Frequently Asked Vegetation Questions

Question:   Why isn’t vegetation treated in the spring when it is first detected?

   Answer:  It is generally best to treat vegetation in the summer.  This enables the herbicide to come

                in contact with more vegetation.

   Question:  How do I know if the vegetation in my area is invasive? 

   Answer:  For identification of aquatic weeds growing in Smith Mountain Lake, contact

           the SMLA Aquatic Weed and Algae Monitoring Program Hotline at 540-719- WEED (9333).

   Question:  Will the vegetation be eradicated?

   Answer:  Typically, invasive aquatic vegetation cannot be eradicated.  Our goal is to CONTROL the 

                invasive aquatic vegetation.

   Question:  Who pays for treatment? 

    Answer:  At this time, the County pays for the treatment of aggressive invasive aquatic vegetation.

    Question:  Why can’t homeowners treat the vegetation themselves?

    Answer:  IT IS ILLEGAL FOR RESIDENTS TO TREAT VEGETATION IN SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE.                    Improper use of herbicides could result in a fish kill or impaired water quality.