Horsetail Removal in Colwood – A Practical, Cost‑Effective Solution from Ascent Yard Care

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Eliminate stubborn horsetail in Colwood with Ascent Yard Care’s eco‑friendly, guaranteed removal service. Owner arborist Jake Innes offers a maintenance‑focused plan, backed by 250+ five‑star reviews, city contracts, and $5 M liability insurance. Get a free quote today.

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Why Horsetail Is a Problem for Colwood Property Owners

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a perennial, fern‑like weed that thrives in the moist, shaded soils common to many Colwood neighbourhoods. Its deep rhizome network makes it one of the toughest invasive plants to control. Left unchecked, horsetail can:

• Reduce lawn density – competing aggressively for water and nutrients.
• Damage hardscapes – rhizomes push through walkways, driveways, and retaining walls.
• Lower property value – a weed‑filled yard signals neglect to potential buyers.

For property managers, the goal is to keep maintenance costs low while preserving curb appeal. A DIY spray may offer a quick fix, but without a strategic plan, the infestation will return, driving up labor and chemical expenses.

The Business Case for Professional Horsetail Removal

A professional service brings three core benefits that align with a property manager’s bottom line:

1. Guaranteed Effectiveness – Ascent Yard Care offers a 30‑day guarantee. If any horsetail survives the first treatment, the second treatment is free.
2. Targeted Application – Our eco‑friendly herbicides affect only the horsetail, leaving surrounding plants, turf, and wildlife untouched.
3. Reduced Long‑Term Costs – By eradicating the rhizome system in one comprehensive treatment, you avoid repeated applications and the labor associated with spot‑treating regrowth.

Ascent Yard Care’s Targeted Approach to Horsetail Eradication

1. Site Assessment

• Soil moisture test – Horsetail prefers wet soils; we identify drainage issues that may encourage regrowth.
• Rhizome mapping – Using a handheld GPS, we locate the underground network to focus treatment where it matters most.

2. Eco‑Friendly Herbicide Selection

Our team, led by certified arborist Jake Innes, selects herbicides that:

• Contain the active ingredient glyphosate or triclopyr in concentrations proven to kill horsetail without harming ornamental grasses.
• Are EPA‑approved and biodegradable, meeting Vancouver Island’s strict environmental standards.

3. Precision Application

• Spot‑treatment with a low‑drift sprayer – minimizes drift onto neighbouring properties.
• Foliar and basal applications – ensures the chemical reaches both the aerial shoots and the rhizome base.

4. Follow‑Up Monitoring

• 30‑day inspection – we verify kill rates and schedule any complimentary second treatment if needed.

Maintenance Schedule: Keeping Horsetail at Bay

A one‑time removal is only part of the solution. Our maintenance plan for Colwood properties includes:

Timeframe	Action	Reason
0‑30 days	Post‑treatment inspection	Confirm eradication, apply free second treatment if required
30‑90 days	Soil moisture audit	Adjust irrigation to discourage regrowth
6 months	Spot check for new shoots	Early detection prevents re‑establishment
Annually	Full property walkthrough	Integrate horsetail monitoring with other weed management tasks

By bundling horsetail monitoring with regular lawn‑care contracts, you spread costs across the year and avoid surprise expenses.

Cost‑Effective Planning for Property Managers

• Flat‑Rate Pricing – No hidden hourly fees. You receive a clear quote based on square footage and infestation level.
• Bundled Services – Combine horsetail removal with our lawn weed eradication or invasive plant programs for a 10 % discount.
• Insurance Coverage – All work is covered by $5 million liability insurance and WCB compliance, protecting you from potential claims.

Local Insights: Horsetail Hotspots in Colwood

Colwood’s microclimates create pockets where horsetail flourishes:

• The Westhills region – Shaded, high‑moisture zones near the Westhills Golf Course often host dense colonies.
• James Bay neighbourhood – Proximity to the James Bay Marsh raises groundwater levels, encouraging rhizome spread.
• Commercial parks – Areas with poorly drained soils and heavy foot traffic can become inadvertent reservoirs.

Our local experience allows us to anticipate these hotspots and tailor treatment plans accordingly, saving you time and money.

Why Choose Ascent Yard Care?

• Trusted by municipalities – We hold active contracts with the City of Victoria and the City of Langley for invasive plant eradication.
• Proven track record – Over 250 five‑star reviews across our four locations attest to consistent client satisfaction.
• Arborist expertise – Owner Jake Innes is a certified arborist with a deep understanding of plant biology, ensuring the most effective, science‑backed approach.
• Eco‑responsibility – All herbicides are selected for minimal environmental impact, aligning with Vancouver Island’s sustainability goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will the herbicide harm my lawn or garden plants?
A: No. Our targeted formulations act only on horsetail. Surrounding turf, shrubs, and wildlife remain unaffected.

Q: How long does a treatment take?
A: For an average residential lot (≈ 2,000 sq ft), the on‑site work is completed within 2‑3 hours, including assessment and application.

Q: What if the infestation returns after the guarantee period?
A: We offer a maintenance contract that includes an annual check‑up, ensuring early detection and rapid response at a reduced rate.

Take Action – Protect Your Property Today

Horsetail can silently erode the value and appearance of your Colwood property. With Ascent Yard Care’s guaranteed, eco‑friendly removal service, you gain a reliable partner who understands the economics of property management.

Ready for a free, no‑obligation quote?
Fill out the form below and let Jake Innes design a cost‑effective, maintenance‑focused plan that keeps your grounds pristine year after year.

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Article #3 of 50 – Ascent Yard Care Blog