Organic control of Mares tail

There are a few ways to deal with mares tail organically:

• Dig up the rhizomes. This is the most effective way to get rid of mares tail, but it is also the most labor-intensive. You will need to dig down at least 12 inches to get all of the rhizomes, and you will need to be careful not to break any of them, as even a small piece of rhizome can regrow into a new plant.

• Smother the plant. Mares tail needs sunlight to survive, so you can smother it by covering it with a thick layer of mulch, such as compost, wood chips, or black plastic. Be sure to leave the mulch in place for at least six months, or until the mares tail is dead.

• Raise the pH of the soil. Mares tail prefers acidic soil, so you can make it more difficult for it to grow by raising the pH of the soil. You can do this by adding lime to the soil. We have a very acidic site and this may also help with other issues with some plants. 

• Plant competitive plants. Mares tail has a hard time competing with other plants, so you can plant other plants in the area to help crowd it out. Good competitive plants include grasses, sedges, and ferns.

It is important to note that all of these methods take time and effort, and there is no guarantee that they will completely eradicate mares tail. However, they can help to control the weed and reduce its spread.

Here are some additional tips for dealing with mares tail organically:

• Remove the shoots as soon as you see them. This will help to weaken the plant and prevent it from spreading.

• Avoid overwatering. Mares tail prefers moist soil, but too much water can encourage growth.

• Improve drainage. Mares tail is more likely to grow in poorly drained soil.

• Be patient. It may take several years to completely control mares tail using organic methods.