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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    July 3, 2015
    A.

    Here is a link.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/horsetail/horsetail-weed-control.htm

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    July 10, 2015
    A.

    Here is a link that may have a little more help.
    Best of luck.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/horsetail/horsetail-weed-control.htm

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  • Asked by
    Witchwindy on
    September 8, 2015
    Bellingham, WA

    Q.Horsetail eradication

    Horsetail eradication article does not match my experience. I have horsetail all around my yard, particularly in the flowerbeds around the foundation of my home, which are basically gravel and sand with some compost and commercial gardening medium added, so quickly draining, basically dry conditions, and this summer's long drought here in the PNW did not slow their growth or spread. Since these flowerbeds are also full of perennial flowers and bulbs, I do NOT want to lose them. How do I eradicate this pest? In previous years, I just dug the beds 2' deep and removed all roots I could see (I also have morning glory in one of those beds, the large white flowered, perennial kind which is just as difficult to eradicate) and then planted annuals in them, but I'm in my 70s now and that is a great deal of work that is very hard on my body and arthritic hands. I'd like a method that is not so labor intensive and won't disturb or destroy my wanted plants.

  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    September 10, 2015
    A.

    Horsetail has been around since the dinosaurs so it's irradication is no easy task.
    Controlling it is a more likely possibility. Hand pulling and digging it up is still the best way to do so without risking the rest of your garden.

    I did find some research that lists triclopyr as a treatment to kill Horsetail.
    Look for this at a garden center.
    Remember that any herbicide will kill everything it touches, such as your flowers.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/horsetail/horsetail-weed-control.htm

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  • Answered by
    Alisma on
    August 19, 2016
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Most herbicides that will kill clover will also kill horsetail, so I'm not sure if chemical methods will work. However, glyphosate is said to only temporarily harm horsetail:

    https://ask.extension.org/questions/169233

    Otherwise, hand weeding may be your only option.

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  • Answered by
    Jmhturnbull on
    October 18, 2016
    A.

    dear Downtoearthdigs, thank you for answering my question though I must say your answer is rather depressing. Jonathan

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    October 17, 2016
    A.

    This is called Field Horsetail.

    The organic method of control is digging the rhizomes as deeply as possible and as regularly as you can. This can take years and it may not be possible to eradicate the weeds completely.
    You can apply a chemical herbicide with glyphosate in the summer. Stepping on the plants to bend and bruise them prior to spraying can help with chemical intake into the plants.

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    May 15, 2017
    A.

    This article will help you.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/horsetail/horsetail-weed-control.htm

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