Field horsetail

AHR

good morning 

i have what looks to be field horsetail coming up throughout my garden. It is in every corner of every bed and even on the lawn. I think it’s going to be almost impossible to get rid of. But what’s the best way to maintain and control it? Is there any way to stop it. 

Thanks 👍

B3

There are many threads on this subject. If you look in the search box at the top of the page for horse tail or mare's tail you will find them😊

Wilderbeast

It's horrible stuff persistent beyond belief. We just pull it up where it grows, the lawn just gets mown as normal. We've had to learn to live with it 🤣

KT53

Constantly pulling the stems when it appears will eventually weaken it.  I had a lot of problems with it for several years.  In unused veg beds it was a case of trample it, spray with Roundup and cover with thick weed matting.  It took a couple of years, but was pretty effective (so far).  That's not practical in borders so pulling it and disposing of it in the bin is the only way I'm aware of.  Do not put it in the compost heap.

Negan

i have found that Neudorff Long lasting weed killer is quite good against this stuff, may need a couple of applications. The roots are extremely long. The other way Is to remove as soon as it appears by taking of the top, but this can take months to years to actually stop 😩

Smudgerii

Posted this in an earlier thread, but worth repeating..

How much do you value the current lawn?

The only solution is ammonium sulphamate and KG’s of it, but that will kill the lawn and any other plant it touches.

Mix 1KG in 1ltr of water with some washing up liquid in a pressure sprayer, spray anywhere that Marestail is growing. Wait 2 weeks and spray the whole area again, wait 2 more weeks and spray any new growth.  After that you can ‘spot’ treat and stray bits that show up by making a paste with the above ratios and adding wallpaper paste.

Nothing should be planted in the area for at least 8 weeks.

Ammonium sulphamate  breaksdown into ammonium sulphate ( a great fertilizer ) 

Maddi

I agree with KT53, keeping digging it out whenever it appears, no need to go down too deep, you would never get to the end!  It will eventually stop growing.  Same with lawn, just mow but do not put in compost. 

AHR

Thanks for your replies. It’s everywhere. I will keep picking at it and hopefully it will eventually weaken it as you said. Thanks 

Smudgerii

Giddy123 said:

Thanks for your replies. It’s everywhere. I will keep picking at it and hopefully it will eventually weaken it as you said. Thanks 

I’ll look back in on this thread in maybe 20-25 years...  you will either have given up or still be picking

AHR

  your probably right but I would prefer to try that option first