Emergent plants such as cattail and arrowhead can be removed through pulling by hand when they first begin to grow in the spring. Dredging or digging out problem shallow areas of the pond can be done, but it is usually very expensive. The use of dyes to color the pond's water is another option. This method of control works by reducing the amount of sunlight penetrating into the water. However, it will only control plants at depths of 3 feet or more and additional dye must be added throughout the growing season, depending on the amount of water flowing in and out of the pond.
Biological control is a method being used in many artificial ponds to control aquatic plant growth.
The triploid grass carp is used in these ponds to eat the vegetation. This fish is reproductively sterile so when stocked into a pond at the recommended number, they will not over populate and remove all of the plants. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources does not permit the stocking of these fish into naturally formed ponds, stream or rivers. Chemical control of aquatic plants is the third management option for pond owners. This should be done early in the growing season, prior to July 1st, because herbicides are most effective when applied to young actively growing plants.