Report a Horsetail weed problem

We deal with Horsetail problems on public land we own (e.g. parks, nature reserves, allotments, playgrounds). 

Horsetail problems on highways (e.g. roads, streets, pavements and grass verges) are the responsibility of Lancashire County Council.

Problems on private land is the responsibility of the land owner and must be reported to them.

What is Horsetail?

Horsetail is a deep rooted and invasive plant species which does most of its growing underground (roots can grow up to 7ft deep into the ground).

It is a perennial plant, which means that it dies back to the ground in winter but comes up again each spring.

How to identify it?

• Upright, fir tree-like shoots (Summer)
• Fertile light brown stems, 20-50cm (10-20in) tall with a cone-like spore producing structure at the end of the stems (Spring)
• Sterile green shoots develop into fir tree-like plants 60cm (2ft) tall (Summer)

Why is it a problem?

Problems include:

• Structural damage (it can grow through footpaths and other surfaces)
• Deep roots make it hard for removal by digging out

How to report it

To report a Horsetail problem on public land we own complete the following online form:

Report an invasive weed problem

What happens next?

Once you have reported the problem, you will be contact by one of our officers to acknowledge your complaint before we investigate it.

Our Parks Team will then investigate the problem and take the appropriate steps to resolve the issue.