Getting rid of unwanted cactus in your yard can seem like a prickly problem. People often ask how to kill cholla cactus because it can be tough. You have a few ways to deal with cactus. You can dig it up by hand. Or you can use plant killer. Doing it safely is very important. This guide will show you how to get cactus out of your yard and keep it gone.
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Why Take Out Cactus?
Cactus looks nice to some people. But it can cause trouble.
* Sharp spines can hurt pets and kids.
* Cactus can spread fast.
* It can take over yard space.
* It can make it hard to walk in your yard.
* It might not fit your yard plan.
So, you might want to remove cactus for safety or for looks.
Safety First: Get the Right Gear
Getting rid of cactus means dealing with sharp spines. You must protect yourself. This is the most important step. Do not skip it.
You need special clothes and tools.
* Thick Gloves: Get gloves made for handling cactus. Leather or special rubber gloves work well. They must be thick. Regular garden gloves are not enough. Spines can go right through them.
* Long Sleeves and Pants: Wear thick clothes. A canvas jacket or heavy denim is good. Cover all your skin. Cactus spines can stick to everything.
* Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles. Spines can fly when you work. You do not want them in your eyes.
* Closed Shoes: Wear strong boots or heavy shoes. Do not wear sandals or open shoes. Cactus bits can fall on your feet.
* Face Mask: A dust mask can help. Cactus fuzz (glochids) can be very fine. They can float in the air. You do not want to breathe them in.
Having the right gear makes the job much safer. It helps you avoid painful pokes.
Getting Ready: Plan the Job
Before you start pulling or spraying, make a plan.
* Look at the Cactus: See how big it is. See how much cactus there is. Is it just one plant? Is it a big patch?
* Pick Your Method: Will you dig it up? Will you use plant killer? Or maybe both? Your choice might depend on the type of cactus and how much you have.
* Check the Weather: Do this on a day that is not windy. Wind can blow spines around. A cool day is better than a hot one. You will be working hard.
* Clear the Area: Move things away from the cactus. Move toys, furniture, or other plants. This gives you space to work. It also keeps your things safe from spines.
* Have a Place for Waste: Plan where you will put the cactus pieces. You need a safe spot. A strong trash can or a thick tarp works well.
Planning helps the work go smoothly. It helps you stay safe too.
How to Take Out Cactus By Hand (Digging)
Digging up cactus is a good way to get rid of it for good. It removes the whole plant. But it takes effort. It can be hard work. It is a good choice for smaller patches of cactus. It works well if you do not want to use chemicals.
This method uses your muscles and simple tools.
Digging Up Cactus Safely
Follow these steps to dig up cactus.
1. Put on all your safety gear. Make sure no skin shows.
2. Use long tools. Do not get too close to the plant.
3. Cut the plant into smaller pieces. Use loppers or a saw. This makes it easier to handle. Be careful! Spines are everywhere. Cut the pads or arms off the main body. Put the cut pieces aside safely.
4. Get to the base. Once the arms are off, you can see the main stem. This is usually near the ground.
5. Dig around the base. Use a shovel or a pickaxe. Dig a wide circle around the plant. Go deep enough to get under the roots. Most cactus plants have shallow roots. But they can spread wide.
6. Loosen the roots. Push your shovel under the main root ball. Rock it back and forth. Try to lift the plant out of the ground.
7. Lift the plant carefully. Use your shovel or a strong pair of tongs or pincers. Lift the main plant body out. Do not touch it with your hands, even with gloves.
8. Check the hole. Look for any roots left behind. Even a small piece can grow into a new plant. Dig out any roots you see.
9. Put the plant and pieces aside. Place them on your tarp or in your strong container. Keep them in a safe spot away from where people walk.
10. Clean the area. Check for fallen pads or bits. Pick them up carefully.
Digging works best when the soil is a little wet. It helps the roots come out easier. But not too wet. Mud makes a mess.
Tools for Cactus Removal
You need the right tools for this job. Simple garden tools work. But some tools are better for cactus.
Here are some useful tools:
* Shovel: A strong shovel for digging around the roots.
* Pickaxe or Mattock: Good for breaking up hard ground. Useful for big root systems.
* Heavy-Duty Tongs or Pincers: Long ones are best. Use these to grab cactus pieces. They keep your hands away from spines.
* Loppers or Pruning Saw: For cutting off large arms or pads. A saw works well for thick stems.
