Will Weed Control Membrane Stop Mare’s Tail? The Truth!
If you’re planning to lay weed control membrane, taking a little extra time to prepare the ground properly can make all the difference. While weed membrane is incredibly effective at suppressing the vast majority of common garden weeds, there is one plant that plays by its own rules: mare’s tail (also known as horsetail).
If you’ve already got mare’s tail growing in the area, it’s important to deal with it before installing your membrane. Here’s why.
What Makes Mare’s Tail Different?
Unlike most garden weeds, mare’s tail doesn’t rely on seeds alone. It develops an enormous underground network of roots and rhizomes that can extend well over a metre into the soil. Even a tiny section of root left behind can produce new growth.
This is why mare’s tail has earned its reputation as one of the UK’s most stubborn invasive weeds.
Can Weed Control Membrane Stop Mare’s Tail?
This is a question we’re asked regularly.
Our weed control membranes work by blocking sunlight, preventing most weeds from germinating and growing. When installed over properly prepared ground, they’re extremely effective at suppressing annual weeds and many perennial weeds.
However, established mare’s tail is one of the few exceptions.
Rather than relying on light to germinate, mare’s tail uses the energy stored in its extensive root system to send up incredibly determined shoots. These shoots will look for the easiest route to the surface, often emerging through:
- Planting holes
- Membrane overlaps
- Edges of the membrane
- Small gaps around borders
- In severe infestations, even through the membrane itself
We’ve seen mare’s tail push through weed membranes much heavier than our own. It’s simply an exceptionally aggressive plant.
The Best Time to Deal With Mare’s Tail
The ideal time to tackle mare’s tail is before laying your weed membrane.
If it’s already present, spend some time reducing or eliminating it first. This usually involves:
- Applying a herbicide suitable for mare’s tail (horsetail)
- Repeating treatments as required
- Removing new shoots as soon as they appear
- Being patient while the underground root system gradually weakens
Unfortunately, there isn’t a quick fix. Because the roots grow so deeply, a single treatment rarely reaches every part of the plant.
What If You’ve Already Laid the Membrane?
Don’t panic.
If mare’s tail appears after the membrane has been installed, it doesn’t necessarily mean the membrane has failed. In many cases, the shoots are coming from an established root system that was already beneath the ground before installation.
The best approach is to:
- Remove new shoots whenever they appear.
- Apply an appropriate mare’s tail herbicide where possible.
- Continue treating any regrowth consistently.
Over time, repeated removal and treatment gradually exhausts the underground root reserves.
Good Preparation Means Better Results
No weed control membrane can honestly claim to stop every weed in every situation. The key to getting the best possible performance is preparing the ground properly before installation.
That means:
- Removing existing weeds.
- Levelling and preparing the soil.
- Treating invasive weeds like mare’s tail before laying the membrane.
- Installing the membrane with sufficient overlaps and securing it properly.
Following these steps gives your membrane the best chance of providing years of effective weed suppression.
Final Thoughts
Mare’s tail is one of the toughest weeds any gardener or landscaper will encounter. While weed control membrane remains one of the best long-term solutions for preventing the vast majority of weeds, it’s important to understand that established mare’s tail is a unique challenge.
If you know it’s present in your garden, tackle it first, then install your membrane. A little patience during the preparation stage can save a great deal of frustration later on.
If you’re unsure which weed control membrane is right for your project, or you’d like advice on preparing your ground before installation, our team is always happy to help.