While EPA-registered herbicides can safely control pond weed growth, these effective chemicals are not always an option. Some treatments present water-use restrictions incompatible with how you enjoy your pond or may impact certain aquatic critters you want to keep around. Additionally, regional regulations can prohibit herbicide use in protected areas and thus any waterbody with outflow to these areas. Fortunately, mechanical pond weed removal options are available in these circumstances.
Aquatic Weed Cutters
Straightforward mechanical weed removal involves cutting the stems of nuisance aquatic vegetation, much like terrestrial mowing and trimming. Since you cannot run your lawn mower underwater and don’t have the time to manually shear each stem individually, an aquatic weed cutter makes this task possible.
Jenlis revolutionized chemical-free aquatic weed control with the Weed Razer line of cattail removal equipment. Effective on a broad range of submerged and emergent pond weeds, these underwater weed cutters make it simple to transform a weedy, tangled mess into a picturesque aquatic paradise.
The classic Jenlis Weed Razer features sharp blades set in a four-foot-wide V shape atop a lightweight 62-inch handle affixed to a 25-foot floating rope. Simply toss the Weed Razer into the water, then pull it back in by jerking the rope. Each time you yank the rope, the blades slice through the stubborn stalks of submerged weeds.
The Weed Razer Pro offers more flexibility with its adjustable blades, ranging from a compact 30 inches for tackling thick vegetation to 62 inches for mowing wide swaths of submerged grasses. The smaller Weed Razer Express features a lighter design and a fixed 30-inch-wide blade ideal for mowing narrow spaces.
Pond Rakes
After cutting weeds, removing the dead vegetation is crucial for maintaining a clean, clear pond and preventing new weeds from growing due to fragmentation and seeding. For this task, you will need an aquatic rake. Although similar to a standard garden rake, pond rakes are specially designed for use at and below the water’s surface.
The Jenlis Weed Raker has long, sturdy tines that sink into the sediment at the pond’s bottom, dislodging roots and removing dead weeds that decay into muck. Conversely, the Razer Rake features flat, sharp tines and a detachable float, making it perfect for removing cut weeds that float to the surface.
To prevent fragmentation reproduction in coontail, duckweed, and other nuisance plants, you will also need a Floating Debris Skimmer to sift out tiny plant particles that raking might miss.
Other Aquatic Vegetation Removal Methods
Besides mechanical removal, another non-chemical weed control option is biological control. This includes introducing organisms that feed on pond weeds, such as grass carp, and adding organisms that outcompete nuisance vegetation. Additionally, researchers in Australia have been studying UV-C light exposure as an effective means of non-chemical aquatic weed removal. However, this technology is still in the early phases of development and not yet commercially available.
Learn More About Pond Weed Control
From the first shoots in spring to the decaying detritus left in fall, we can help you with every step of pond weed control. Contact one of our pond experts online or call 866-POND-HELP for free advice customized to your pond.
Read more about pond weed removal in the following related guides:
Should I Cut Cattails Before Spraying?
Removing Dead Cattails in Spring
How to Kill Lily Pads Without Harming Fish
Last Updated: May 22, 2025