* Heavy Tarp or Thick Plastic Sheets: To place cut pieces on. This makes clean-up easier. It keeps spines from spreading.
* Strong Trash Cans or Containers: For holding the cactus waste. Metal cans are good. Thick plastic cans work too.
* Wheelbarrow: To move the heavy containers of cactus waste.
Having these tools ready makes the digging safer and faster.
Removing Prickly Pear Cactus
Prickly pear cactus is very common. It is known for its flat pads. It also has small barbed spines called glochids. These are hard to see. They stick to skin easily. Removing prickly pear cactus needs extra care because of the glochids.
The steps for removing prickly pear cactus are like general digging.
* Cut Pads: Use loppers or tongs. Grab a pad with tongs. Cut it off the main plant. Put it on your tarp. Do this for all the pads.
* Dig the Base: Dig around the main stem at the ground. Get under the roots.
* Lift the Base: Use a shovel or tongs to lift out the root part.
* Collect All Bits: Check the ground carefully. Even small pieces of pad can grow. Use a rake or broom to gather loose pieces.
* Handle with Care: Always use tongs or thick gloves. Glochids can get everywhere.
Some people burn prickly pear pads right where they fall. This kills the plant material. But burning can be risky. Check local rules before burning. Make sure it is safe.
How to Kill Cholla Cactus (Digging Method)
Cholla cactus is different from prickly pear. It often has cylindrical stems. It breaks apart easily. Cholla joints can fall off. They root easily. This makes cholla spread fast. Killing cholla cactus can be tricky because of this.
The digging method for cholla is similar but with a twist:
* Be Gentle: Cholla breaks easily. Try not to hit it hard. This sends pieces flying.
* Cut Carefully: Use loppers to cut main stems near the ground.
* Use Tongs Heavily: Use long tongs to pick up cut pieces. Cholla joints stick to things like glue. Tongs help you avoid touching them.
* Dig the Roots: Dig out the root crown. It’s usually shallow but can be wide.
* Collect Every Piece: Cholla is notorious for regrowth from small bits. Check the ground extra carefully. Rake the area. Look for any fallen joints.
* Handle Waste Safely: Seal cholla waste extra well. Those joints will root even in the trash.
Digging is a good way to remove cholla if you are careful. It removes the source. But you must be very careful to get every piece.
Using Plant Killer (Chemical Methods)
Sometimes digging is too much work. Or maybe the cactus patch is too big. In these cases, using plant killer, or herbicide, can work. Killing cactus with herbicide is another option.
Using chemicals needs care too. You must use the right product. You must use it safely.
Killing Cactus with Herbicide
Herbicides are chemicals that kill plants. Not all herbicides kill cactus well. You need one that works on tough, fleshy plants.
- What Kind to Use: Herbicides with active ingredients like glyphosate or triclopyr often work on cactus. Look for products meant for brush or tough weeds. A chemical cactus killer is often labeled for this use.
- How It Works: These chemicals go into the plant. They move through the plant and kill it over time. This takes longer than digging.
Chemical Cactus Killer Application
Applying the chemical needs to be done right.
1. Read the Label: Always read the instructions on the herbicide bottle. It tells you how much to use. It tells you how to mix it. It tells you when to use it. It tells you about safety.
2. Pick the Right Time: Apply herbicide when the cactus is growing. This is usually in warm months. The plant is taking in water and nutrients then. It will take in the chemical better. Avoid rainy or windy days.
3. Wear Safety Gear: Even for spraying, wear gloves, long sleeves, pants, and eye protection. Do not let the spray get on your skin or in your eyes.
4. Prepare the Cactus: Some people make cuts or holes in the cactus first. This helps the chemical get inside. You can chop the top off a tall cactus. You can slice into the pads of prickly pear. Or you can drill holes in thick stems. This step is not always needed. But it can help the herbicide work better.
5. Apply the Herbicide:
* Spray: Mix the herbicide as directed. Spray the cactus until it is wet. Cover all parts of the plant. Be careful not to spray other plants you want to keep.
* Paint/Drench: For thicker stems or cut surfaces, you can paint on a stronger mix of herbicide. Or pour it into holes you drilled. This targets the cactus directly.
6. Wait: It takes time for the herbicide to work. The cactus will slowly die. It might turn yellow or brown. It might get soft. This can take weeks or even months.
7. Reapply if Needed: You might need to spray again. Check the plant after a few weeks. If it is still green, spray again.
