Controlling Horsetail

Key Information

• Also known as: mare's tail, bottle brush, horse pipe
• Scientific name: Equisetum Avernse
• Commonly found: Damp areas, waste ground, gardens
• When is it seen?: Spring/Summer - should be controlled when it reaches 15cm in height

What is horsetail?

Horsetail / mare’s tail is an easily recognised weed that is considered as a “nightmare” by many gardeners across the country. Cutting and trying to remove the weed by hand are generally ineffective, often making the problem worse as the smallest piece of root fragment left behind can develop into a whole new plant.  Many weed killers also struggle to control this weed due to its prehistoric origins and having very different biology from other plants. For this reason specific control methods are required. 

What does horsetail look like?

Horsetail is very recognisable in both of its growth stages. At the beginning of spring, the plant produces pale brown stems which are similar in appearance to an asparagus. This cone-like structure produces spores which is one of the ways that this weed spreads. Once you reach summer, the mare’s tail/horsetail begins to mature and grows into a small fir like plant (resembling a bottle brush) which can reach heights up to 60cm tall! 

How do I gain control of horsetail/mare's tail?

If you have horsetail growing within a lawn then you will be needing a selective method of control. Here at A1 Lawn we offer a great product that not only is excellent at controlling mare’s tail, but it is also suitable for home and garden users. SBK Brushwood Killer combined with the water conditioner KPlus is an extremely effective option for gaining control. The addition of the KPlus maximises the effects of the SBK.  

Alternatively, we offer a professional use product called Kurtail Evo. This is the industry leading product for horsetail control and is a total control option so must not be used on areas of grass that you are wishing to keep.  

The best time to spray horsetail is when the weed has reached 15-20cm tall rather than when the weeds first emerge. 

Once sprayed the weed usually takes 7-14 days to show any signs of control but it will take longer for it to rot down. The key is to be patient with the process. Further applications are often needed if there is any further emergence of the weed. Full control and translocation of the SBK down to the roots can take 4-5 weeks.  When the weed has completely died, it can then be raked and cleared away.

What equipment can I use?

If you are using SBK and KPlus, a hand-held sprayer can be used making it ideal for treating the weed within your garden. 

As with all pesticide applications, it is essential that you wear full Safety Clothing (PPE) (coverall, face shield, nitrile gloves) to ensure that you are protecting yourself from the chemicals that you are spraying.