How do I get rid of horsetail?
Unfortunately, you probably don't.
Horsetail is a remarkably durable weed and will likely survive anything you do in an attempt to eradicate it. You can gain some control by cutting it with a string trimmer or burning it each year before it forms spores, but that only slows it down. You can also try smothering it with black plastic, which should control it effectively in the covered areas until the plastic begins to breakdown. Organic mulches tend not to work and pulling or hoeing will only cause it to reproduce faster. There are some chemicals on the market which claim control, but that control tends to be short-lived.
The best solution seems to be to move to a property that horsetail hasn't infested.
If you have any questions or comments, please send them to me at vanessa@gardenmuse.ca.
