Lake and Pond Management Services

Algae Removal and Control

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Has algae taken over your ponds or lakes? Clear Lakes Aquatic Weed Control provides algae control and prevention services throughout Florida.

 

We have proudly served high profile properties throughout Florida to remove algae from their lakes and ponds as well as kick start their prevention plan moving forward.

 

Florida is known for its swamps. Natural and man-made water systems throughout the state are constantly “seeded” with both local and invasive strains of algae. These strains of algae quickly take over a body of water and turn it into an unsightly and toxic mess. Algae will eventually choke-out all other life currently existing within the lake or pond and can be devastating if left unmanaged.

 

Here at Clear Lakes Aquatic Weed Control we battle algae eradication and prevention using only natural methods. Our prevention measures include:

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• Aeration

• Controlled nutrient levels

• Proper drainage

• Sufficient water flow.

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In the case of an algae clean-up, we use mechanical means and only chemicals sparingly to insure that the body of water can be restored and restocked with healthy species to bring the lake or pond back to full and sustainable health.

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Invasive Plant Removal

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Clear Lakes Aquatic Weed Control provides invasive plant removal throughout Florida.

 

Do you currently have nuisance water lily's, cattails and/or brazilian peppers? These undesirable plants can be unsightly and wreak havoc on your body of water. We can assist in the removal of various unwanted plants.

 

In addition to invasive plants Clear Lakes also handles invasive tree removal. It’s an important part of shoreline landscaping and proper wetlands, lake and pond management.

 

There are many invasive species in Florida, some are just ornamental’s that have spread in to the wild, but many were introduced to solve a problem – only to find that they have created a bigger one!

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The most common invasive plants and trees on land include the following:​

 

Australian Pine: Introduced to Florida in the late 1800s, Australian Pine was widely planted along canals, ditches, lakes and coastal shorelines to stabilize the soil and reduce erosion, though later recognized to be shallow-rooted and ill-suited to the purpose. It was also planted for shade and for lumber. It is highly salt-tolerant and can grow even in ocean dunes. With rapid growth, dense shade, dense litter accumulation and other competitive advantages, it displaces and is extremely destructive to native vegetation. Australian pine is listed as a Category I invasive species by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council and as a prohibited aquatic plant and noxious weed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Brazilian Pepper: Introduced to Florida in the 1840s as an ornamental plant, Brazilian Pepper can form dense infestations that shade out and disrupt native vegetation and produces chemicals to deter other flora and fauna.  It is tolerant to a variety of environmental conditions but grows best in moist soil. All parts of this plant produce a sap that is highly allergenic. Brazilian Pepper spreads very fast and can be difficult to eradicate if not handled properly.

 

Melaleuca: Introduced to Florida as an ornamental in 1906, Melaleuca grows extremely fast, producing dense stands that displace native plants, diminish animal habitat and provide little food for wildlife. It has spread abundantly in pine flatwoods, sawgrass marshes and cypress swamps throughout south Florida. Melaleuca is recognized internationally as a threat to the Florida Everglades.Three of the most invasive aquatic species include:

 

Hydrilla: Introduced to Florida trough the aquarium trade in the 1960’s, Hydrilla was first brought to public and scientific attention in the 1970’s. An expanding problem in Florida canals, it is the most serious weed in freshwater waterways, clogging irrigation and flood-control systems and interfering with navigation. It is so aggressive, it can create a monoculture where only it can survive.

 

Water Hyacinth: Introduced to Florida in 1890, by the late 1950s water hyacinth occupied close to 126,000 acres of Florida’s waterways. It grows at an alarmingly fast rate creating large mats. Water hyacinth may degrade water quality and will alter native plant communities. It is listed as a Category I invasive species by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.

 

Water Lettuce: First reported in the St. Johns River around 1928, it originated from the Nile River in Africa, but has been introduced around the world. Water Lettuce can form thick mats that disrupt aquatic plant and animal communities, as well as interfere with water-flow and even boat navigation. A floating aquatic plant, it can move with water-flows forming dense buildups around bottlenecks and obstructions which can effectively stop water-flow and cause flooding or stagnation.

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Fish Stocking

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Our lake, pond, and wetland management services also include:
 

• Fish stocking

• Gastropod stocking

• Beneficial enzyme

• and bacteria stocking

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All serve to achieve optimal ecological balance and health to the water column. Lakes and ponds are delicate and ever-changing ecosystems throughout the seasons. It is important to have a skilled management professional handle the care of your body of water.

 

Do not risk  to “overcompensate” when treating a problem which may potentially lead to more serious issues making your lake or pond a toxic dead-zone.

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Retention Ponds

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Retention ponds help store excess water runoff during heavy rainfall events.

 

These areas of water act as a additional storage capacity and are an essential safe guard to excessive flooding in critical areas. Weeds, plants, and trees can easily overgrow and stop the function of a retention pond. Let Clear Lakes Aquatic Weed Control manage your retention pond to prevent further damage due to blockages.

 

You can learn more about our efforts to control stormwater runoff on our Preserve & Wetand Management page.