How can I get rid of yucca plants?

Answer

Once a yucca plant has grown to a large size it is difficult to remove it completely. Yuccas grow very rapidly and have a very extensive root system. With persistence, a yucca plant can be eliminated. There are a couple of safest ways to try (we do not recommend toxic chemicals, not safe for our eco system):

1. By digging the plant up manually. First cut down the trunk to ground level, then using  a spade remove the root system. Start at the perimeter and try to leave the root ball as intact as possible. Dig down about 4 - 5 feet. After the root ball has been removed, dig around the hole with a trowel or hoe and remove any pieces of root that have been left behind. Fill in the hole with new soil. It is very likely new shoots will eventually appear. These should be dug up as they appear and eventually you will be yucca-free.

2. By suffocating the plant. Begin by cutting the trunk down to ground level. Place a layer of thick cardboard or 5 - 6 layers of newspaper over the entire area around the plant where roots grow. On top of this, place a thick layer of compost. Alternatively, the area can be covered with a sheet of thick plastic which is weighted down to keep it in place. Leave the coverings in place for about a year.

 

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information

 

  • Last Updated May 08, 2023
  • Views 30323
  • Answered By Anita Finkle

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