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.