Control European Water Chestnut Plant

Many people ask how to get rid of European water chestnut. The following options can be considered for how to control European water chestnut.

Manual/Mechanical Control:

If you are considering how to remove European water chestnut, physically cutting this plant and pulling up the roots can be a somewhat effective method of control.

Herbicide Control:

There is an option for how to kill European water chestnut that offers great control when used over several years.

1. Liquid 2, 4-D (for ponds or lakes) – liquid that is diluted with water and sprayed over the plants. Most effective on treatment areas larger than a half-acre, this allows longer contact exposure time.
2. 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:

When treating European water chestnut,

• Treat when the plants are established and actively growing.
• 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.