How to Kill a Yucca Plant that Just Won't Die

Yucca plants are native to the Americas, but according to Wholesale Yucca they also grow very well along the east coast of Australia. The problem is that yucca plants sometimes grow a little too well - in fact, they can take over your garden. Removing a yucca plant from your garden can be tough, as it will keep coming back unless you get rid of all the roots. Try the following techniques to wage war on your yucca plant and banish it from your garden forever.

Smother the Yucca With Newspaper and Mulch

Start by cutting down the yucca plant. Use an ax or chainsaw to hack through the thick trunk as close to the ground as possible. Next, cover an area of several feet around the stump with several layers of newspaper and a thick layer of mulch. The idea is to prevent any new shoots from pushing up through your defenses. You'll have to be patient, however, as it can take up to a year for the roots trapped under the ground to die off.

Kill It With Herbicide

If you want to speed up the process, you can use herbicide to poison the plant. Hack off the main part of the plant, then drill down into the stump to a depth of a few inches. Pour herbicide into each hole to kill the trunk and roots of the yucca.

Brute Force Pays Off

Simply digging up the yucca plant can be a very effective removal method. However, it's very hard work, as yuccas have an extensive root system. Grab your shovel and dig down to a depth of several feet, pulling out any roots that you find. When you think you've got the last of the yucca, keep searching, as any roots left behind can put up new shoots.

Call in the Pros

If you've tried everything and your yucca just won't die, it might be time to call for help. Contact a professional tree removal service like Heritage Tree Care to get help with banishing an unwanted yucca plant from your garden. This is certainly the easiest method of getting rid of a yucca, as professionals are experienced in using all the tricks to remove this stubborn plant. Hiring a tree removal service could save you a lot of time and frustration when you're trying to kill a yucca plant that just won't die.

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