Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a tough perennial weed that quickly spreads in lawns, garden edges, and pathways. Its deep, wiry root system makes it difficult to control with manual pulling or standard weed killers. To effectively reduce horsetail, you need herbicides that work systemically and are suited for lawn applications.
Herbicides for horsetail work by penetrating foliage and moving through the plant to weaken and suppress regrowth. Choosing products with systemic action and applying them when horsetail is actively growing improves results. Proper timing, product choice, and follow‑up applications are key to long‑term control.
In this guide, we share the best herbicides for removing horsetail in lawns, explain what to consider before buying, answer common questions, and provide reliable product recommendations with your affiliate links.
Top 10 Best Herbicide For Removing Horsetail In Lawns
1. Sedgehammer Herbicide – 1.33 oz
Sedgehammer Herbicide is a selective turf herbicide that controls sedges and difficult perennial weeds like horsetail. It works systemically by moving through the plant’s tissues to help suppress regrowth.
The granule packets dissolve in water and mix easily for sprayer application. Once dry, it’s safe for established lawns and targets actively growing horsetail shoots.
Highly rated by gardeners for tough weed pressure, Sedgehammer is a solid choice for moderate to heavy horsetail infestations in turf and landscaped areas.
2. Sedgehammer Plus Turf Herbicide – 4 Pack
This multi‑pack of Sedgehammer Plus offers extra treatment capacity, perfect for larger lawns or repeated applications. It targets perennial weeds and is effective against horsetail when applied during active growth.
Each pack dissolves in water for easy mixing with a sprayer. The concentrated formula makes it ideal for larger areas and homeowners who need multiple treatments.
Recommended for persistent horsetail problems and larger turf spaces needing ongoing weed management throughout the season.
3. Atticus Empero Nutsedge Killer – 1.33 oz
Atticus Empero contains halosulfuron‑methyl, a selective herbicide that controls tough weeds like nutsedge and contributes to horsetail suppression. While its primary label is for sedges, many turf managers use it successfully for horsetail control.
It dissolves readily in water and mixes for either spot or broadcast application. Safe for many types of turfgrass when used as directed.
Best used when horsetail is actively growing and mixed with other weed management strategies for stronger control.
4. Tenacity Turf Herbicide – 8 oz
Tenacity Turf Herbicide uses mesotrione to provide both pre‑emergent and post‑emergent weed control. It’s selective for many turf grasses and can help suppress horsetail when applied early in the growth cycle.
The systemic action weakens horsetail shoots and can contribute to longer‑term reduction when timed properly. It’s popular for broad‑spectrum lawn weed control.
Great for lawn owners looking for proactive and reactive weed suppression in one product, especially early in the season.
5. Fiesta Turf Weed Killer Herbicide Concentrate
Fiesta Turf Weed Killer uses iron chelate to target broadleaf weeds. It’s not strictly systemic, but it suppresses horsetail foliage effectively, especially when weed pressure is moderate or mixed with other weed types.
It becomes rainfast in a few hours and is considered safer for people and pets once dry. It’s a good choice if you want an alternative to synthetic herbicides.
Best used in combination with systemic products for a broader management approach to horsetail.
6. Ortho Weed B Gon Plus Crabgrass Control Ready‑to‑Use
Ortho Weed B Gon Plus is a ready‑to‑use broadleaf weed spray that helps manage above‑ground horsetail shoots and other lawn weeds. It’s convenient for spot treatment without mixing or measuring.
While it does not kill deep roots, it helps weaken horsetail foliage and reduces competition with turf. Use it alongside systemic options for best performance.
Ideal for quick spot treatments along walkways, edges, and patches of horsetail in lawns.
7. Southern Ag Amine 2,4‑D Weed Killer
Southern Ag 2,4‑D is a broadleaf weed herbicide concentrate that helps suppress horsetail foliage when applied during active growth. It’s an affordable and flexible option for lawn weed control.
