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Q:
How do I get rid of a yucca plant? They have long, sharp, pointed spikes with a stalk that blooms once a year. Their roots are like sweet potatoes and the more I dig up, the thicker they get. I would like to remove these plants, and nothing I have done seems to work. Your help would be appreciated!
A:
Native to desert regions and primed for survival in adverse conditions, yuccas are notoriously difficult to eradicate once they’ve become established. As such, patience and persistence must be adopted when tackling this task. Try to physically remove as much of the plant as possible, paying particular attention to the underground rhizomes and roots. Even though it completely sterilizes the soil, saturating the area with boiling water is an easy way to “cook” and kill any roots and remnants still in the ground. Otherwise, you can spot treat stubborn roots with a full-strength weed killer. Cover the area afterwards with heavy cardboard followed by a thick layer of mulch to sufficiently block sunlight and stifle any potential new growth. Keep an eye on the area for new sprouts, and be prepared to dig them up as soon as they emerge and again spot treat the point of origin.
Best of luck!
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