Rampant Starwort!

[slimrbp]

Hi,

Earlier this year I dug a pond in the garden, it's doing quite well. We have had visits from damselflies and now there are a number of larvae milling about.
However, the Starwort I planted has gone a bit mental and covered the shallower areas.
So my question is should I thin it out or is it providing vital cover rather than choking the pond?

Here is a pic of the pond:



Thanks in advance.

[Jez]

It shouldn't harm to thin it out just as long as you leave what you have taken on the side of the pond giving any lifeforms the chance to crawl back in!

[animartco]

Originally Posted by slimrbp

Hi,

Earlier this year I dug a pond in the garden, it's doing quite well. We have had visits from damselflies and now there are a number of larvae milling about.
However, the Starwort I planted has gone a bit mental and covered the shallower areas.
So my question is should I thin it out or is it providing vital cover rather than choking the pond?

Here is a pic of the pond:



Thanks in advance.

Is that all starwort? It looks as if there is lemna floating on the top of it? Try skimming it off with a net.

[Kayleigh]

Wait till Sept/Oct then rake the suface with a garden rake and leave it on the side for things to crawl back..
This time of year is better as the wildlife is leaving or left the pond by this time.

[slimrbp]

Originally Posted by animartco

Is that all starwort? It looks as if there is lemna floating on the top of it? Try skimming it off with a net.

you are absolutely right! (did a bit of googling) I just assumed it was starwort as it began blooming from the places where Starwort was growing (I have never been good with plant recognition. Looks like I got an 'extra' from the nursery I bought the plants from!

Thanks for the input everyone I will keep an eye on it and only clear some if it completely chokes the pond (giving it a good wash first of course!).

[animartco]

Hi Slim. Well bad news is the duckweed WILL completely choke the pond and you should try if you can, to get it all out, or borrow a couple of ducks for a few hours. (joke) But don't wait it has already reduced the oxygenating surface area significantly and is killing the starwort.