3 Ways to Eliminate a Yucca Plant

2025 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-24 13:29

Yucca plants are robust and perennial, and it is often very difficult to get rid of them completely. Since they have a vast root system, it is virtually impossible to remove the whole network. Even if you cut the plant, the surviving roots will generate new shoots. Completely eliminating a yucca plant can take several tries.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Mulch with Paper or Cardboard

Step 1. Cut the plant down to ground level

If the log is too large to cut with shears, you may need to use an ax or chainsaw.

Step 2. Cover the areas where the yucca grew with thick pieces of cardboard or newspaper

If you use newspapers, put at least 5 or 6 layers.

Step 3. Place several inches of mulch on top of the cardboard or paper to hold it in place

Step 4. Leave the area fully covered for 1 year

You should remove the cover after a year to be sure you don't see new Yucca shoots.

Method 2 of 3: Herbicide

Step 1. Cut the yucca plant as much as possible

Remove all branches and vegetation with pruning shears, then cut off the main trunk if possible.

Step 2. Sprinkle the yucca trunk with herbicide to eliminate tree stumps

A herbicide for tree stumps can be found in most nurseries and garden stores.

Step 3. Drill a series of 5 cm deep holes about 10 cm apart around the trunk of the plant

Orient the holes downward at a 45 degree angle.

Step 4. Pour herbicide into each hole

The plant absorbs the herbicide through the trunk and circulates it in the root system of the plant.

Step 5. Check the area for sprouts

You may see some new sprouts after the main plant is removed. All the roots that have not been destroyed by the herbicide will still produce new shoots.

Step 6. Soak the sprouts with herbicide as soon as they develop

You may have to repeat the application several times to get rid of them.

Method 3 of 3: Unearth the Yucca Plant

Step 1. Dig to depths between 1.2 and 1.8m

Step 2. Eliminate the entire root system, or a large part of it

Step 3. Discover and treat new shoots with herbicides as they develop

It is practically impossible to eliminate the entire root system of a yucca plant.

Advice

Try mixing diesel or vegetable oil with the herbicide in a 50/50 ratio. Diesel oil or oil helps the herbicide to cover the trunk of the plant, increasing the rate at which the plant absorbs the herbicide.
If you have eliminated the main plant, continue to eliminate the shoots as they appear and eventually the root system will die. Without green leaves growing above ground level, plants are unable to accumulate root food underground.

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