At Lake Defense Force, our mission is to offer high-quality aquatic plant management services at a fair price—one that allows us to grow as a business while delivering results you’ll want to come back for year after year. Occasionally, we find ourselves competing with unexpected, lower-cost alternatives. Here’s why hiring a professional still stands as your best option.

DIY: A Common but Risky Solution

Do-it-yourself methods can seem like a cost-effective approach, especially for small waterfront areas. However, aquatic plant removal is physically demanding, messy, and often unpleasant—particularly in cold water or deep areas where plants can grow as far down as 20 feet.

While tools like rakes might seem helpful, they often prove ineffective. Worse, improper removal can actually make the problem worse in the long term. Loose plant debris left behind can contribute to future infestations, undoing your hard work.

Professionals like us use proven techniques to ensure lasting results and properly dispose of plant waste, preventing regrowth and protecting your shoreline investment.

The College Kid Option: Low Cost, High Risk

We frequently see homeowners hiring local high school or college students for plant removal at unbeatable prices. While we appreciate their entrepreneurial spirit (we started that way ourselves), this route carries considerable risks.

These individuals typically lack proper training, insurance, certifications, and bonding. They often operate without the permits or safety standards required by law. If an uninsured diver is injured on your property, you could be held liable—a risk that isn’t worth the savings.

Even when the job appears acceptable, inexperience often leads to incomplete work, with plant debris left behind. We’ve heard countless horror stories of half-finished jobs and long-term damage caused by inexpert removal.

Why Choose Certified Professionals?

We are a fully licensed and insured business with a physical storefront and year-round operations. We pay our team of certified and professional trained divers a fair wages and invest in maintaining high-quality boats, diving gear, and safety equipment.

Our work is done in full compliance with all regulations, including proper permits and disposal procedures. We carry liability insurance and bonding, so you’re protected in the unlikely event of an incident.

Most importantly, we bring over a decade of hands-on experience to remove Milfoil, Lily Pads and other noxious plants. Our knowledge enables us to recommend the best long-term management strategies for your specific waterfront.

Why Lake Defense Force?

• Fully insured for liability up to $2,000,000, including both vehicles and divers
• Bonded and licensed contractor
• 10+ years of experience with a proven track record of improving water quality
• Fair wages for all employees, reported to Labor & Industries
• Certified divers with CPR training
• All-inclusive pricing covering diving gear, fuel, and waste disposal (small mileage fee applies for jobs over 50 miles)

Let us handle your noxious plant problems the right way—safely, legally, and effectively.