Using herbicide is less physical than digging. But it uses chemicals. Be careful around kids, pets, and other plants.
Comparing Digging and Chemical Methods
Here is a simple table to compare the two main cactus removal techniques:
| Feature | Digging Method | Chemical Method (Herbicide) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast removal | Slow (takes weeks/months to die) |
| Effort | High physical effort | Low physical effort (mostly spraying) |
| Completeness | Removes plant & roots right away | Kills plant over time, roots stay |
| Safety Risk | Spines, sharp tools, heavy lifting | Chemical exposure |
| Environment | No chemicals used | Uses chemicals, can affect soil/water |
| Regrowth Risk | Low if all pieces/roots removed | Can regrow if not enough applied |
| Cost | Tools (one time) | Herbicide cost (ongoing if needed) |
| Best For | Small patches, quick removal | Large areas, less physical ability |
Both cactus removal techniques can work. Choose the one that fits your needs best.
Getting Rid of Cactus Pieces (Disposal)
Once the cactus is out or dead, you must get rid of it. Disposing of cactus pads and other pieces safely is key. Those spines are still sharp.
- Wear Your Gear: Keep your thick gloves and other safety clothes on.
- Use Tongs: Always use long tongs or a shovel to move cactus pieces.
- Contain the Waste: Put all cactus pieces into a strong container. Thick trash bags inside a sturdy bin work well. Metal cans are very safe.
- Seal It Up: Close the container tightly. This stops pieces from falling out. It keeps people and animals safe from spines.
- Label the Waste: It is a good idea to label the bags or bin. Write “Cactus Waste – Spines” on it. This tells trash handlers to be careful.
- Check Local Rules: Find out how your local trash service handles yard waste with thorns. Some places have special rules. You might need to take it to a specific place. You might need to bag it in a certain way.
Disposing of Cactus Pads
Prickly pear pads are flat but full of spines and glochids.
* Place pads carefully into your container using tongs.
* Do not pile them too high. They can fall.
* Make sure bags are not too full or heavy to carry safely.
It’s better to use more bags or bins than one overstuffed one.
Composting Cactus?
You can sometimes compost dead cactus. But be very careful.
* The cactus must be completely dead. If it’s still alive, it will grow in your compost pile.
* The spines might break down slowly.
* A hot compost pile works best. It helps break down the plant fast.
* Handle finished compost with care. Spines might still be in it.
For most home gardeners, putting cactus waste in the trash is safer and easier.
Stopping Cactus From Coming Back (Preventing Regrowth)
You did all that work. You want the cactus to stay gone. Preventing cactus regrowth is important.
- Get All the Roots and Pieces: This is the most important step, especially if you dug the cactus out. Check the area many times. Cactus is tough. A small piece can start a new plant. This is true for prickly pear pads and cholla joints.
- Check the Area Often: For months or even a year after removing the cactus, look at the spot. If you see any tiny new cactus plants, remove them right away. It’s much easier to pull a small seedling.
- Consider Ground Cover: Once the area is clear, you can put down a thick layer of mulch. Or plant other things there. This can make it harder for cactus seeds or small pieces to grow.
- Improve Soil Drainage: Some cactus likes dry, poor soil. Making your soil richer or better at holding water might make the spot less nice for cactus. This is a longer-term idea.
- Use a Pre-Emergent Herbicide: Some herbicides stop seeds from growing. You could use one after removing the cactus. It might stop new cactus from sprouting from seeds. But this might not work for pieces that root. Read the label carefully.
Regrowth is common with cactus. Be ready to deal with any new sprouts you see. Acting fast makes it easier.
When to Ask for Help (Professional Service)
Sometimes the job is too big or too dangerous. This is when you call a professional cactus removal service.
Professional Cactus Removal Service
Why call a pro?
* Large Areas: If you have a whole hillside of cactus. Or a very big patch in your yard.
* Big Plants: If the cactus is very tall or wide. It might be too heavy or dangerous for you to handle.
* Dangerous Types: Some cactus types are harder to remove safely than others. Cholla can be very tricky because it sticks to everything.
* Lack of Tools: You might not have the right heavy tools or ways to haul away the waste.
* Safety Concerns: You might not feel safe doing it yourself. Maybe you are not strong enough. Or you live in an area where safety is extra important (near a school, park, etc.).
