The ultimate homeowner’s guide to Lake Weed Removal, brought to you by WaterfrontRefresh.Com
Here we cover the equipment, info, and processes homeowners can use to execute a smooth lake weed removal around their dock and shoreline. This info is tailored to Wisconsin lakeshore residents but can be applied as a general rule of thumb for most waterfront properties. Scroll to point #1 to get right to the removal process, or see bottom of article for equipment list. We hope this helps, and Thanks for reading!
Resource Links: WI DNR Code 107, WI DNR Code 109 , WI DNR Aquatic Plant Management Rules, WI DNR Aquatic Plants Overview, WI DNR Beach Rule Sheet, MN DNR Beach Rule Sheet
Picture this - It's mid summer and your family and friends are excited for a day out on the lake. The sun is out and blue skies are ahead, Baba O’Riley is on the speaker, or maybe not. Just picture your perfect summer day. After you pack the coolers and get ready to head out, you get out to the dock and notice that you have cattails, lilypads, and a bunch of other green stuff floating right underneath the dock and swimming area. It's getting stuck in the props, the jet ski intake, and as it dies off and collects it's starting to stink. Congratulations, you’ve got lake weeds, or in nicer terms, overgrown aquatic vegetation.
Aquatic plant species are far from a bad thing, and can highly add to the natural beauty and function of property located on a body of water. However, when invasive species start to flood the shoreline or weeds become too overgrown to navigate to the dock, it may be time to consider lake weed mitigation and removal. Many people get to this point and wonder, what do we do next?
We are Waterfront Refresh and we started as a lake weed removal business helping family friends in northern Wisconsin, later developing into a waterfront property improvement, consultation, and landscaping service provider. Here we will share the most effective ways we have used first hand that homeowners can also utilize to maintain your property’s lake weed growth during the upper Midwest's summers.
We are giving this info away completely free as we hope this helps more people out there, especially new lake home owners, figure out how to handle lake weed growth while still enjoying their property for the long run. All it will take for those reading this to get started is a small investment in basic tools and some elbow grease. For those who do not have the time or ability to remove and maintain their lake weeds themselves, we have listed out some additional options as well at the bottom of this article.
As always, we recommend doing your own research beyond this for further information on the wide world of aquatic plant species, specific plant types, and local regulations in your area.
So let’s get started - Here is all the most important info homeowners should know regarding lake weed removal specific to Wisconsin, and some of the best and easiest methods and equipment we have found when maintaining common lake weeds.
Before you begin to remove and maintain weeds, here is some important info to know first -
When should you consider lake weed removal? - Consider aquatic plant removal when invasive species start to prevent open water access, or overgrown plants prevent access to your boat, dock, or swimming area, becoming too difficult to navigate.
There are three kinds of aquatic plant removal: Manual, Mechanical, and Chemical. We will focus on manual or hand removal, as it is the most common and practical for homeowners looking to get started.
Do aquatic plants come back once I cut or pull them? Almost all lake weeds will naturally regrow in the area unless they are truly extracted by the root, which is not a quick task as most have root systems that extend into the lakebed and regrow rapidly during warm temperatures. Ideally, we recommend pulling as many plants by the root as you can, hiring professional services, or ‘trimming’ plants as often as needed in the area of concern - similar to mowing the lawn regularly. This will keep them from becoming too established and overgrown, but still allows natural ecosystems to take their course.
What quantity of lake weeds can homeowners remove? - In Wisconsin, the standard metric for lake weed removal without a permit is 30ft in width - from shore all the way out to open water, regardless of the species in the water. This is almost always enough space for a dock, boat channel, and swimming/fishing area. To not require a permit, this must be done by manual removal only. Any other method or in width beyond the 30ft metric will require a permit with your local DNR before getting started.
Can I remove trees and plants between my house and the waterfront to get to the water? - Most areas in Wisconsin allow homeowners to remove up to 30ft in width of vegetation clearing for every 100ft of shoreline owned, including invasive species and trees on shore. This allows for most stair and walkway access to the waterfront, and creates a ‘viewing corridor’. Because this is above the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) you will want to direct questions to local zoning teams rather than the DNR. Most counties will ask that there are some native plants or erosion control methods in place to prevent soil runoff.
I have a sandy beach, but plants grow on it. Can I remove them? - Plants growing on exposed beaches below the OHWM can be removed without a permit in a 30ft width by manual removal, which the WI DNR lists as pulling by hand, raking, use of a string trimmer (weed whacker), or a push lawn mower. The cut material must be removed and disposed of in an upland location. Questions about plant removal on beaches above the OHWM should be directed to local zoning offices. In general, beach maintenance can often fall under more gray areas dependent on zoning, the OHWM location, and are sometimes more restricted in their removal than the standard 30 foot metric for plants fully submerged in the water or further up on land.
What about adding sand to my waterfront?
