Tough to eliminate Horsetail weed from your garden? Consult these 5 strategies suggested by gardening pros to banish this pesky intruder.

Field horsetail, also known as Equisetum arvense, is a perennial weed that can be challenging to eradicate from a garden due to its quick spreading nature and toughness. This article provides a guide on various methods to control and manage field horsetail, based on expert recommendations.

Field horsetail produces two types of stems: light brown, leafless stems in spring that resemble toadstools, and taller, greener stems in summer that resemble small conifers. Its extensive system of underground rhizomes makes it difficult to remove from a flower bed once it enters.

Traditional methods for getting rid of weeds do not apply to field horsetail. The usual methods such as digging, hoeing, and chemical weedkillers may not be effective due to the plant's persistent underground structure. However, there are several alternative methods to manage field horsetail.

One such method is mechanical removal. A traditional digging spade with a stainless steel head and a weatherproofed hardwood shaft can be used for digging out clumps of field horsetail. Digging out as much of the horsetail as possible is the best chemical-free way to tackle the issue, but it is hard work due to the depth of the root system.

Mowing horsetail will not spread the problem and can help control it. Regularly pulling out new horsetail shoots can help manage field horsetail and diminish the root system over time. Planting dense ground cover plants, shrubs, or turfgrass can help to weaken horsetail by shading it out.

For those who prefer a chemical approach, herbicide application at the right time of the year, and applied by trained professionals, is an effective method of field horsetail control. Spraying weedkiller by professionals is an effective method, but it requires multiple treatments over several years due to the plant's extensive rhizomes.

Crushing or bruising horsetail stems before applying a weedkiller can improve results. Bark mulch can be used for an extra layer on top of heavy-duty weed-resistant matting to smother horsetail. However, it's important to note that the flame weeder, while ideally suited for removing weeds from pavers and killing weeds in gravel, may risk affecting other plants in a flower bed.

Covering and smothering horsetail with materials like landscape fabric, cardboard, and mulch can suppress its growth, but consistent monitoring and action is required. Removing clumps of horsetail gradually over time might be a more practical way to manage a field horsetail problem. Any fragment of the rhizomes left in the soil sprouts to form new plants.

Experts recommend controlling and potentially eliminating field horsetail by disrupting its habitat conditions, notably avoiding overly moist and compacted soils where it thrives, and by using consistent mechanical removal methods such as repeated mowing or digging to exhaust the plant's rhizomes. Chemical control with appropriate herbicides can be a last resort but requires care due to its persistent underground structure.

Installing deep garden edging barriers can prevent field horsetail from spreading into other areas of the garden. Ostrich ferns, reaching 4-6 feet and having a stunning vase-shape, can be planted to shade out horsetail, along with evergreen shrubs. It takes several years to get rid of field horsetail from a yard, and large infestations may never be completely eradicated.

The myth that applying lime to the soil can get rid of field horsetail has been debunked. Field horsetail thrives in sunny areas, so planting taller evergreen shrubs, perennials, and ferns that will block the sun can help to get rid of field horsetail in areas of the yard.

In conclusion, managing field horsetail requires patience, consistency, and a combination of mechanical and, if necessary, chemical methods. By understanding the characteristics of field horsetail and adopting the appropriate strategies, gardeners can effectively control this persistent weed and maintain a thriving garden.