* Guaranteed Work: A professional service knows cactus removal techniques. They know how to reduce regrowth. They might offer a guarantee.
What to expect from a professional service:
* They will visit your yard to see the job.
* They will give you a price estimate.
* They have the right tools for cactus removal. This includes heavy machinery if needed.
* They have the right safety gear.
* They know how to dispose of the cactus waste safely and correctly based on local rules.
* They can work faster than you might alone.
Using a professional cactus removal service costs money. But it saves you time, effort, and risk of injury. It is a good choice for big or tough jobs.
Different Kinds of Cactus: What to Know
Different types of cactus can be in yards. Knowing what kind you have can help you remove it.
- Prickly Pear (Opuntia): Flat pads, easy to break, has glochids. Removing prickly pear cactus needs care with pads and tiny spines.
- Cholla (Cylindropuntia): Round or cylindrical stems, breaks easily at joints, joints root fast. How to kill cholla cactus means being very careful to get all the pieces.
- Barrel Cactus: Round shape, heavy, big spines. Needs careful digging because it’s heavy.
- Columnar Cactus (like Saguaro or Organ Pipe): Tall, tree-like. Can be very large and heavy. Often requires professional removal due to size and weight.
The general methods (digging, chemical) work for most types. But paying attention to how each type grows and breaks apart helps you do the job better and safer. Cactus removal techniques might change slightly for different types.
Making the Decision
You have learned about the main ways to remove cactus.
- Digging is hard work but gets rid of the plant fast.
- Using chemical cactus killer is easier work but takes a long time.
- Disposing of cactus pads and other parts needs careful handling.
- Preventing cactus regrowth means getting every piece and watching the spot.
- A professional cactus removal service is best for big or hard jobs.
Think about:
* How much cactus you have.
* What kind of cactus it is.
* How strong you are.
* What tools you have.
* If you want to use chemicals.
* Your budget (if considering a pro).
Choose the method or mix of methods that fits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about removing cactus.
Q: How fast does cactus grow back?
A: Cactus can grow back very fast from pieces left behind. A small pad or joint can start a new plant in weeks or months, especially if it gets water. Seeds can also sprout later.
Q: Can I just mow over small cactus?
A: No, this is a bad idea. Mowing will cut the cactus into many pieces. Each piece can root and grow a new plant. It makes the problem much worse. Plus, it can ruin your mower and send spines flying.
Q: Is burning cactus a good way to get rid of it?
A: Burning can kill cactus material. But it is risky. It can cause wildfires. Spines can pop and fly in the heat. Check local laws first. Often, it is not allowed or needs a permit.
Q: What should I do if I get a cactus spine stuck in me?
A: Small glochids can be hard to see. Try using strong tape (like duct tape) to stick to the area and pull them out. For bigger spines, use tweezers. Clean the area with soap and water. Watch for signs of infection. If you can’t get them out or the area looks bad, see a doctor. This is why safety gear is so important.
Q: Can I use vinegar to kill cactus?
A: Vinegar (acetic acid) is a weak herbicide. It might harm small or young cactus plants. But it usually does not kill the roots or larger plants. It is not as strong as commercial chemical cactus killer. You would likely need repeat use, and it might not be permanent.
Q: How do I know if the cactus is dead after spraying?
A: The cactus will stop looking green and healthy. It will turn yellow, then brown or black. It might get soft and mushy. This process takes time. If parts stay green after weeks, it might need another spray.
Q: Is digging up cactus better than using herbicide for permanent removal?
A: Digging removes the entire plant, including roots, right away. This can lead to more permanent removal if you get every piece. Herbicide kills the plant over time but leaves roots in the ground, which might decay or sprout later if not fully killed. Both can work for preventing cactus regrowth if done correctly and followed up on. Getting all pieces is key for permanence with digging, while proper application and potential reapplication are key for chemicals.
Wrapping It Up
Getting rid of cactus in your yard is a job that needs care and the right steps. Whether you choose to dig it out or use a chemical cactus killer, safety is your top concern. Wear thick gear to protect yourself from spines and glochids. Use the right tools for cactus removal to make the job easier and safer.
Remember to handle the waste carefully, disposing of cactus pads and other pieces in sealed containers. Check the area often after the main removal to catch any regrowth early. For big or tough cactus problems, calling a professional cactus removal service is a smart choice.
With the right plan and effort, you can clear your yard of unwanted cactus safely and make sure it stays gone for good.