Aquatic Management in Charleston, South Carolina

Ruppert Landscape provides comprehensive aquatic management services in the Charleston, Hilton Head Island, and Bluffton regions.

Aquatic Management in Charleston

We specialize in maintaining neighborhood retention ponds, golf course lagoons, fishing ponds, and fountains, ensuring healthy and well-balanced ecosystems. Our expert aquatic services include algae and weed control, fish stocking, fountains and aeration, bathymetry surveys, and shorescaping to enhance water quality and aesthetics.

Monthly Maintenance Contracting

Keep your pond or lake looking its best year-round with our customized monthly maintenance program. Each annual contract is tailored to meet the unique needs of your waterbody, ensuring a balanced and healthy ecosystem.

Using integrated pest management (IPM) practices, we combine biological, physical, and mechanical methods to maintain water quality while minimizing the need for chemical treatments. By incorporating a more holistic approach, we apply chemicals responsibly and only when necessary.

Our maintenance contracts include:

  • Monthly inspections with reports
  • Early detection and treatment of problematic weeds and unsightly algae with EPA-registered products applied by a certified pesticide applicator
  • Custom stocking of sterile grass carp and tilapia for added weed and algae control on a pond-by-pond basis
  • Custom use of pond dyes for water beautification and physical control of vegetation
  • Removal of small debris along shorelines
  • Can include regular maintenance on fountains and aerators

Algae & Weed Control

Effective algae and weed management starts with early detection, accurate identification, and targeted treatment. At Ruppert Landscape, we take an environmentally responsible approach, utilizing a combination of biological, physical, and mechanical control methods rather than relying solely on chemical herbicides and pesticides.

Our experts assess vegetation types and may recommend plant-eating fish, such as grass carp and tilapia, for natural biological control. We also adjust water chemistry to limit excessive growth, using methods like water dyes to reduce sunlight penetration and nutrient management to curb plant and algae proliferation. For immediate results, mechanical removal may be the most effective solution.

Fish Stocking

Whether you’re looking to enhance weed control or improve game fishing, we provide expert fish stocking solutions tailored to your needs. Our team evaluates your pond or lake’s fish population and designs a customized stocking plan to support a balanced and thriving ecosystem.

We offer full-service delivery and stocking of:

  • Triploid Grass Carp
  • Blue Tilapia
  • Bass
  • Beam
  • Catfish

Fountains & Aerators

Maintaining healthy dissolved oxygen levels is essential for a thriving aquatic ecosystem. Proper aeration supports beneficial bacteria and phytoplankton, helping your pond naturally break down pollutants and organic matter to keep the water clean, healthy, and productive.

Fountains not only enhance oxygen levels but also add beauty, instantly transforming your pond or lake into an attractive water feature. Floating fountains are easy to install and can be customized with lighting for a striking nighttime display. We offer tailored design solutions along with leasing options, maintenance plans, sales, and installation services.

For a more discreet aeration solution, bottom diffusers provide highly efficient oxygenation with minimal surface movement. These systems use air stones or discs placed at the pond’s bottom, releasing millions of tiny bubbles powered by a bank-mounted compressor. Ideal for deeper water, bottom diffusers maintain a natural look while effectively circulating oxygen. Depending on your pond’s size and shape, multiple diffusers may be recommended for optimal results.

Bathymetry Surveys

Understanding what lies beneath the surface is essential for effective pond and lake management. Our bathymetric surveys provide a detailed snapshot of underwater topography, measuring depths with precision. By combining advanced depth-sensing technology with highly accurate GPS mapping, we create a comprehensive model of your waterbody’s structure and conditions.

These surveys serve as a crucial first step in assessing and maintaining your lake or pond, helping to answer key questions about its setup, health, and long-term management. We utilize bathymetric data to:

  • Create accurate maps of surface area, and 3D models of the water body’s floor
  • Calculate water volume for storm-water requirements
  • Estimate pre-dredge and post-dredge verification
  • Identify different sediment types and how much is accumulating.
  • Map out aquatic vegetation to develop management programs.
  • Provide aeration sizing and placement
  • Recommend artificial fish habitat placement

Branch Leadership

Carl Rokes

Branch Manager

Carl is responsible for overseeing all aquatics operations in our North Charleston (SC) branch. His responsibilities include planning, budgeting, personnel development, and ensuring customer satisfaction. He has over 15 years of industry experience and holds an associate’s degree in horticulture technology from Trident Technical College.