u/lynk1

We have this creek that feeds our pond (not the only inlet) and the cattails are just such a pain. What do you recommend doing? We had them dredged two years ago by an excavator but it just ruins the surrounding grass and they’re back with a vengeance.

Anybody have any suggestions or ideas how we can begin to work with them? How do you manage them easier than we are?

Edit: super appreciate everyone responding, I love this sub. This is a little ditch that collects runoff from neighbors fields uphill. We’re part of an irrigation district in southern Oregon. We love red wing blackbirds and dragonflies as much as anyone, trust me. There are more than enough cattails within 50yards of here for them.

We need to get maximum water through this creek into the pond because that is our water backup for this very dry and hot summer we are having.

We have successfully used 2-3” River rocks a bit upstream and that may be the best long term plan here.

Side note I was aware of eating them, both the shoots and the tubers, even making a paste out of it. In a situation where we needed that starch it would be well within our realm to do that, but frankly just not there yet. I do plan to harvest pollen in a few weeks though and begin to store that for a fun and unique protein source.

We are currently using the green cuttings in between the wood and soil layer in our hugelkultur beds. May weave some rough mats for mulch around squash plants.

Appreciate you all 🙏🏽