Commonly miscalled mare’s tail, Horsetail a highly invasive species found throughout the UK. Because it requires minimal resources, it can grow quickly in almost any location, outcompeting local flora and adversely impacting on local biodiversity. Horsetail is also toxic, poisoning and potentially killing livestock that grazes on it, making horsetail removal a particular priority in the eyes of the farming and agriculture industries.
Horsetail plants are made up of masses of tall, thin, light green leaves growing from a single step. Both leaves and stem are rough to touch. Fully grown, horsetail can hit 60cm in height. The plant’s growing season begins properly in March and lasts until the winter.
There are a number of herbicides suitable for controlling Horsetail. These chemicals are most effective when the weeds are actively growing, usually between April-October. Our specialists undertake all chemical treatment options with caution, ensuring that safety standards are met and the surrounding ecosystem will not be harmed.
We employ a variety of manual control methods for Horsetail removal. These methods are best used when chemical treatment is not possible. They include cutting back Horsetails during the summer to prevent spores spreading, and pulling out or digging up the plants entirely, taking care to remove the whole root, rhizomes and contaminated soil matter. All waste is disposed off at registered disposal sites, in accordance with the Duty of Care regulations, made under the Environmental Protection Act, 1991.
In all cases, we monitor your premises for up to five years following treatment and can provide every site with our mortgage-friendly 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee at additional cost.
