As spring arrives across Alabama, lake and pond owners have an important opportunity to manage aquatic invasive species (AIS) before peak growing season. Warm weather and long growing seasons allow many invasive species to thrive year-round, making management essential for maintaining healthy, balanced waterbodies.
Invasive plants, shoreline vegetation, and aquatic animals can spread aggressively, disrupt ecosystems, and create costly maintenance challenges. Early detection and treatment this spring helps protect your lake or pond heading into 2026.
Invasive Aquatic Plants
In Alabama, invasive aquatic plants such as hydrilla, Eurasian watermilfoil, and alligator weed are among the most common and damaging species. These plants form dense mats that block sunlight, reduce oxygen levels, and crowd out native vegetation. Hydrilla and milfoil can quickly spread through fragments, while alligator weed forms thick floating mats that restrict water flow and hinder recreation.
Another fast-spreading invader of growing concern in Alabama is Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta). This floating fern can double in size in just a few days, forming dense surface mats that block sunlight, deplete oxygen, and make boating and fishing nearly impossible. Left unchecked, Giant Salvinia can completely cover ponds and small lakes, suffocating aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems.
Other invasive plants of concern include water hyacinth, parrotfeather, and creeping water primrose, which can clog shorelines and waterways while degrading fish and wildlife habitat.
Monitoring invasive aquatic plants in early spring and summer is essential. Look for:
Targeted early-season herbicide treatments, mechanical removal, or approved biological controls can help reduce overgrowth complications and limit summer return.
Invasive Shoreline and Wetland Plants
Invasive shoreline and wetland plants also pose challenges for Alabama property owners. Phragmites (common reed) and cattail hybrids can dominate shorelines, displacing native vegetation and reducing wildlife habitat. These species can trap sediment, slow water movement, and increase the risk of flooding during heavy rain events.
While late summer and fall are typically the most effective times to remove dead established stands of phragmites and cattails, spring is an important window for early management. As these plants begin to regrow, targeted treatment can help suppress aggressive growth, limit their spread, and reduce the risk of shoreline takeover later in the summer. Early-season action also helps prepare dense stands for more effective removal later in the year.
Invasive Aquatic Animals
Invasive aquatic animals are a significant concern in Alabama lakes and ponds. Zebra mussels attach to hard surfaces like docks, rocks, and intake pipes, out-competing native mussels and damaging infrastructure. Asian clams also impact water bodies by altering nutrient cycles and competing with native species. While species such as apple snails, armored catfish, and quagga mussels are less widely documented in Alabama’s ponds, monitoring for any new invasive animal is essential.
Regular monitoring enables early detection of these invaders, helping property owners plan for mechanical removal, containment, or approved treatments before summer. Preventing establishment now reduces costly interventions in the future.
A proactive management plan is the best defense against invasive species. At Aqua Services, we recommend reviewing your pond or lake’s conditions this season, identifying problem areas, and scheduling early spring and late summer treatments for this year. Spring is also a great time to plan aeration improvements, nutrient management, and shoreline stabilization projects that promote long-term ecosystem health.
Managing invasive aquatic plants, shoreline vegetation, and animals in the spring is not only about control but also about prevention. Acting now helps protect water quality, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure a thriving, balanced pond or lake throughout the year.
By taking a proactive approach this spring, you can set your waterbody up for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient 2026.
Contact Aqua Services today to schedule an inspection or request a maintenance estimate.
About Aqua Services, A Jones Lake Management Partner
Since 1983, Aqua Services has been a trusted leader in lakeand pond management, delivering scientifically backed solutions to create andmaintain healthy, balanced, and beautiful waterbodies. As a Jones Lake Management Partner, ourteam specializes in a full range of services to include algae and aquatic weedcontrol, aeration systems, water quality monitoring, fisheries management, hydraulic dredging, invasive species control, and shoreline restoration. Wework with HOAs, municipalities, golf courses, and private lake ownersthroughout Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia to maintain balanced and thrivingaquatic environments through science-based and sustainable managementpractices. Visit us at www.asilakemanagement.com
Resources: USDA National Invasive Species Information Center and Jones Lake Management Aquatic Weed ID Guide