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Thuja like plant in my garden (picture included)

Nora DNora D Posts: 2
in Plants

Hey guys,

So, I'm quite new to gardening, so please be patient -

A few months ago we moved to this place with my boyfriend, and we have a tiny garden, which looks quite terrible. The soil is useless, and it's full of tiny stones, brick pieces and loads and loads of weeds. I've bought weed killer, which worked quite well, but...

There's something I just can't kill! They're all over the place and they're starting to be big enough to recognise, so I thought I'd ask you.

image

The neighbour has thuja, so I have a feeling they're thuja plants indeed... But am I right?

And if so, how can I get rid of them?

Thanks for your help!! 

x

Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    Not thuja, that's a tree

    That's horsetail, a very persistant weed.

    If yoiu use the search facility on this site you'll find numerous threads on how to deal with it. Not one I've had to deal with fortunately



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    This is a weed called mare's tail.  It is prehistoric in origin and has roots that can go down 30 feet and spread most happily in poor soil.   It is very difficult to eradicate as it propagates from trhe slightest bit left in or on teh soil and has silicates in its cell structure which make it all but impervious to systemic weedkillers.

    That being said, it is possible to weaken it by constant attention with a hoe or by hand - remove all visible plant parts and leave them to dry in a sunny spot before burning or putting in the general rubbish bin.  Do not try and compost it as it will thrive and multiply.    Keep doing this so the roots get no food from photosynthesis and it will eventually weaken and die out but it may take a few years.

    You can also crush the visible parts with your boots to break down the surface cell structure and allow weedkillers to penetrate.  Then use a glyphosate based solution which will be taken down to the roots and apply it by hand so you can rub it in.  Wear rubber gloves to stop your skin absorbing the active ingredients.   Glyphosate takes two weeks to act and you will need repeat application on this weed.

     

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    Sorry can't tell a mare from a stallionimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    I think it's called both Nut.   Nasty either way.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Nora DNora D Posts: 2

    Oh, god. image thanks for all your replies. I'll try to do what you said... image

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    Don't despair.  I have loads of this in some imported soil I was offered by a farmer when I was creating a new 7 x 4 m raised bed at the front.  I then improved it with a large load of horse manure.   It's in amongst roses and clematis and geraniums and bulbs and all sorts of other lovely stuff so I can't spray.

    I just pull it when I see it and leave it to dry before binning. Constant vigilance.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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