Identify this tree please

[reckless]

Our new bungalow came with a tip, I mean very neglected garden. Most of the shrubs have been removed by ianthebuilder and we're left with mostly Horsetail and a handful of shrubs we chose to keep.

This tree has probably self-seeded but we're minded to keep it as we like the look of it. However I don't know what it is and what size it will grow to. It looks a bit like an amelanchier but I don't think it's that.

Can anyone identify it?

Also any tips for getting rid of Horsetail (or is it marestail? The invasive one that looks like something alien) It's absolutely everywhere.

Karen

 

[CWH]

I think you're spot on with amelanchier

https://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/home-garden/gardening/plants/trees/how-to-grow-an-amelanchier

Horsetail

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=257

 

[rb62]

I'd say you are correct

June berry

Horsetail is a right barsteward to get rid of I'm afraid but it can be done!

https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/solve-problems/can-i-eradicate-horsetail/

 

[reckless]

I think you're spot on with amelanchier

If that's the case, we're happy. Thanks both.

The Horsetail has had free rein for many years so it's going to take a long time to get rid.

 

[movan]

The problem getting rid of horsetail is when it comes up INBETWEEN other plants .. as you need to get every tiny piece of root... so wait wait wait and be patient before planting new plants.

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[reckless]

I'm too impatient movan! I've been without a garden for 7 years now. I've started growing plants from seed even though I've got nowhere to put them yet.

We'll do what we can with the roots then a gardener told us that repeated hoeing will weaken it.

I've just dug up a few primroses to put into pots and I had to tease the Horsetail out from their roots. Nightmare.

 

[davanne]

I feel for you with the horsetail we have it as well Max has taken up the front hedge to put a post and rail fence and on the pavement side there was loads of it it’s taken him forever to dig it all up and when he has a pile it goes straight to the local recycling centre (who said it was ok to take it there)
We’ve tried weed killer but it doesn’t seem to work just bought a weed burner so will try any escaped bits with that.
Max has just said apparently he’s been told that horsetail doesn’t like limes he is going to put that down before the weed control and stone chippings

 

[MillieMoocher]

We had a horsetail problem in a neglected garden. It was a b@gger to get rid of, but eventually we did by pulling the roots out (as you probably know, the roots run along the ground and every so often a shoot comes out through the ground). Pulling the bit you can see out doesn't really do anything.

We also spent some time putting nutrients back into the soil, as I am led to beleive that the weed thrives in poor soil. So improving the soil also helped get rid of the problem.

Then we moved. And started again, this time with bind weed

 

[reckless]

Had to give a funny for that @milliethehymer sorry. There's always something out to get you.

Karen

 

[joka250]

Try painting liquid glysophate onto the stem of the weed. Bruise the stem first and do it early autumn when it stops growing. The theory is that as the weed retreats for winter it draws the glysophate further into the root. Best of luck whatever.

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[reckless]

Thanks. We couldn't even begin to estimate how many stems there are. We're going to use a three pronged attack - hoeing, chemical warfare and removing roots when we're digging the soil which we have to do. Every time we lift a paving slab there's a mass of roots underneath

 

[lindyloot]

My Alimanchier does not look like that its just come into flower

 

[Allanm]

I had horse tail on an allotment. It was well manured and fertilised and the horse tail thrived, so improving the soil may not work. A friend on @ neighbouring allotment decided to try to dig his out, he got down 6 feet or more and still the root went down
In the end, I gave up the allotment, no matter what I did, it came back.
Good luck with yours!

 

[reckless]

The blossom and leaf shape are similar. Maybe there are different varieties?

 

[reckless]

I had horse tail on an allotment. It was well manured and fertilised and the horse tail thrived, so improving the soil may not work. A friend on @ neighbouring allotment decided to try to dig his out, he got down 6 feet or more and still the root went down
In the end, I gave up the allotment, no matter what I did, it came back.
Good luck with yours!

Well we can't give up our garden, we've only just moved in

We're resigned to a long fight. I did read of someone who experimented with 3 beds and found the best result with growing parsnips for 3 years. I want a small veg plot but not a garden full of parsnips.

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[rb62]

My Alimanchier does not look like that its just come into flower

About 20 different species

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelanchier

 

[Allanm]

Well we can't give up our garden, we've only just moved in

We're resigned to a long fight. I did read of someone who experimented with 3 beds and found the best result with growing parsnips for 3 years. I want a small veg plot but not a garden full of parsnips.

I heard parsnip wine is very good......