In Wisconsin permits are needed before adding sand or fill to the waterfront. Minnesota homeowners are allowed to install beach sand without a permit as long as it is washed sand and meets certain criteria. Feel free to learn more about sand and fill at these links here:
How to remove and maintain most common lake weeds: Our 5-Step recommended process and equipment.
Step 1 - Assess waterfront, Identify plants, and plan out areas needing removal.
During step one the homeowner should identify which plants and how much need to be removed, and assess the water depth and area for safety. You will want to have a general understanding of if the lake bottom in the area is deep muck, shallow sand, an even surface, or uneven and rough if you plan on getting into the water. If you can’t see the lake bottom from the dock, we recommend taking a rake with you to feel for depth, sunken trees and debris, or holes in the lake floor. Even if you don’t get in the water from your shore or dock, it's good to get an understanding of the structure of the lake floor near your property for future reference.
Step 2 - Prepare with the right tools and equipment.
You will want the right equipment to make lake weed removal as easy as possible. At each step below we list the tools and equipment we have found made the lake weed removal and maintenance process easier over the years. All of this will take a little elbow grease, but hey, it keeps you in shape and gets you outside, and you’re on the lake. Can’t complain about that! Be sure to clean, sharpen, inspect, dry, and store all equipment after use to maintain equipment lifespan.
Before beginning pulling lake weeds, we recommend using quality neoprene waders or muck boots to stay dry and keep your feet safe from sharp objects. We always recommend using a good pair of water resistant work gloves for handling tools and potentially sharp plants. Glove Example here. Wader example here.
Step 3 - Cut or pull vegetation by hand or with hand tools.
When cutting vegetation that will regrow such as lily pads or cattails - We recommend the Jenlis Weed Razer and a good pair of Hedge Shears. We like the brand Fiskars, but any hedge shears should do. A pair of large and small loppers may be helpful in case you run across stubborn roots along the shoreline.
When pulling lake weeds such as lily pads or emergent grasses, we recommend reaching down to the root and bringing up as much of the plant as possible. Pulling plants by the root has always been known as the ideal lake weed removal method, but can be more difficult for some plants that are in deeper water or have stronger roots such as cattails. For those plants we recommend cutting to remove or hiring specialized companies for assistance.
For Beach Cleanup and maintenance - Three key rakes are going to be your go-to’s; Garden Rakes, Dethatching Rakes, and Landscape rakes. Use these three in combination to help uproot weeds while keeping sand in place. If some plants are more stubborn, a garden shovel will be useful. If vegetation is far over grown, use a push mower lightly or weed whip. Make sure to remove grasses from beach afterward.
Step 4 - Remove the floating vegetation from the water.
After cutting or pulling aquatic plants you will want to make sure to remove them all from the water to prevent muck buildup or further spread of new plant growth. Additionally, some lake weeds like algae or milfoil around the dock are already floating and do not need to be cut, only removed.
For removing newly cut or floating vegetation, we highly recommend using a combination of rakes, a pool net or nets, and pitch forks to grab ahold of the floating vegetation before setting it on the dock or shore. We also recommend laying down tarp if you don’t want to get lake weeds on your dock or shoreline.
Letting the weeds dry out in the sun for a while on the tarps, shore, or dock after removing them will make moving and disposal much much easier. Hose or sweep off the dock and surrounding areas once completed.
Step 5 - Dispose of vegetation
Once lake weeds have been harvested and had some time to let the water run off, you can place them on your property in the woods or bring them to an off-site brush disposal facility. Removed lake weeds make a great starter for a compost pile and also attract all sorts of birds looking for an afternoon snack.
To remove lake weeds from the dock, we recommend using a wheel barrow or cart. If you can get them right onto shore and you have vehicle access, you may be able to load them right onto a 4x4, flatbed, or dump trailer to be removed from the waterfront and brought to your designated drop off area (makes the process a lot easier if you can do it!) Disposal Equipment - Tarp, pitch fork, wheelbarrow, possibly a trailer.
Final Tips for removing and maintaining Lake Weeds - Here are key things to note we have learned from maintaining lake weeds across Wisconsin.
Safety. The waterfront may not seem like a dangerous place, but it can pose a lot of unseen hazards to work around with caution. Proper preparation for summer heat (Hydration, Sunscreen) , understanding how to use your equipment (Wader safety, hand and feet protection) and being cautious working around submerged hazards is important. (Submerged logs, boulders, and commonly, old dock pipes)
Always avoid stepping into marshy areas with fully floating bogs. These bogs may look firm but can break away underneath you and be hard to get out from. Contact us or other lake weed professionals to discuss how to approach bog removal in your dock area.
Watch for wildlife - Snakes, turtles, spiders, birds with nests, frogs, and fish all call plant beds home on the shoreline. Gently place back any wildlife or fish eggs that may accidentally get caught when removing plants around the dock.
