HORSETAIL CONTROL

Professional Horsetail weed removal in Manchester and across the UK

Marestail, also known as horsetail or equisetum arvense, is a notoriously invasive, deep-rooted perennial weed. Its aggressive root system makes it one of the hardest weeds to eliminate from gardens, construction sites and commercial properties.

If you’re searching for effective horsetail weed removal or wondering how to get rid of mare’s tail weed, you’re in the right place.
At Marestail UK, we specialise in tackling this destructive plant at its source – providing expert horsetail weed treatment services designed for lasting results.

📞 Contact us for a free no-obligation quote: 0161 376 5746 or marestail@outlook.com

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marestail@outlook.com | 0161 376 5746

What is Marestail/Horsetail?

(Also known as Horsetail or equisetum arvense)

Marestail is a prehistoric plant, often described as resembling a miniature fir tree. It has brown stems in its early growth phase, eventually producing green, spindly shoots.

This invasive weed is extremely hardy, spreading both above ground and through an extensive underground root system called rhizomes. The roots can reach 7–10 feet deep, making it extraordinarily resistant to typical weed removal methods.

It is important to distinguish what Marestail is because its ability to survive almost any environment is why so many DIY treatments fail. If left untreated, it can penetrate:

Driveways and pavements
Lawns (including artificial grass areas)
Concrete foundations
Walls and structures

It spends most of its time underground, lying dormant until spring arrives or the soil above is disturbed with underground stems extending before appearing on the surface.

If grows dramatically both above ground and below ground – It can grow up to 5 feet tall above ground and between 7 to 10 feet long underground (Often well before it appears on the surface).

Faced with evolutionary pressure to compete, each plant releases billions of spores, meaning even pieces left behind after removal can lead to regrowth. What starts off as a localised issue can spiral out of control very quickly.

Marestail growth is not restricted to the vertical plane. Once it has been disturbed and entered its growth phase it has no problem freely growing outwards, which normally means into adjoining gardens or properties.

This can be poisonous to pets if ingested. Don’t risk your pets health with Marestail and act before it’s too late. Get in touch today for more information about our services or to ask any questions that you may have. Our team are happy to help.

Over the years we have seen and heard of it growing through concrete foundations, tarmac pathways, artificial lawns and even paving, making it difficult to remove completely without professional help. This invasive deep-rooted weed can take over waste ground and cultivated land alike.

What are the effects of Marestail?

Marestail means trouble for both your garden and your wider property.

As its able to take root practically anywhere, it can cause structural damage to garden fences and brick structures alike.
Its voracious appetite for nutrients reduces soil fertility.
Being especially hardy and fast-growing, Marestail has no problem with outcompeting native species for water, nutrients and sunlight.
This, in turn, damages the overall health of surrounding plant life and makes them more susceptible to diseases and pests.

Do not let this persistent weed take over your garden or damage your property. Protect your property with professional horsetail weed removal services. Contact us at 07300 236794, or book a free no-obligation quote.

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Why it’s hard to kill:

The horsetail plant has adapted over millennia to survive even the harshest conditions. Here’s why horsetail weed treatment requires specialist techniques:
Tough Root System: Pulling the plant out leaves the underground rhizomes intact, which quickly regrow.
- Herbicide Resistance: Many store-bought weedkillers cannot penetrate its protective outer layer.
- Rapid Spread: Horsetail produces billions of spores, enabling it to colonise large areas rapidly.
- Underground Growth: Long before appearing above the soil, horsetail spreads beneath the surface.
Simply applying a surface weedkiller won’t work — successful control demands a systematic, professional approach.

Control & removal:

How to Get Rid of Marestail Effectively

If you’re researching how to remove marestail, it’s important to understand that a single method rarely works.
Instead, the best strategies combine several techniques:

1. Mechanical Removal
- Cut back the visible shoots regularly.
- Reduce energy available to the root system by preventing photosynthesis.
- Use professional tools to reach deep into the soil.
2. Specialist Herbicide Application
- Apply total weedkillers capable of penetrating deep-rooted plants.
- Several treatments across different growing seasons may be necessary.
- Timing treatments correctly (after cutting) improves effectiveness.
3. Soil Management
Disturbing the soil can stimulate regrowth — avoid unnecessary digging.
Mulching and soil barriers can help suppress new shoots.

4. Monitoring and Follow-Up

Regular inspections ensure early detection of regrowth.
Persistence is key to completely destroying Marestail.

At Marestail UK, we use a proven multi-step process combining these methods to deliver superior results.

Why Choose Marestail UK for Horsetail Control?

Specialist Knowledge: Years of experience managing tough invasive weeds like equisetum arvense.
Professional Products: Access to industrial-strength herbicides unavailable to the public.
Highest Standards: Every project follows a thorough treatment and monitoring plan.
Pet Safety: Treatments are managed carefully to avoid harm to pets and local wildlife.
Coverage: Serving Manchester, Greater Manchester, and throughout the North West.

Don’t waste time and money on ineffective DIY solutions. Trust the experts to protect your garden, driveway, or commercial property.

Frequently asked questions about Marestail

Is Horsetail the same as Marestail?

Yes. Marestail and Horsetail are different names for the same plant — equisetum arvense. Other names include snake grass, puzzleweed and mare’s tail weed.

What are signs of a Horsetail infestation?

Look for:

Brown stems appearing in early spring.
Fir tree-like shoots that grow rapidly upwards.
Dense mats of growth along driveways, walls and borders.

Why is Marestail so hard to destroy?

Marestail is a tough plant on account of its deep roots. Typical weed-killing methods like mowing or pulling will always leave some roots behind, which are then free to grow new shoots.

Is it even possible destroy marestail?

It is, but it is far from a quick process. Marestail removal is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process – The surface-level plant needs to be clipped or mowed, the roots and shoots need to be pulled out and the surrounding area mulched repeatedly in the mid- to long-term, depending on the severity of the infestation.

Specialist herbicides like the ones we use can speed up the process, but generally speaking destroying marestail is hard work.

Are there any household treatments?

People claim that household treatments ranging from WD40 to vinegar to salt can kill off marestail for good, these are only half-measures. No matter how effective they might be at destroying the surface-level plant, the roots will persist and continue to grow new shoots until they are properly taken care of.

Why is marestail resistant to herbicides?

Marestail has historically been repeatedly treated with standard off-the-shelf herbicides. This evolutionary pressure, however, has encouraged it to adapt accordingly. Not only is it now resistant to most herbicides, it may have even increased its spore count in response.

How to remove Marestail?

Removing Marestail is a step-by-step process that requires persistence. The best approach includes:

Cutting back the above-ground growth to weaken the plant.
Applying a professional herbicide that targets deep-rooted weeds.
Repeating treatments as necessary over multiple growing seasons.
Avoiding soil disturbance, which can trigger regrowth.

Since horsetail thrives in waste ground, driveways and disturbed soil, it’s crucial to take action early before it spreads further.

How to get rid of Marestail weed?

The most effective way to kill horsetail permanently is by using a multi-step approach that combines physical removal, herbicide application and long-term monitoring. Simply pulling it out won’t work, as even the smallest pieces left behind can regrow.

Professional removal services use specialist total weedkiller treatments to penetrate underground stems, ensuring that the plant is destroyed at the root. If you have a severe infestation, it’s best to consult experts in controlling horsetail before it spreads further.