Self seeding nightmare

kate335123

This is self seeding itself everywhere in my garden from somewhere in the neighbourhood. I can't weed it because it snaps at the stem and you don't get the root and the standard weed killer is just mocked by this monster.  
Please help me I'm going to have to start mowing the patio soon!!

Fairygirl

It's horsetail or mare's tail [all the same thing]
It's extremely difficult to eradicate. The best method is to keep hoeing it at the ankles and gradually weaken it. It's been around since the dinosaurs so you can see that it's pretty determined!
It spreads mainly by underground runners [which go down and across for miles] but they also produce large brownish 'fruiting'  pods. If you see those, remove them and dispose of carefully. 
If you want to use weedkillers, try and be careful with it, and apply at night when helpful pollinators have gone to bed. You'll still find it very difficult to kill though.
Sorry!

The_herpetologist

Yes, it’s worse even than Japanese knotweed. It can be killed by crushing the stems and applying glyphosate weed killer, but you will need a great deal of persistence and a heck of a lot of glyphosate. I know chemical weed killers have a bad reputation, but in situations l8ke this, needs must. It took me 6 years to rid myself of knotweed. It can be done!

KT53

Pull off and dispose of any topgrowth you can get at. Do not put it in the compost heap.  Once it's regrown to a few inches try crushing the new stems either by walking on them of crushing in your hands.  Strong weedkiller stands more chance on damaged stalks.  As has been said, persistence is required.

kate335123

Thank you every one . I now know my enemy and I will prevail!! 😐