Many people ask how to get rid of cattails. The following options can be considered for how to control cattails.
Manual/Mechanical Control:
If you are considering how to remove cattails, physically cutting down the plants and digging up the roots can be a somewhat effective method of control. However, physical control can be difficult. Cattails can re-grow from any seeds or roots remaining in the area.
Herbicide Control:
There is an option for how to kill cattails that offers great control.
- Cattail and Water Lily Control (Imox + surfactant) (for ponds or lakes) – liquids that are mixed and diluted with water and sprayed over the plants.
Treatment Tips:
- Do not cut or burn cattails because these plants are very resilient and will often come back with more life.
- With Imox or other systemic herbicides, treatment is most effective when the plants are mature or close to full grown. This allows for more plant surface to spray enough mixture on.
- Treat in late summer to early fall to get better kill of the root systems. At this time, plants are pulling energy into their roots to store for the winter.
