"Engquists" wrote in message
m...
Unlike most of you out there, I'm an absolute novice gardener. And
lucky me, my first major challenge is trying to clear horsetails from
a pretty massive yard that I've inherited with my new house.

Pulling them, rather chan clipping, will get more of the root, and slow them
down more. I've had some luck spot spraying with weed-b-gon or roundup.
Spray the new growth, then let them be. Spray again if they don't die back.
Use a sharp flat bladed spade to slice 12-14 inches deep all around your
yard, to cut off the nutrient supply coming in from roots outside your yard.
That, and constant pulling, will get them eventually. Don't let them get
tall, that just lets them build up the roots. It is not a one year project.
It might take several to clean it up, but you will see gradual improvement
if you keep after them.

Bob