Giany yucca: removal tips

[mike004]

I recently moved into a house, where there is a giant (8ft tall, 5ft wide) yucca plant in the front garden. It totally dominates the garden.

Removing the plant -- how deep/widespread are the roots?
Cutting it back -- looks like I'd need a machete! Can/should they be chopped back?

Thanks
Mike

 

[2scoops0406]

I don't think you can chop them back as they grow from the top. WRT the root system, as they grow in very arrid conditions normally, I wouldn't be surprised if the root system is very extensive. However in our wetter climes, maybe the roots won't need to spread as far. If it were my garden, I'd probably remove it, it sounds like it has got too big.

 

[mike004]

>WRT the root system, as they grow in very arrid conditions normally, I wouldn't be surprised if the root system is very extensive. <

Thats what I'm worried about. I suppose I could dig out the main root bowl and leave the rest under the lawn....

Mike

 

[Thermo]

the roots can be a real sod to get out sending down a long tap root straight down. Dig it out as much as you can if its like this then a good application of a proprietry root killer and you should be ok. oh and wear gloves and goggles as the leaves and spikes are an absolute sod to work near

 

[sidecar_jon]

yukka?... are you sure its not a Dracaena palm?(lots about down here in cornwall)... if you cut them down to the ground they shoot up a more manageable sizeed lower plant.