How to Dig Out a Yucca Tree Transplant

Measure out 1 to 2 feet from the trunk of the plant. Yucca plants with a larger diameter will require more distance between where you dig and the trunk. Generally, you want to begin digging at the diameter of the plant, where the longest leaves stretch out to. This will be your starting point.

Position a border shovel (a shovel with a flat edge rather than a tapered one) at the starting point established in Step 1. Place one foot on the top of the shovel blade and dig straight down into the ground. Move the shovel back and forth gently as you apply weight to the shovel to loosen packed soil.

Remove the shovel and repeat Step 2 next to the first cut in the soil. Repeat this process, working around the yucca plant and keeping an even distance from the trunk.

Insert the head of the shovel into one of the cuts in the soil. Tilt the handle down so that the blade tilts upward slightly and apply pressure to the shovel, working the blade under the plant. Repeat this process around the plant, working the blade under the plant at each cut.

Lift the yucca plant out of the hole by the base of the trunk. Do not lift the plant by the leaves.

Shake the excess dirt from the roots of the plant using your fingers, careful not to damage the roots. Remove any dead or heavily damaged roots that you come across.

Transplant the yucca right away or allow the plant to rest in a shady area for a day or two, allowing any lightly damaged roots to heal.