Morning sun rising through mist over a still, tree-lined pond

Cleaner Water
Stronger Tomorrows

Why Mechanical

Treating Vegetationand Removing VegetationAren’t the Same Thing.

Mechanical removal physically removes unwanted vegetation and accumulated biomass from the water, producing immediate, visible results. It’s a practical, effective solution for landowners, communities and public agencies who want cleaner, more usable water.

  • Immediate, Visible Results
  • Physically Removes Biomass
  • Removed Biomass Leaves the Water
  • Improves Water Quality & Access

The Difference

Three Common Approaches to Aquatic Vegetation

Each water body is unique, and there is no single solution for every situation. Here’s how the three main approaches compare:

A balanced approach often delivers the best long-term results.

  • Stems of submerged aquatic milfoil growing densely underwater

    Chemical Treatment

    Uses herbicides to target and kill vegetation. Dead plants typically break down in the water, which can leave behind biomass and may temporarily reduce oxygen levels.

    • Can be effective for certain species
    • May require repeated applications
    • Does not remove plant material
  • A grass carp swimming above a bed of submerged vegetation

    Biological Control

    Uses grass carp or other biological methods to help control vegetation over time.

    • Can be effective in the right conditions
    • Works gradually
    • Does not remove existing biomass
    • Results can vary based on water body and plant type
  • A Weedoo workboat lifting a rake load of vegetation clear of the water at a park pond

    Mechanical Removal

    Cuts, rakes and collects unwanted vegetation, then physically removes it and the collected biomass from the water using specialized equipment like the Weedoo.

    • Immediate, visible results
    • Removes plant material from the water
    • Improves water quality and access
    • Ideal for heavy growth, sensitive areas or when fast results are needed

How Mechanical Removal Works

The Right Tool for the Problem.

The Weedoo TC-3012 is a versatile, shallow-draft workboat with a weed rake, a side-mounted underwater mower and, when needed, an oil and diesel skimmer attachment. We use the right tool for your waterbody and your goals, whether that means cutting, raking, pulling or skimming.

  1. 01

    Rake & Collect

    The weed rake gathers floating vegetation, algae and loose organic material so it can be lifted out of the water.

  2. 02

    Pull & Remove

    The rake pulls cattails and other problem vegetation, including root material where conditions allow, and removes it from the water.

  3. 03

    Cut & Collect

    The side-mounted underwater mower cuts submerged vegetation below the waterline. The cut material is then collected and removed, not left behind.

  4. 04

    Skim & Clean

    When a job calls for it, we can add an oil and diesel skimmer attachment to remove fuel and other floating contaminants from the surface.

Every waterway is different. Prairie Creek can change attachments and methods based on the vegetation, water conditions and desired outcome. The goal isn’t simply to cut what’s growing — it’s to physically remove the problem material from the water.

Ready to See What’s Possible?

Let’s Find the Right Solution for Your Water.

Every pond, lake and waterway is different. Tell us about your project and we’ll help you find the best approach.

  1. 01

    Talk With Our Team

  2. 02

    Get a Plan

  3. 03

    Put a Solution in Motion