ponds and bull rushes

[MikeTM150]

Not sure where to post so didn't think could go far wrong here!

 

How do you get rid of Bull Rushes that have taken over a one acre pond, anywhere less than about 1.5m deep is matted with the blitters. The pond is lined so unfortunately I can't take the 20tonner to it and relieve some aggression towards them. Short of hand pulling is there any better solutions.

 

Can I use a chemical like Glyphosate, will that kill them?

[Charlieh]

Do you actually mean Typha as opposed to true bulrush?

 

 

best bet is a long reach 360 with a rake on it, with a careful operator, glyphosate would be do-able if you have the correct Environment Agency consent and PA6AW qualification (which you would need to get the consent!) you would have to be careful not to spray non target species. You would also need to consider if you have breeding great crested newts in the pond for the timing of any works (including spraying).

 

whats the pond lined with if its clay a decent operator shouldnt find this to much of a problem

[MikeTM150]

Right charlie, trust you to come out with some technical terms, having googled typha I can say thats the critters!

 

Pond is lined with fabric and butile which is only convered by weeds and such, no protective soil or sand layer. Was bit concerned just raking them out would tug at the liner or are they not that inclined to 'embedding' themselves in like that. Is there a best time of year to rake them out?

 

EA sounds an expensive route and probably full of paper work!

[Stephen Blair]

Any pictures Mike? Could you put a big winch cable round the pond and drag it through? If you were concerned about it ripping the liner you could put some 25 litre drums on the line and a length of rope to determine the depth.

[MikeTM150]

will try to get some pictures, but the worst part is around a small island with a 'moat' around it. I didn't really realise they were that interlaced and 'mass moveable' perhaps the winch cable might be a good plan, and it ain't going to be that hard to try and see what happens!

[Big Bolt]

wet suit and hard work on a hot day with a bbq after , once the roots are of the bottom they will float then drag them in .