Cattail Management

Manage cattails, reeds and transitional plants to keep shorelines open, healthy and draining.

Impacts of cattail & reed growth

How overgrowth affects shorelines

Overgrown transitional plants choke shorelines, disrupt recreation, and restrict natural drainage. Their dense root systems trap sediment, speeding up muck accumulation and reducing water depth.

In stormwater ponds and drainage areas, unchecked growth can clog outflow structures, increase flood risk, and reduce a pond’s ability to manage runoff. Invasive species like phragmites and hybrid cattails spread aggressively, displacing native plants and reducing biodiversity.

Cattails growing thick along the edge of a pond

Maintaining an open shoreline

Letting cattails, reeds, and other transitional plants spread unchecked leads to costly restoration later. Regular maintenance prevents sediment buildup, improves shoreline appearance, enhances water quality, and preserves open water for recreation and habitat.

Where erosion is a concern, floating islands help stabilize shorelines by absorbing wave energy and reducing sediment displacement. They are especially useful in lakes, reservoirs and stormwater ponds prone to runoff.