How to Trim Different Varieties of Yuccas

Yuccas are noted for their spectacular flowers that bloom for several weeks in the late spring or early summer. They are also noted for their spiky and sharp foliage. Trimming or pruning the different yucca varieties is generally the same and, when trimming all yuccas, be sure to wear thick garden gloves as well as a thick clothing and goggles. Also, throw out any pruned foliage in a thick garbage bag rather than in the compost or directly in the trash can where someone may later get hurt by the spikes.

Loppers or shears
Knife
Garden clippers

Instructions

- 1
  Trim flower stalks off at ground level with a sharp pair of loppers or shears to clean up the plant. You can do this after the plant finishes flowering in the late spring or summer, or in the early spring the following year. Be aware, however, the seed pods yuccas form after flowering can add interest to the garden if desired.
- 2
  Prune away dead foliage at the ground with a sharp knife to improve the plant's appearance. If the yucca is a tree, cut the dead foliage as close to the trunk as possible. Do this type of pruning every year in the early spring before the yuccas begin the next growing season.
- 3
  Trim off the ends of yucca foliage to remove the razor-sharp tips with a pair of garden clippers, if desired. This may be necessary for low-growing yuccas in landscapes where children and animals play.

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