Aquatic plants growing in a pond can quickly get out of hand as the temperature warms up during the spring every year. A pond mostly covered with overly exuberant vegetation is not only a nuisance to pond owners, but can also be detrimental to life in the pond and negatively affect the pond’s entire ecosystem. The invasive aquatic plant, Trapa bispinosa, has been discovered in Loudoun County (fall 2021). Be on the lookout and report it.
Many established landscapes that were once sunny and full of lush turf grass are now 90 to 100% shaded due to mature tree growth. The shade may present an erosion problem in the landscape due to stormwater runoff where the grass no longer grows and the landscape is sloped. In some cases the water pools and is stagnant for days.
Stream banks can suffer erosion and streams may carry pollutants from surrounding landscapes down through the watershed.
VCE Loudoun County Master Gardener Water and Tree Stewards can come out to visit your property to assess your pond, soil erosion or streamside area. We take photos, plant samples if necessary and survey the surrounding landscape. Our goal is to provide property owners a set of options so they may choose those best fitting their objectives to maintain their landscape and a healthy ecosystem. The team was instrumental in uncovering the presence the highly invasive aquatic weed Trapa bispinosa in Loudoun with our education outreach.
Note: We are horticulturists trained by VCE Loudoun looking at plants and soil. We cannot advise on mechanics or structural build of ponds or streams. For pond management companies, please see: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/private-pond-management/private-consultants/
Our site assessment programs are open: Request visit.
We will contact you once form is received to coordinate a visit. You will get a detailed report within 3 weeks after the site visit.
Thank you for your interest in keeping our watershed healthy. Note we are only able to facilitate assessments within the County of Loudoun.
