Control Horsetail

Many people ask how to get rid of horsetail. The following options can be considered for how to control horsetail.

Manual/Mechanical Control:

If you are considering how to remove horsetail, physically cutting this plant and digging up the rhizomes can be a somewhat effective method of control. However, physical control can be difficult. Horsetail can re-grow from any rhizomes or spores remaining in the area.

Herbicide Control:

There are multiple options for how to kill horsetail that offer great or some control.

1. Cattail and Water Lily Control (Imox + surfactant) (for ponds or lakes) – liquids that are mixed and diluted with water and sprayed over the plants.
2. Dibrox (for ponds or lakes) – liquid that is diluted with water and sprayed over the plants, fast acting.
3. Liquid 2, 4-D (for ponds or lakes) – liquid that is diluted with water and sprayed over the plants. Most effective on treatment areas larger than a half-acre, this allows longer contact exposure time. This will give some control.

Treatment Tips:

When treating horsetail,

• With Imox or other systemic herbicides, treatment is most effective when the plants are mature or close to full grown. This allows for more plant surface to spray enough mixture on.
  • Treat in late summer to early fall to get better kill of the root systems. At this time, plants are pulling energy into their roots to store for the winter.
• With other herbicides, treat when the plants are established and actively growing.