The Downside Of Growing A Yucca Plant That You Should Consider

Homeowners and gardeners looking for low-maintenance ways to landscape a front yard for added curb appeal often turn to yucca plants (Yucca spp.). They need minimal upkeep, have towering blooms, and their sword-like leaves add a bold, architectural edge to any landscape. It all sounds picture-perfect. So, what's the catch here? Well, those sword-like leaves aren't just for show. They are actually razor sharp, and when paired with their expansive growth habit, yuccas can turn from exotic beauty to a safety risk. Their leaves end in pointy, hard tips and in landscapes with a lot of foot traffic or where children are present, yucca plants can be hazardous. 

So, it's no surprise that the yucca plant has also earned nicknames like Spanish dagger and Adam's needle. These rigid, spine-tipped leaves can easily pierce the skin, leading to painful punctures. And, if you don't clear out the plant debris from those wounds, it could lead to an inflammation, possibly requiring medical attention. But there is more to worry about with a yucca plant than just its leaves snagging clothes and shopping bags unexpectedly.

Yuccas are often promoted as low-maintenance plants or the easiest plants to grow for beginner gardeners. However, that's only true for basic care stuff. When it comes to pruning a yucca plant or its removal, it is a whole other story. If you handle them or try to prune them without thick gloves, be ready to get yourself cut a couple of times. As a precaution, you should also don protective eye wear when working with these plants. 

Also, if you don't prune them in a timely manner, the dead leaves from yucca plants will start gathering around the base of the trunk. This is not good because of two reasons: First, in dry regions, they can become a fire hazard, and second, they often attract pests such as insects and rodents seeking shelter. Then, there is the issue with their aggressive growth habit. Once established, yucca plants can get pretty big and difficult to remove. They have fibrous, dense and very robust taproot systems, with rhizomes that spread to quite a distance from the trunk of the plant. 

To cut through these roots, sometimes you might even need to use specialized tools such as chainsaws and winches. And what's even worse is the fact that even if there is a small fragment left behind, it can sprout back into new plants. All in all, if you can avoid getting injured when pruning it, you could consider growing a yucca. Otherwise, try looking into other beautiful garden plants you don't have to prune.