How to Remove a Yucca Plant

Yucca plants are a common sight in many gardens, but sometimes they outgrow their allotted space or become unruly. If you're looking to remove a yucca plant, there are a few different methods to choose from depending on the size of the plant and your own physical abilities. In this article, we'll go over three methods for removing a yucca plant.

Method 1: Digging Up the Yucca Plant

If the yucca plant you want to remove is relatively small, you can dig it up using a shovel or garden fork. Here's how to do it:

1. Dig a trench around the base of the yucca plant, using the shovel or garden fork to break up any roots you encounter.

2. Once you've dug all the way around the plant, push the shovel or garden fork underneath the root ball and lift it out of the ground.

3. If the plant is particularly large or heavy, you may need to enlist the help of a friend or two to lift it out of the ground.

4. Once you've removed the plant, dispose of it according to your local regulations. You may need to put it in a yard waste container or take it to a green waste facility.

Method 2: Cutting the Yucca Plant Down

If you don't want to dig up the yucca plant, you can cut it down to its base instead. Here's how:

1. Use a saw or pruning shears to cut off the leaves and stem of the yucca plant, leaving about a foot of stem sticking out of the ground.

2. Dig a trench around the base of the stem, being careful not to cut any of the roots.

3. Use a saw or axe to cut through the stem as close to the ground as possible.

4. Once you've cut through the stem, use the shovel or garden fork to loosen the root ball and lift it out of the ground.

5. Dispose of the yucca plant according to your local regulations.

Method 3: Killing the Yucca Plant

If you're unable to dig up or cut down the yucca plant, you can kill it instead. Here's how:

1. Cut the stem of the yucca plant down to its base, leaving no more than a few inches sticking out of the ground.

2. Drill several holes into the remaining stem using a large drill bit. The holes should be at least 1 inch deep.

3. Fill the holes with a herbicide that contains glyphosate, being careful not to spill it onto any other plants or surfaces.

4. Wait several weeks for the herbicide to kill the yucca plant.

5. Once the yucca plant is dead, dig it up and dispose of it according to your local regulations.

No matter which method you choose, always wear gloves and protective clothing when handling yucca plants, as their leaves can be sharp and may cause skin irritation. With these methods, you should be able to get rid of a yucca plant and free up space in your garden.