By Waterline Weed Co. · Updated
Safety first: kill the dock power
Before anyone gets in the water near a dock, switch off power to the dock and boat lift at the breaker. Faulty dock wiring can put electrical current into the water, and electric shock drowning is a real risk in freshwater around docks. If you feel tingling in the water, get out immediately and away from the dock.
Tools you'll need
- A long-handled lake weed rake
- An underwater weed cutter or cutting blade on a rope or pole
- Heavy-duty bags, a wheelbarrow, or bins for collection
- A pool skimmer net for floating fragments
- Gloves and water shoes
Step by step
- Lift or move the boat so you can reach the whole slip.
- Rake the surface mat toward the dock or shore and pull it out of the water in armloads.
- Cut rooted stems low. Work the cutter along the bottom so you get the stem near the base, not just the top.
- Rake again to pull out what you cut.
- Skim floating fragments. This step matters most for preventing spread.
- Bag everything and move it away from the water to dry. Never dump it in another lake, creek, or pond.
Mistakes that make it worse
- Leaving cut pieces floating. Fragments can drift and root somewhere new.
- Using the boat prop to chop through it. Same problem, plus a clogged intake.
- Skimming only the top. It looks good for a week, then grows right back from the base.
- Pouring on store-bought chemicals. Products not labeled for aquatic use don't belong in a lake, and treating public water generally needs state approval.
When to call a crew
DIY works for a light patch. Once growth is in deeper water, matted across a whole slip, or tangled in lift hardware, it can turn into a full weekend in the Texas heat. That's when professional dock weed removal earns its cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best rake for lake weeds?
A wide, long-handled lake rake with a floating or rope attachment works well for surface mats. Pair it with a cutting tool for rooted stems, since a rake alone mostly pulls the top off.
Where do I dispose of hydrilla?
Let it dry out well away from any water and dispose of it as your city or county allows for yard waste. Don't transport live hydrilla to other water bodies.