Blog Archives

Advantages of Aquatic Weed Harvesting

Mechanical harvesting of aquatic weeds offers many benefits over chemical control or doing nothing. It provides immediate relief from nuisance plants, improves navigation and recreation, removes excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, and leaves living plants behind to continue supporting oxygen and habitat. Harvesting also reduces muck buildup, improves fishing access, and creates compostable vegetation for soil enrichment.

Read the full article on our website: Advantages of Aquatic Weed Harvesting

Aquatic weed harvester removing water hyacinth

The Weeds at River Walk

At Bakersfield’s River Walk, an aquatic weed harvester works like an underwater lawn mower, cutting and collecting weeds before they reach the surface. The harvested plants are transported to shore, where they are removed and disposed of responsibly.

This mechanical approach reduces the need for chemicals, protecting groundwater and saving costs compared to traditional herbicide treatments. The harvester’s efficiency keeps the waterways safe and accessible for everyone.

Read the full article on our website: The Weeds at River Walk

Milfoil — Beating back the invader

Along the Columbia River, milfoil, an invasive aquatic weed, can make boating and recreation difficult. Park maintenance crews use a milfoil harvester, which cuts and collects the plants, keeping waterways clear and safe for visitors.

Once harvested, the milfoil is taken to compost piles, where it naturally breaks down, providing an eco-friendly solution for managing invasive plants. This method helps maintain the river environment while ensuring parks remain accessible and enjoyable.

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Think Twice When Fertilizing your Lawn This Fall

Everyone lives in a watershed, meaning what happens on your lawn can affect nearby lakes, rivers, and streams. As fall arrives and homeowners prepare to fertilize, it’s important to remember that phosphates—a common ingredient in lawn fertilizer—can lead to algae growth and poor water quality.

Practicing responsible lawn care helps protect waterways from pollution. The EPA offers helpful resources and videos on how to maintain a healthy lawn while reducing runoff and nutrient pollution.

Read the full article on our website: Think Twice When Fertilizing Your Lawn This Fall

Spreading fertilizer on lawn

What is an Aquatic Weed Harvester?

Aquatic Weed Harvesters provide an environmentally friendly way to manage nuisance vegetation in lakes, ponds, and waterways of all sizes. Acting like an underwater lawn mower, they cut and collect submerged, emergent, and floating plants to keep water clear and usable.

Yellow aquatic weed harvester

Each machine uses a forward conveyor and cutter bars to remove weeds, storing them on board before offloading at shore. Aquarius Systems offers a range of customizable models to meet specific lake and vegetation needs, helping restore balance to aquatic environments.

Read the full article on our website: What Is an Aquatic Weed Harvester?

DNR “Mows” Dogwood Lake

At Indiana’s Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area, DNR staff used an Aquatic Weed Harvester to manage overgrown lotus pads and coontail on Dogwood Lake. This effort helps maintain healthy waterways and ensures better conditions for fishing and recreation.

Aquatic plant harvesting provides an environmentally friendly way to control vegetation growth without chemicals — improving water quality and access for boaters and anglers.

Read the full story on our website: DNR “Mows” Dogwood Lake