Mares tail

harrys_nan

Has anyone had any luck in getting rid of this weed, it's coming in thick and fast into my garden.

spadoosh

Simple answer, no.

Its manageable on grass as it doesnt grow much quicker so regular cutting keeps it at bay.

Ive cleared areas for it inevitably to show back up a few years later, the only way i can think of getting rid of it is removing the top couple of metres of ground but then itll just come back in from the surrounding area which is full of the stuff.

Ive got a weed killer that does seem to kill it but its sporadic or at least, you need to damage the mares tail enough so the weed killer can properly take effect. Its the first year ive used it. Got rid of about 80% of what was there (As well as all the other types of weeds very quickly) The other 20% looks pretty healthy. Ill get another application on this year and see if that does it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gallup-Garden-Glyphosate-Weedkiller-GardenersDream/dp/B07FMY9GFW/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=weed+killer&qid=1566571419&s=gateway&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFHVTZCT1k5SlQ5SiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRJZD1BMDk1MjUwOTJMOVY5TEZGTE5ZTk0mZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDM1NDYxMzNQMlA2RFFKWDExREwmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Davesnave

The only weedkiller that is likely to be very effective is Kurtail, which is a professional product, though it is available on-line to anyone:


https://www.progreen.co.uk/kurtail-evo-mares-tail-weed-killer

The same company also sell a tough weedkiler for non-professional use, but it probably won't be as effective. It may well be better than standard glyphosate, but I have no experience with mare's tail. https://www.progreen.co.uk/sbk-brushwood-killer-kplus-water-conditioner-bundle

We know there are legal caveats, and possible difficulties buying 'over the counter,' but it seems it's still up to the individual what weedkillers they buy from an on-line source.

[Deleted User]

You can get rid of it - I have, over a 2 year period.
…... but you'll need to stay on top of it and have a hand sprayer ready if you see a bit of growth emerging, eventually it won't …...


It requires diligence and patience though because it's definitely not a quick fix - and - if a neighbour isn't treating theirs you will probably find a strip of it growing along that side of your garden.
Also, you'll need to section off, with cardboard or similar, areas that you don't want to get affected, I chose to kill off all the grass because the stuff was all through the lawn here.


I've used Resolva Xtra Tough, which is a systemic glyphosate based weedkiller.
It's not cheap but it worked well for me, I bought the 3 litre cartons and sprayed with a backpack/5 litre sprayer/long wand method because I had a massive area to do.


Started in the spring of 2017, sprayed thoroughly and methodically and twice a day especially through the hot, sunny, summer.
By the end of the growing season there was a 70% reduction in the area that had been worked on.


At the start of new growth showing through, in the spring of 2018, there was a very noticeable gap where the previous years infestation had been, some growth appeared but it was a lot finer and weaker - started again repeating what i'd done before and by the end of that growing season it had gone.


Spring 2019, barely a sprig, the few that did appear were fine, thin, and very weak - they got sprayed and died immediately.


Mid summer, of this year, I was able to move forwards and onto the next phase of the project.


The most important factor in killing it is to not touch it once the weedkiller has been applied, not for 6 months at least.
DO NOT TOUCH it, do not dig it over, don't disturb any of the ground around it or all your hard work will have been in vain because the roots probably won't have completely died.
Dig the next year, if you must, you will find dry, crispy, hollow roots of the stuff - that's when you can do your happy dance !


Definitely not quick fix but worth a try.

Heedtheadvice

Ours just seem to feed on weedkiller
But then not been as thorough as Cat!


Does not get rid of it but applying lime reduces growth as they thrive really well in acid conditions......

NigeWick

I've cleared it from some of my beds by digging down and getting as much root as possible. It will keep coming back until it is so weakened it can't make those last few inches to the surface.

savemoney

Weedkiller is no good unless you can remove the waxy coating on the leaves just stamp on it and rub your foot. But best way is too keep removing it when you see it. There is one weedkiller that is designed for it but I hear its not for consumers


You could use a butane burner thats designed for weeds. I have mares tale on my allotment I just pick it up

harrys_nan

Thanks, everyone.

I don't think I have much hope by all accounts of getting rid of it then, mine in all through the flower borders so the only way seems to be is dig everything up and start all over again.
As my neighbour doesn't do any gardening and it is coming from that side, I will be fighting a losing battle, so I think I will just carry on and snapping it of close to the soil so at least I can't see it.
Thanks for all your thoughts

[Deleted User]

savemoney wrote: »

Weedkiller is no good unless you can remove the waxy coating on the leaves just stamp on it and rub your foot. But best way is too keep removing it when you see it. There is one weedkiller that is designed for it but I hear its not for consumers


You could use a butane burner thats designed for weeds. I have mares tale on my allotment I just pick it up

I don't mean to argue with you but it's not actually accurate.
I've not crushed any of it and it works fine, the main point when dealing with it is to apply the weedkiller and leave it alone.
It's only by leaving it that the systemic action can fully work.

[Deleted User]

NigeWick wrote: »

I've cleared it from some of my beds by digging down and getting as much root as possible. It will keep coming back until it is so weakened it can't make those last few inches to the surface.

I tried this in a separate area and it was counterproductive as it just popped up all over the area.

[Deleted User]

harrys_nan wrote: »

Thanks, everyone.

I don't think I have much hope by all accounts of getting rid of it then, mine in all through the flower borders so the only way seems to be is dig everything up and start all over again.
As my neighbour doesn't do any gardening and it is coming from that side, I will be fighting a losing battle, so I think I will just carry on and snapping it of close to the soil so at least I can't see it.
Thanks for all your thoughts

Firstly, don't be pessimistic, it can be done.
Secondly, don't be pessimistic, it can be done.
Thirdly, you'll prune it into growth.


Start with a plan of action and then methodically work through the area.
The particular area I worked was 80' long and 40' wide - it can be done, it just needs persistence.