Pond Of The Year 2024

The Initial Inspection

Before beginning my first service for the pond in Elwood, IL, I met with the customer on-site to discuss his goals and expectations. He shared that, in the four years since moving in, he had never seen the pond in a presentable condition. During my initial inspection, I noticed that roughly half of the pond was covered with duckweed and watermeal. I explained to him that these invasive plants can be challenging to manage and that achieving noticeable improvements would likely require multiple treatments.

The initial treatment, which used Clipper SC and Cidekick, unfortunately did not yield the desired results. To compound the challenge, the duckweed and watermeal had spread significantly, covering approximately 75-80% of the pond by the time the second service was initiated.

A Different Approach

It was clear at this point that the customer was growing frustrated and questioning the lack of progress. I explained that every pond reacts differently and assured him that I would continue to tackle the issue with alternative solutions. Despite my efforts, the pond showed no noticeable improvements, leaving me equally frustrated and running low on ideas. Seeking guidance, I consulted with my supervisor, who recommended incorporating a systemic herbicide, Sonar Genesis, in addition to the contact herbicide treatments.

A Victory in Pond Cleanup

After the initial application of Sonar Genesis, followed by two contact herbicide treatments using Clipper SC/Cidekick and Tribune/Cidekick, the duckweed and watermeal were significantly reduced to just 5-10%, leaving them in a dead or dying state.

With only one or two additional small spot treatments, we managed to eliminate the duckweed and watermeal almost entirely, reducing their presence to practically 0%. This marked a dramatic transformation for the pond, which had previously been overrun with invasive vegetation. The customer was overjoyed to finally see his pond in a clean, presentable state—a view he had long hoped for but had never experienced since moving to the property. The sense of accomplishment was deeply rewarding, knowing that our efforts restored not just the pond’s aesthetic appeal but also its health and vitality for years to come.

Our Expert Recommendation

Having won the prestigious Pond of the Year 2024 competition and earning a free service, I strongly recommended a low-dose EutroSORB treatment for this pond. By reducing the overall nutrient levels, we can cut off the food supply that nuisance vegetation depends on to thrive. This proactive approach will make it much harder for unwanted vegetation to establish and grow, helping to maintain the pond’s pristine condition.