Applied with a sprayer, it treats multiple broadleaf weeds and helps weaken horsetail over repeated applications. It’s best used as part of a planned weed management cycle.
Great for larger lawns and repeated seasonal treatments when combined with systemic herbicides.
8. Bonide Weed Beater Plus Crabgrass & Broadleaf Weed Killer
Bonide Weed Beater Plus is a ready‑to‑use spray that kills many broadleaf weeds including horsetail shoots. It’s easy to apply and provides visible weed decline quickly when weeds are actively growing.
Perfect for spot treatments or lawn borders. Works well in areas mixed with other weed types.
Best used in conjunction with systemic products for deeper control of persistent horsetail weeds.
9. Bonide Weed Beater Ultra Ready‑to‑Use Herbicide
Bonide Weed Beater Ultra is another ready‑to‑use weed spray that provides quick visible control of horsetail foliage. It’s simple to apply along walkways, edges, and lawn patches.
Homeowners appreciate its convenience and fast action on actively growing weeds. It doesn’t target roots deeply but helps weaken recurring shoots.
Great for routine lawn maintenance or spot control when used with systemic herbicides for deeper suppression.
10. Total Solutions Turf King Weed Killer – 4 Gallon Case
Total Solutions Turf King is a non‑selective weed killer that eliminates all vegetation it contacts. Use it carefully in non‑lawn areas, walkways, or perimeter zones where horsetail is present but turf preservation isn’t needed.
This powerful option is effective for hard patches or transition areas where horsetail and other weeds are a major issue. Avoid spraying on desirable turf unless reseeding.
Best for targeted non‑turf areas or where complete vegetation clearance is acceptable.
Buyer Guide Tips For Best Herbicide For Removing Horsetail In Lawns
Systemic vs. Contact Action: Systemic herbicides penetrate and move through weed tissues, improving suppression of tough weeds like horsetail.
Application Timing: Apply when horsetail is actively growing, typically in spring and early summer for best uptake.
Repeat Treatments: Persistent horsetail often needs multiple applications in a season for lasting control.
Spot vs. Broadcast: Use spot applications for isolated patches and broadcast sprays for widespread infestations.
Turf Safety: Always read label directions to confirm turf compatibility and avoid damage to grasses.
Surfactants: Add a non‑ionic surfactant when permitted by the label to improve herbicide uptake.
Protective Gear: Wear gloves and eye protection and avoid drift onto desirable plants.
Best Herbicide For Removing Horsetail In Lawns FAQs
1. Can horsetail be fully eradicated with herbicides?
Horsetail is resilient, and complete eradication is challenging. Systemic herbicides and repeated treatments improve suppression over time.
2. When is the best time to apply?
Apply herbicides when horsetail is actively growing — typically spring through early summer for best uptake.
3. Will these products harm my lawn?
Select products labeled safe for turf and follow instructions carefully. Non‑selective products should be used only in non‑lawn areas.
4. Do I need to reseed after treatment?
Non‑selective herbicides kill all vegetation they contact. Reseeding may be necessary where turf was removed.
5. Should I use a surfactant?
A surfactant can improve herbicide coverage and uptake when allowed by the product label.
6. How long before I see results?
Visible weed thinning often appears within 7–14 days after application.
7. Are organic options effective?
Organic or iron‑based products can suppress foliage but generally require repeat applications and are less effective on deep roots.
Conclusion
Removing horsetail in lawns is difficult but possible with the right herbicide strategy. Systemic products like Sedgehammer, Empero, and Tenacity offer the best potential for suppression when applied to actively growing weeds.
Combining systemic and contact herbicides improves overall control, especially when follow‑up applications are used. Always read and follow label instructions carefully for turf safety.
With a consistent approach and the products above, you can significantly reduce horsetail pressure in your lawn.
Choosing the right herbicide and application timing helps maintain a healthier, weed‑reduced lawn throughout the growing season.