscopic plants, which can outcompete and prevent the establishment of bottom-rooted aquatic weeds like elodea. Fertilization can be done using a commercial pond fertilizer or by adding organic matter such as compost or manure to the water.
When fertilizing, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to water quality problems. It’s also worth noting that fertilization can create a strong food chain in the pond, which can benefit fish and other aquatic organisms.
In my personal experience, I have found that a combination of physical removal and fertilization can be effective in controlling elodea. However, it’s important to be persistent and monitor the pond regularly to ensure that no new growth of elodea occurs.
To summarize, getting rid of elodea can be achieved through physical removal methods such as raking or seining, as well as fertilization to promote the growth of phytoplankton or algae. It’s important to be persistent and monitor the pond to prevent re-establishment of the plant.