How can I kill grass in a dry lake cove?

Question

My house is on a cove at the lake. With the drought, the lake in front of my house dried out. It's a meadow now. How can I kill the grass (about 3 feet tall) before the rains fill up the lake again? The lake is a city water supply. The area I'm talking about is about 120' long by 20 feet wide. When the lake is full again, I would like for the lake bottom in front of my house to be sandy, not grassy..so swimming will be better.

Answer 1

It sounds like you don't want to use the chemical option. So here is a more difficult method.

Cut the grass down as low as possible and remove the clippings. If the grass is dry, you can burn the remaining grass.

Then after the grass is completely extinguished and cool, cover it with black plastic. You can take advantage of the local sand to hold it in place. Leave the plastic covering for as long as you can. This will deprive the grass of light and it's ability to grow.

Answer 2

Not sure about the rules and regulations regarding public waterways in your area but I'd strongly recommend you consult with either the city or county public water agency before you spray anything. Since the lake is situated on public property, you might be held liable if anyone should get sick by drinking, swimming or wading in chemically treated water now or in the spring.

There's another version of Roundup called "RODEO" made specifically for waterways and I'm sure your water agency is versed on its ability to control various species of weeds in the lake. "RODEO" can only be purchased by professional spray applicators.

The agency responsible for the upkeep of the lake might consider private funding to control those weeds so you should consult and discuss with the appropriate parties.

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY SWIMMING!