Vegetation control in ponds is one of the most frustrating aspects of pond management and cattails, Typha latifolia, are often one of the most stubborn plants to deal with. They clog shallow areas and make it difficult to access portions of the pond for fishing or other activities.
Historically cattails had beneficial uses. The rhizomes were used as food and medicine by Native Americans. The plants are perennial and grow between five and ten feet tall and the seeds are distributed by the wind. The plants also spread by rhizomes underground. Cattails are often the first to colonize an area of shallow water (usually less than three feet) and muddy areas, creating dense stands of vegetation. Control can be done by mechanical, biological, or chemical methods.
Mechanical control will have the most immediate effect but is also the most labor intensive. Grading the pond banks to a three-to-one slope will help prevent excessive growth, but this is often cost prohibitive. A more economical solution is to carefully dig out the plants by the roots removing as many rhizomes as possible in the affected areas. Also, repeated cutting and crushing of the plants may help reduce their numbers over time.
Some biological control may be achievable using large triploid grass carp, particularly carp larger than 10 pounds. Stocking grass carp at about 10 per acre could help. The downside to using grass carp is that they often target other plants first, delaying any control of cattails while possibly eliminating beneficial plants for fish habitat. Grass carp are also difficult to remove once placed into a pond, so caution should be used so as not to overstock.
Finally, chemical herbicides are generally the most efficient control method. The best herbicides for cattails are glyphosate (Rodeo®) and diquat (Reward®). The problem with herbicides is that you may need to reapply multiple times annually to keep the cattails under control, the cost of which can add up. Proper care and attention to personal safety should be observed when applying any chemicals. You should read and follow all package instructions.
Cattails are not necessarily bad plants to have in a pond, but they can be stubborn to control after they become established. Getting them under control early can help in reducing their numbers and making for a more accessible and enjoyable pond. If you have trouble deciding which control method is best for you, feel free to contact your regional fisheries office to find someone who can help you with this and other pond management issues.