Winter Drawdown

I lowered the pond levels last week in an attempt to control cattails. By lowering the water level, the shallow edges where cattails thrive are exposed to the winter elements. Plants can be damaged by freezing, dessication, or even strong wind. I have been waiting for the weather to turn cold enough to control the plants, but don't know if we will see harsh temperatures this winter. These invasive plants are issues on the shallow banks of 18 and 3. We tried this method on 3 last year and had good results. With the new submersible waterfall in the pond on 18, we can draw the water out of the top pond very easily as well.
Once this invasive species gets a foothold in your ponds, it is very difficult to control. We have held our own so far, but I have a few quick facts to show you how fast in can take over. Cattails spread by seed, but also by rhizomes in the soil (you can see them in bunches near the banks). Each cattail plant contains nearly 250,000 seeds and the seeds can remain viable in the soil for 100 years. We also have chemical control methods available to keep them at bay, but lowering the water level is my first choice.