Help - Horsetail

[mrbee]

I am after advice as i'm very confused about this weed. Since spring a weed, I think I have correctly identified as Horsetail, has overtaken a large area of my paddocks. The paddocks have been rested and seemed to be growing back really lush but on closer inspection this weed has entwined with most of the grass. From what I have read on many websites I understand this weed is toxic to all livestock inc. horses but they generally avoid it unless there is nothing else. My concern is that they will not be able to avoid all of it if it is mixed in with the blades of grass? I initially thought about getting the paddocks sprayed to wipe everything out then re-sow all them all October time but, again from what I have read, the weed may still re-appear next year as the roots are so deep so I may still be left with unusable paddocks after spending a lot of money. I have also been advised that spraying with MCPA with burn off the weed but leave the grass, It is then harrowed out and then over- seeded. This is a cheaper option but may be less effective. Any ideas? Have any of you had this weed and dealt with it effectively? Look forward to your advice .

 

[florayG]

Oh dear. I can't advise you what to do but I can advise you what NOT to do - spray with weedkiller then re-seed. Horsetail roots can live for years underground without sprouting and if you kill off all the competition it will come back stronger than ever. It's one of those weeds you have to find a way to live with, it's almost impossible to eradicate. I would suggest you find a specialist who understands this particular weed to advise you.

 

[mrbee]

Thanks for your advice. Think I have now ruled out starting the paddocks again and will hopefully be able to get in control of this awful weed with some careful management!

 

[Gloi]

This is a nightmare to get rid of. I have the blooming stuff infesting my garden. The best way is to keep the area regularly mowed very short for a couple of years which should help the grass crowd out and weaken the horsetails. How this would work in a paddock I don't know though.

 

[pennyturner]

I have exactly the same problem in my water meadow. It's always been there, but the wet spring has brought it up like never before. I was really worried earlier this year.

Although some of my ponies eat it, it doesn't seem to do them immediate harm in limited quantities. Before people scream, this is based on 15+ years of experience. If the first symptom is weight loss, then the one I've seen eating it didn't get the memo.

Nothing (short of digging out and replacing the soil to 2-3 feet) kills it, but you can make conditions less favourable by mowing / sheep grazing, and improving drainage. Personally I'm praying for a dry winter.

 

[mrbee]

I think I have got a lot of mowing ahead of me over the next few weeks! It has given me some peace of mind to hear from other people with horses living alongside this weed so thank you - I won't rip the paddocks up just yet!