Yucca is a tough perennial plant that has a complex network of roots that spreads everywhere where it grows. Getting rid of them can be a difficult and tedious task as yuccas often grow back after being visibly dead. By digging up the plant or applying herbicides regularly, you can kill the yucca and make sure it doesn't grow back.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Digging Yucca
Step 1. Use a saw, machete, or cutting shears to cut the plant parts until only the stump remains
Cut all branches, leaves, and shoots growing from the main stem. The yucca root tissue may be quite large, depending on the size of the plant. Leaving just the stump will make it easier for you to see where to start digging.
You can dispose of the yucca with any trimmed grass or other plants. Alternatively, yucca has many uses for household products, such as making soap, weaving into baskets, and cooking
Step 2. Dig a hole about 1 meter around the base of the plant with a hoe
The root tissue of the yucca is so large that you have to make a hole much wider than the stump. Determine the boundary by measuring from the center of the plant to the point where the hole will begin to be dug.
If the area around the yucca is narrow, digging may not be an ideal option for removing the yucca as other plants can also dig up
Step 3. Dig 1-1, 2 m deep into the soil
Yucca roots can grow deep into the soil and you should remove as much of them as possible. Work from the outer edge of the hole toward the center of the plant and keep digging until no more roots are found.
If the hoe hits the root, don't cut it right away. Dig around until all the roots along with the plant stump can be removed at once. Cutting the roots will only make yucca removal more difficult
Step 4. Check for any remaining roots and apply a stump remover
Once the plant and roots have been removed, inspect the hole and check to see if there are any roots remaining in the soil. If any, remove them as much as possible and apply a stump remover-also known as potassium nitrate-to the soil near the roots.
If you are using a stump remover, be aware that it can also kill other plants in the vicinity. The soil will be ready for planting about 2-3 months after application of the stump remover
Step 5. Leave the hole open for 2-3 weeks to allow the sun to dry the soil
As with other plants, yucca roots will dry out when exposed to the sun. If any roots remain, leave the hole open for a few weeks before backfilling to ensure the roots dry out and die.
For safety reasons, circle the hole with a rope to prevent animals or children from slipping or falling into it and getting hurt
Step 6. Monitor the area for new plants
Keep an eye on the area after the hole is backfilled with soil. New shoots can grow quickly. Dig up the shoots as soon as they appear.
New shoots can appear even a month after the hole is filled. So, check as often as possible and remove the shoots immediately by digging up the roots
Method 2 of 2: Applying Herbicides
Step 1. Use cutting shears to cut the plant down to the base
Remove as much of the plant as possible by cutting the leaves until only the stump remains. That way, the herbicide can work optimally to kill the roots which are the most important part to be eradicated.
- The best time to get rid of yucca is in the dry season when the plant is more difficult to grow and is not as hardy as usual.
- If the yucca is very large, use a saw or machete to cut the stems completely.
- If you are using cutting shears, start by cutting at the top, then gradually working your way down. Remove as many plants as possible in each cut.
Step 2. Apply the herbicide at certain times that are not too hot
Getting rid of yucca with herbicides must be done at the right time and in the right way. Apply the herbicide when it is most effective, i.e. in a certain temperature range, depending on the type. Read the label of the product you purchased to know when to spray it.
Step 3. Mix 540 g of herbicide with 3.6 kg of diesel fuel or cooking oil in a spray bottle
The recommended herbicide is the Remedy brand which is specially formulated for yucca and other tough plants. You can buy it at a plant store or online. Pour the herbicide first, then add diesel fuel or cooking oil.
- Wear protective clothing when handling chemicals, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective eyewear.
- You can also buy a mixture of Remedy and diesel fuel or cooking oil that is ready to use, but it is more expensive and is just as effective as making your own at home.
- If the spray bottle is not big enough to accommodate the volume of the mixture, just make it in a large bucket.
Step 4. Pour the solution into a spray bottle if you mix it in a different container
Insert the funnel into the mouth of the bottle and carefully pour the solution into it. Do it slowly so as not to splash or spill.
The remaining solution can be stored in the bucket for up to about a week. Cover the bucket with a lid, towel, or cardboard to prevent contamination of the herbicide
Step 5. Attach the 5500-X1 type spray tube to the bottle mouth
If the bottle doesn't have a spray tube installed, just take the 5500-X1 type and screw it into its mouth. With this pipe, the liquid spray will be conical.
Conical nozzles are a good choice for spraying herbicides because they can be applied more precisely so that the soil and other plants in the garden are not exposed
Step 6. Shake or stir the solution vigorously for 15 seconds before spraying
Once the solution is made, stir it with a paint stirrer or shake it in a bowl to mix the oil and herbicide thoroughly. Stirring will prevent the herbicide from settling to the bottom of the container.
If the solution that has been made is not going to be used immediately, stir or shake it just before using it later
Step 7. Spray the solution into the center of the stump for 2 seconds
Attach a conical spray tube to a small hand sprayer or a large industrial spray tube for applying herbicides. Aim the nozzle at the center of the stump and spray for 2 seconds. Just count out loud to make sure you spray the solution for the full 2 seconds.
Do not spray the solution when the plant is wet. If it's just raining, wait 24 hours for the stump to dry completely
Step 8. Monitor the area weekly to see if new shoots are growing
New shoots will likely appear after the yucca appears dead. So, keep an eye on the area that has been sprayed. Cut new shoots to their base as soon as they sprout and apply herbicide solution to the stump as soon as possible.
You can reapply the herbicide solution as needed, whenever new shoots appear. It will take about 2 months for the yucca to be completely eliminated
Tips
- It can take several weeks or months for new shoots to stop growing. So make sure you continue to monitor the area after digging or spraying the yucca.
- If the yucca is still growing after two to three months, ask a botanist about professional disposal of the yucca.
Warning
- Do not try to kill the yucca with insects or other invasive plants. This method is not effective and will lead to bigger problems because there are more plants and insects that need to be removed.
- Wear protective eyewear and gloves when applying herbicides.
