During the winter, seaweed and other aquatic plants go into a state of dormancy, which means that they stop growing and conserve their energy. The primary reason for this is the reduced sunlight in the northern latitudes during the winter months. Since plants require sunlight to carry out photosynthesis, which is the process by which they produce energy and grow, the decrease in sunlight during winter makes it impossible for plants to grow.
Ever wonder what all those lake weeds are doing this time of year beneath the ice and snow? They’re down there, plotting and conspiring against us! That’s what I think anyway.
Whatever they’re doing, the one thing they’re not doing is “growing.” Lake weeds are dormant this time of year and it’s not because it’s cold outside. They’re not growing because there’s not enough sunlight in the northern latitudes to stimulate growth.
This very simple principle is why LakeMats and MuckMats work so well: they prevent sunlight from reaching your lake weeds. Plants are very clever and tenacious. They can do many amazing things, but they can’t grow without the sun.
The best way to control them is to stop them before they start growing in the spring. We get asked a lot, “When is the best time to install these Mats?”So, the best time to install a LakeMat or MuckMat is early in the season. Yes, the water is a little nippy, but you can wear waders, or have some teenagers do it. Or, just be tough. In the winter, my Swedish dad used to take a hot shower, then go outside and jump in a snow drift wearing only his boxers. He… was tough.
Winter Installation of LakeMats and MuckMats: A Smart Weed Control Strategy
Another benefit of installing LakeMats and MuckMats early is there’s much less gas created from decaying lake weeds because they haven’t started growing before they’re covered up by the Mats.
Of course, LakeMats and MuckMats work any time of year, but spring is the most efficient time to get them in.Next, if you’re planning to move your Mats around in the spring, you can move the Mats you placed in the winter to new locations in the spring and the area where they sat all winter will be weed-free all summer. Because the water temps are cooler in the winter, there will be less gas created as the plants decay more slowly.
When installed in the warm waters of summer, much gas is created by microbes (digesting the dead plant matter) that are more prevalent and active in warm weather. These gases are the bugaboo of summer installation, but not a problem in the winter and spring.This spring, when you go out to look at the lake, you’ll see a clean, clear, weed-free lake bottom. It’s an excellent way to start off the new season at the cottage.
The importance of controlling seaweed growth cannot be overstated, especially in areas where it is not native. Non-native seaweed can take over a lake or pond, outcompeting native plants and animals and disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.
It can also make swimming, boating, and fishing difficult or impossible. One effective method of controlling seaweed growth is by using LakeMats and MuckMats.
Best Time to Install LakeMats and MuckMats
LakeMats and MuckMats work by blocking sunlight from reaching the bottom of the lake, which prevents seaweed and other aquatic plants from growing. Installing these mats early in the season is the most effective way to control seaweed growth. Since the plants have not started growing yet, there is less gas produced from their decay. Additionally, if the mats are moved in the spring, the area where they sat during the winter will be weed-free all summer.
Another benefit of installing LakeMats and MuckMats in the winter is that the cooler water temperatures slow down the decay process of any existing seaweed or other plant matter. This means that there is less gas produced from their decay, which can be a problem during the warmer months. Microbes that break down dead plant matter are more active in warm weather, which can lead to the production of gases that can be harmful to the lake ecosystem.
Although installing LakeMats and MuckMats in the winter can be a bit chilly, it is worth it to start the new season with a clean, clear, weed-free lake bottom. It is also important to note that these mats can be installed at any time of the year and will still be effective, but early installation in the winter is the most efficient method.
In addition to using LakeMats and MuckMats, there are other methods of controlling seaweed growth, such as manually removing it, using herbicides, or introducing natural predators. However, these methods can be time-consuming, costly, or harmful to the environment. Using LakeMats and MuckMats is a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to control seaweed growth in your lake or pond.
In conclusion, seaweed and other aquatic plants go into a state of dormancy during the winter months due to the reduced sunlight in the northern latitudes. This makes it impossible for them to grow, which is why early installation of LakeMats and MuckMats is the most efficient way to control seaweed growth. Installing these mats in the winter also reduces the gas produced from the decay of existing seaweed and other plant matter. Using LakeMats and MuckMats is a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to control seaweed growth in your lake or pond, ensuring a clean, clear, weed-free lake bottom for the new season.