Horsetail - What Is It And How Do You Control It

In this blog our Technical Manager Chris Humphrey explains the ins and outs of Horsetail/Puzzlegrass and how to treat it if you have some.

Horsetail, also often called marestail or puzzlegrass. is a very invasive weed that reproduces by spores rather than by seed. It develops very rapidly by growing horizontal underground stems known as rhizomes.

It can be spread by importing soil or compost which contain rhizomes or even tiny stem fragments. It can grow in lawns, beds paths and even push its way through tarmac. The roots of Horsetail go down in excess of 2m making them almost impossible to eradicate by dig it out.

How To Control Horsetail

Note* On land not intending to bare vegetation

For domestic users use - Gallup Home & Garden, Prestige Super Sticker and Prestige Super pH Buffer.

For Professional users use - Roundup Pro Vantage, Prestige Super Sticker and Prestige Super pH Buffer.

In both cases you would need to bruise the plant first, (bash it, rub it with the back of a rake or trample on it, whichever is convenient for the situation).

It is important to note that herbicide control will not give adequate control in one application and it will need repeated treatments and any regrowth should be treated as soon as it gets to about 3 inches tall. It may take a number of applications over continuous years to achieve effective control.

Unfortunately, there are no selective herbicides that can be used for Horsetail that appears in turf, The only solution is to mow your lawn to a low height and frequently try and weaken the plant and it may slowly reduce it.

By Chris Humphrey MBPR FQA, Technical Manager

For further help with identification and advice on Horsetail, contact Collier Turf Care on 01328 700600