Control
Non-weedkiller control
Removing horsetail by hand is difficult. Although rhizomes growing near the surface can be forked out, deeper roots will require a lot of excavation. Shallow, occasional weeding is not effective and can make the problem worse, as the plant can regrow from any small pieces left behind. However, removing shoots as soon as they appear above the ground can reduce infestation if carried out over a number of years.
If horsetail appears in lawns, it can be kept in check by mowing regularly.
Weedkiller control
Infestations of horsetail can be weakened with weedkiller.
- On vacant soil, where there are no herbaceous perennials, bulbs or crops, you can use SBM Job Done Path Weedkiller (ready to use only) and Weedol Pathclear products containing glyphosate/diflufenican to inhibit new shoots
- Tough weedkillers containing glyphosate (e.g. Roundup Tree Stump & Rootkiller, SBM Job Done Tough Weedkiller (soluble sachets only), Doff Maxi Strength Glyphosate Weedkiller or Westland Resolva Pro Xtra Tough Concentrate or for spot treatment use Roundup Gel) can be applied in late summer when growth is strong. Before using, bruise the shoots with a rake to ensure effective penetration
Remember: horsetail is persistent, and several applications – possibly over a number of years – may be necessary to completely eradicate the problem.
Inclusion of a weedkiller product does not indicate a recommendation or endorsement by the RHS. It is a list of products currently available to the home gardener.
Download
Weedkillers for gardeners (Adobe Acrobat pdf document outlining weedkillers available to gardeners; see sections 4 and 5)
Links
Chemicals: using a sprayer
Chemicals: using safely and effectively
Chemicals: using spot and broad-scale weedkillers
Weeds: non-chemical control