Blanket Weed and how to get rid!

Blanket weed is a problem people have all over the world in there Ponds and Water Features, not only is it unsightly but it can overwhelm pond life and plants you may have in your garden pond, it can be a sign of imbalance in your pond or water feature.

Believe it or not there is said to be over 20,000 different algae forms with over 500 species under the umbrella of blanket weed or string algae as its also known. It is made up of long green fibres that are hair like in appearance, it will spread very quickly if left untreated! usually it clings to rocks, pond walls or plants but can be free floating, the spores are airborne but can also be transported from pond to pond by wildlife and birds.

Garden ponds that get a lot of sunlight are the perfect breeding ground for blanket weed.

Problems the pesky blanket weed can cause

• Ruins the look of your pond, it looks ugly and spoils the overall aesthetic of your pond or water feature.

• The blanket weed will consume a large amount of your ponds oxygen that your fish, plants and wildlife need to survive.

• Can stop submerged plants from getting much needed sunlight.

Right how do you remove blanket weed from your pond

• Make sure your pond or water feature has enough plants within it, they will use up the excess nutrients that can lead to blanket weed.

• Mix up what plants you use in your garden pond, oxygenators, marginal and deep water plants.

• if pond plants are not a option you could use phosphate removers/absorbers to remove the excess nutrients.

• Use blanket weed treatment if it is a severe problem in your pond, this will provide a temporary solution and you will need to balance your garden pond correctly to ensure the problem does not return.

What plants to use to help control blanket weed

• Rorippa Nosturtium Aquaticura or Water Cress as it is commonly known is a excellent choice, it thrives in nutrient high ponds, and when you have achieved the right balance the plant will gradually shrink as a sign its working.

• Pond lilies are also a good idea as blanket weed thrives on sunlight, lilies will reduce sunlight levels, absorb nutrients and as a added feature they add shade for your fish.

so to sum up blanket weed is a unsightly pest but with the right removal and pond balance it can be kept at bay so you can enjoy your pond and water features.

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