The following are some preventative techniques that in conjunction with Gulf Coast Lakes & Wetlands lake maintenance services will help keep your lakes in good shape year round. As many of you know, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are a constant and unsightly problem for many of Florida’s freshwater lakes and waterways, especially in the summer months. In an effort to be more proactive and reduce reactive chemical treatments for algae blooms, GCLW suggests the following:
1) Establish a fertilizer use buffer 15-20 feet off of your lake banks – In order to encourage the rapid, healthy, and green growth of your desired landscape plants and lawns, fertilizers have a high degree of nutrients. When washed by sprinklers and rain events down the slope of a lake bank and into a lake, these fertilizers will load the lake’s water with nutrients. This nutrient loading greatly increases the odds that a lake will be overtaken by opportunistic exotic weeds or have an algal bloom. Furthermore, the subsequent treatment and decay of these noxious weeds re-releases the aforementioned nutrients into the water creating even more instances of algae blooms.
a. Fertilize wisely – Twice a year may be enough! Spring and fall are the best times.
b. Slow is best – Look for the words “slow release” or “insoluble” on the fertilizer label and it is more likely to stay in your yard and not the pond!
2) Aim grass clippings away from your lakes – Please instruct your lawn maintenance company to direct lawn mower exit cutes away from lakes when cutting grass near lake banks. When allowed to land on the surface of lakes, grass clippings will decay and release nutrients into the lake setting off the same processes as the loading of fertilizer would.
3) Plant beneficial native vegetation around lake banks – Native aquatic plants make great filters and will help remove excess nutrients from lake banks at the same time as creating aesthetically pleasing views, increasing animal habitat, and reducing lake bank erosion damage. In short, they will help remove the nutrients that cause algal blooms while providing valuable habitat to the pond’s ecosystem.
4) Aerate your lake - Lake aeration through mechanical means (i.e. surface fountains, bottom bubblers, aerators) is a valuable process for the maintenance of lake health because it provides the oxygen necessary to sustain underwater animal life and provides the water circulation necessary to help prevent algal blooms and insect-nesting on lake surfaces. In addition, the increased survivability of underwater animals (fish) attracts predatory animals such as turtles and waterfowl creating a more diverse, aesthetically pleasing ecosystem. Finally, decreases in noxious algae and insects, resulting from increased aeration and circulation, will keep herbicide and pesticide levels to a minimum.
5) Stock native fish - A healthy and diverse fish population is an important part of creating an environmentally balanced lake. Largemouth bass, bluegill (bream) and catfish are native fish commonly used for stocking Florida lakes. For the avid sports fisherman, the Sunshine Bass is an excellent choice. Florida Lakes with certain weed problems may benefit from an "integrated" water management program utilizing a combination of herbicide applications and stocking with the Triploid Grass Carp, a weed-eating fish.
6) Car Washing – Encourage homeowners to wash their cars over grass using a mild, biodegradable phosphate free detergent. Only run water during the wetting and rinsing process.
Gulf Coast Lakes & Wetlands thanks you for considering these techniques for preventative lake maintenance and we graciously request that you contact us at (813) 927-0902 if you have any questions about the suggestions contained in this letter or about purchasing native plants or fountains.
Listed under: lake and pond maintenance, aquatic management, fertilization, fish stocking, algae prevention, lake health, algae control, weed control