If you have a question, ask!- If you’re unsure of different regulations, types of plant species, or general tips there's always someone out there ready to help! Feel free to contact us, your local DNR or Zonings reps, any waterfront or pond service providers in your state. We like to contact ThePondGuy.com when we have specific aquatic plant questions or need to determine what species homeowners are dealing with.
Can’t or Don’t want to do it all yourself? We don’t blame you! Managing lake weeds can be a lot of work and luckily there are plenty of options to get extra help. Consulting with various lake weed and aquatic vegetation removal specialists will help you get started in the right direction. These companies vastly range in options and solutions, from lake and pond management companies, to lake weed pulling teams, harvesting machines, dive teams, chemical control companies, or just the kids in the neighborhood looking for a summer job. In Wisconsin and Minnesota you can find all these companies usually by a quick google search or asking for referrals. (Pro tip - If your lake already has a lake weed harvesting machine operating, try giving them a call - many operators are willing to take the machine up to your property if needed to assist.)
Addressing More complex issues - When it comes to lake shore management, there are a number of potential issues that are more challenging than typical lake weed removal.
Heavy muck, algae, long existing cattail beds, or being positioned in an area that naturally collects drifting lake weeds are at the top of that list. There is specialized equipment and tools out there that can significantly help with these issues. Aquathrusters, Lakemats, and Chemical application have proven effective for all of this above. However, unique solutions for complex lake related issues can often cost more, take more work, and sometimes take a lot of legal arm wrestling to use. Additionally some properties may be located in protected areas or have special protected species.
IMPORTANT: The easiest way to avoid these more complex problems is to determine what's most important to you before purchasing a lake home. Once you have decided, consult with a specialist during the warmer months before purchasing a waterfront home to assess the shoreline situation and if your goals can easily be met. If a property’s shoreline is going to require massive renovation (beyond regular stabilization practices), legal battles, and angry neighbors, we really recommend moving on or being ready to enjoy the property as-is, less concerned about recreational access. This will save you many headaches! Check out WI DNR guide to choosing the right waterfront property here.
Last Tip - It just takes time and consistency. Your waterfront won’t always be overrun with weeds. With enough time and consistency at maintaining the waterfront, you can enjoy easy access to the water, while also enjoying the beauty of the surrounding areas and wildlife.
Thank you for reading Waterfront Refresh’s Homeowner’s Guide to Lake Weed Removal!
We hope you have an awesome summer out on the water and thanks for stopping by our site! Waterfront Refresh primarily serves all of Northwestern Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota with shoreline repair, boat detailing, general landscaping, and waterfront improvement consultation. Please reach out to us at any time to share more about your waterfront property and how we could be of service to you.
Review! - If you found this guide to be useful for maintaining your waterfront, it would mean everything to hear from you on our google review or facebook page recommendations! This helps us get our name out there as a small business and helps more people learn how to manage similar issues. If you know someone that could use help with their lake weeds please feel free to share this article with a friend or neighbor!
Google Review: https://g.page/r/CTgO3jzHxzsgEBM/review
Facebook Review: https://www.facebook.com/WaterfrontRefresh/reviews
Waterfront Refresh’s ultimate Lake Weed Removal recommended equipment list:
You don’t have to get the exact brands, but we recommend tools similar to these.
Best tool for cutting and trimming lake weeds: WeedRazer
Best Lake Rake for gathering weeds: Rakezilla
(You can also tie a pool noodle to end of landscape rake if you don’t want to purchase the extendable lake rake)
Other rakes to use: Bow head Rakes, Dethatching Rakes, and Wide Landscape rakes.
Nets to collect floating vegetation: Pool Nets, Pond nets, or Fishing Nets
Loppers and Hedge Shears: Hedge Shears Pack
Recommended Pitchforks: Manure Fork and Cultivator Fork
Best AquaThruster/Aerator: https://admirallakeandpondrestoration.com/product/jetstream/
Other basics to keep in your lake weed maintenance kit:
Waders or Muck Boots
Tarps
Wheelbarrow or Garden Cart
Bug Spray/Sun Screen
Bluetooth speaker to have fun while in the sun
Companies to contact with questions
Our recommended Mechanical Lake Product Company (Local in Minnesota!) - https://admirallakeandpondrestoration.com/
Our recommended Plant Identification and Lake/Pond Chemical consultant - https://www.thepondguy.com/
Have other more complex waterfront projects or questions in mind? Feel free to reach out to us at anytime to access our referral list for niche waterfront service providers that provide any of the following in Wisconsin and Minnesota:
Wetland Zoning, Permitting, and Assessment Specialists
Mechanical Lake Weed Removal Specialists
Manual Lake Weed Removal Specialists
Dredging, Muck removal, and Wetland Excavation Specialists
Pond Management, Aerators, Lakefront Equipment, and Chemical Application Specialists
Resource Links
WI DNR Aquatic Plant Management Rules
WI DNR Aquatic Plants Overview
