RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Who is Aquatic Weed Control?
Aquatic Weed Control is Washington State company specializing in aquatic noxious weed control. Our professional teams help you reclaim your waterfront so that you may enjoy it. Our methods are environmentally friendly.

What are aquatic noxious weeds?
Aquatic noxious weeds are non-native plants introduced to Washington waters, usually as ornamental plants (purple loosestrife, giant hogweed), as water garden plants (parrot feather milfoil), and as aquarium plants (Eurasian watermilfoil, Brazilian elodea, fanwort). They have been released into our water bodies through floods, by people discarding aquarium plants, and by being deliberately planted. Once introduced, these invasive plants rapidly out-compete our native plants, forming single-species stands, and reducing suitable habitat for fish, waterfowl, aquatic mammals and invertebrates. They grow aggressively and lack natural enemies. Aquatic weeds are a leading contributing cause of native species endangerment.

The introduction of non-native aquatic plants and plant nutrients from lawn runoff have created many aquatic plant problems for lakes and streams in Washington. The most common aquatic plants along Washington freshwater shores are Eurasian watermilfoil and Brazilian elodea.

Why should I get rid of the aquatic noxious weeds on my property?
Aquatic noxious weed infestation affects your ability to enjoy your waterfront. Weeds can discourage swimming and prevent recreational boat use. In addition, non-native plants severely degrade the habitat for native fish and plants.

How do I get rid of aquatic weeds?
Most aquatic noxious weed infestation can be dealt with by the carefully controlled commercial diving operations or by herbicidal applications offered by Aquatic Weed Control. Our methods significantly hinder reinfestation.

Can't I just rake the weeds out, like my neighbor does?
  Many common aquatic noxious weed, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, spread by fragmentation of plant parts, and quite rapidly. Each fragment is capable of growing roots and developing into a new plant. When you rake milfoil without a proper and thorough collection system, the uncollected fragments simply transplant themselves. If your neighbors are raking the aquatic noxious weeds along their waterfront, they are simply helping to spread the weed infestation to not only their own property, but to yours. When you and your neighbors work together to control aquatic weed infestations, the long term benefits are substantially increased.

Can I have Aquatic Weed Control remove native plants as well?
Aquatic Weed Control is able to selectively target specific aquatic weeds, whether they are noxious weeds or beneficial plants. This is a major advantage of our chemical-free control methods. Beneficial plants may be controlled in a limited area around docks and bulkheads for improved swimming access.

Can Aquatic Weed Control work at my property any time of year?
The Endangered Species Act and local sockeye salmon preservation efforts dictate the date ranges in which we can work. However, in the absence of such restrictions, we do, in fact, work year-round. We postpone work during high winds or freezing temperatures for the safety of our crews. Please call Aquatic Weed Control at (206) 772-6036 to determine the applicable restrictions which we must follow at your property.

How much does it cost to have them removed?
Aquatic Weed Control is organized to make our services affordable for homeowners. We use a formula based on square footage, infestation levels, and local permitting requirements. Our service includes surveying, permitting, aquatic weed removal, collection, and disposal. We offer discounts when neighbors join together for our services.

What about permits? Are they required?
Aquatic Weed Control supplies or obtains all required local, state, county, and federal permits required. If you would like more information on permits that may be required for your specific water property, please call us at (206) 772-6036.

How long will the treatment last?
Longevity depends on many factors, including weather, bottom composition, herbicidal application, and the aquatic weed control practices of your neighbors. Once a site has been cleaned, it is much easier and economical to maintain.  Aquatic Weed Control cannot offer a guarantee of weed eradication due to environmental factors which are out of our control.

What are the Endangered Species Act requirements and how do they affect the aquatic weed control process?
(Washington State Only) The US Army Corps of Engineers, US Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have issued Endangered Species Act guidelines as to when construction work can be performed in our local fresh water. In this guide, specific work windows have been dictated and Aquatic Weed Control follows these guidelines when scheduling work. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued additional work window restrictions for specific sockeye salmon breeding grounds. To determine the restrictions for your property, please call us at (206) 772-6036. Because of these restrictions, we advise scheduling aquatic weed control work several months in advance to ensure a place on our schedule during the work window applicable to your property.