The Worst Weeds of 2026, Ranked: From Mildly Annoying to Exceptionally Unpleasant
This summer has been a standout one for aquatic weed growth. Over the last three months, our crews have been out at Minnesota lakefront properties pulling pesky vegetation by the root. To wrap up the 2026 season, we asked our divers to help assemble a list of the year’s worst lake weeds.
Our ranking criteria are rooted in four categories:
Difficulty to remove
Difficulty to haul out
Speed of regrowth
General nuisance factor
So, let’s dive into the most troublesome aquatic weeds, in ascending order.
5. Lilypads
Our crews consistently rank lilypads lower than most aquatic plants. Because each lilypad leaf connects to a single stalk, they have easier-to-pull root systems and a lighter mass than other lake weeds. Lilypads also have a slower regrowth cycle than other aquatic species on this list. As far as nuisances go, lilypads are a protected native species; our removal services aim to help homeowners clear DNR-approved open water channels. Depending on the shoreline, lilypads can be easily managed with Waterfront’s by-the-root removal method.
Lilypad Crew Rankings Difficulty to remove: 2/5 · Difficulty to haul out: 1/5 · Speed of regrowth: 2/5 · General nuisance factor: 1/5
4. Curly-leaf Pondweed
Curly-leaf pondweed is a common invasive species found in Minnesota lakes. It typically grows into a mat-like tangle, blocking sunlight from reaching other submersed plants. Curly-leaf pondweed growth starts in early spring, before dying off in mid-summer. This unique growth pattern is a real nuisance to native species and our crews alike, earning it the number four spot on our list.
Curly-leaf Pondweed Crew Rankings Difficulty to remove: 3/5 · Difficulty to haul out: 2/5 · Speed of regrowth: 3/5 · General nuisance factor: 3/5
3. Eurasian Milfoil
This invasive species can be difficult to remove for good, especially when homeowners attempt it on their own. Eurasian milfoil colonies can spread from just a small fragment, so hand-pulling is the best way to keep its regrowth in check. On top of its fast regrowth, milfoil’s rough texture makes it unpleasant to brush up against while swimming. Its nuisance factor and thick growth pattern earn it the number three spot on the crew’s list.
Eurasian Milfoil Crew Rankings Difficulty to remove: 2/5 · Difficulty to haul out: 2/5 · Speed of regrowth: 4/5 · General nuisance factor: 3/5
2. Cattails
Cattails grow in dense clusters of rigid stalks with intricate root systems. Like lilypads, this species is also protected. Our crews use a cattail-cutting method that shears stalks at the root line to preserve the underlying sediment and root systems. Because cattail root and stalk systems are sturdy, clearing them takes a substantial amount of labor to cut and haul. Given how densely these plants can crowd a dock, cattails come in at number two on the list.
Cattail Crew Rankings Difficulty to remove: 4/5 · Difficulty to haul out: 4/5 · Speed of regrowth: 2/5 · General nuisance factor: 3/5
1. Chara
Chara is a type of algae that looks like a rooted lake weed. Like curly-leaf pondweed, it grows in dense mats near beach and dock areas. Mild Chara growth is a normal part of lake ecosystems, but overgrowth becomes a real nuisance for homeowners. One of its least pleasant features is its strong odor. Many crew members have also noted the algae’s remarkable ability to retain moisture, making it one of the heaviest lake weeds to haul from shore. Between the odor, the overgrowth, and the water retention, Chara tops the list as our crew’s worst weed of 2026.
Chara Crew Rankings Difficulty to remove: 4/5 · Difficulty to haul out: 5/5 · Speed of regrowth: 3/5 · General nuisance factor: 5/5
We deal with the worst weeds, so you don’t have to
Ranking the worst weeds is a fun exercise, but our crews deal with them every day so you can enjoy lakefront living. Whether it’s Chara’s weight, milfoil’s stubborn regrowth, or cattail cutting, removal is what we do every single day, so you don’t have to.
If lake weeds have taken hold on your Minnesota property, or you’re not sure what’s growing along your shoreline, the best step is to have it assessed before it spreads further. Schedule a free consultation with Waterfront Restoration, and we’ll take it from there.
