These units can be used from shore as well as from a boat. Power tank-type sprayers are useful for distributing liquid herbicides and algaecides along shoreline areas. Spot treatments or small area applications can be made with backpack orchard sprayers. Granules can be spread by hand or with a scoop. Results from chemical treatments may take several days to a couple weeks.
Chemical treatment offers several advantages.
It allows you to control vegetation close to shore and around piers and rafts. Manpower and equipment requirements are minimal. Up to 50 surface areas per day can be treated by two men on a barge using one pump. A typical seasonal control program would involve a herbicide application in spring followed-up by two or three algaecide treatments during the summer. A more intensified program may be necessary in southern states.