Help Improve Your Lake With Friendly Landscaping

Here are some of the basics:

• STOP using fertilizers on your lawn. They will end up in the lake and provide food for weeds and algae. Just one pound of phosphorus is enough food for 10,000 pounds of wet weeds and algae. If you believe your lawn needs extra nutrients, the best approach is to use lake water to water your lawn. This actually filters nutrients from the lake AND keeps your lawn green and healthy.
• STOP burning leaves anywhere near the lake. Ash is a food for lake weeds.
• STOP mowing your grass right to the edge of the water. Instead, grow a 4 to 8 foot buffer zone of taller vegetation along the shore. Just stop mowing, and native plants and wildflower will take over in the buffer zone creating a natural filter between your property and the lake. An added benefit is that geese do not like to nest or rest in the taller vegetation.

Image: Lakeshore erosion

Independent Study Shows CLEAN-FLO Successful in Reducing Muck

In 2010, Lake Savers, a CLEAN-FLO authorized dealer completed, the installation and bacteria/enzyme program design by CLEAN-FLO for Indian Lake in Michigan. Indian Lake is a 499-acre lake, and the CLEAN-FLO program was put to the test in the 88-acre south bay.

Lakeshore Environmental was retained by the Indian Lake Improvement Association to perform testing and evaluation of the program and the effects on muck reduction. The report is extremely favorable.

Key findings include:

• Reduction of 1.3 feet of organic sediment in the treatment area versus 0.1-foot decrease in the bacteria only area and 0.1-foot increase in the control area.
• Statistically significant shift in algal species from blue greens to green algae species.  This is an important indicator that the system can “shift” the lake toward an environment that favors “good” algae versus the harmful strains that can destroy a lake.
• Statistically significant reductions in weed growth in the treatment area with a bias toward impacting the invasive species eurasian water milfoil more than the native species.

The full report from Lakeshore Environmental can be found here:

www.clean-flo.com/muck1 (pdf)

A summary presentation of the report can be found here:

www.clean-flo.com/muck2 (pdf)

Lake Savers has offices in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Florida and works with CLEAN-FLO and lake associations around the country to provide systems and services under their proprietary full service and maintenance leasing package.

Upcoming Specials

Watch for our popular bacteria, enzyme and dye special starting on April 1st. Bacteria and enzymes reduce muck and nutrients naturally while improving water quality.

CLEAN-FLO Has Updated Look

Recently, we have been busy updating information on our website, and also updating our logo. We have added additional information on our website, so be sure to visit www.clean-flo.com when you get a chance.