Q: Iβm in SaddleBrooke and have a few Thompson Yuccas. The recent winds caused one yucca to break off half way up, in the middle of its trunk.Β The breaking point looks to have had an injury at that point in its past. These plants are on the expensive end and are listed as disease- and pest-free, so Iβm surprised to find myself with these issues.
A:Β Thompson yuccas (Yucca thompsoniana) are very tough plants and they do not have any known pests. They are tolerant of extreme heat and cold hardy to minus 10 degrees. The photo you sent shows what appears to be a rotten core and that made it susceptible to the winds that snapped it off. Itβs likely that the past injury you noted was the beginning of the problem and may have allowed for disease to enter and progress.
I also noticed the leaves, which are typically darker green; seem to be suffering from lack of moisture and possibly salt damage. While these plants are drought tolerant, providing irrigation every two weeks in the summer and every three weeks in the spring and fall to a depth of 12 to 18 inches is recommended and makes them look better. Regular irrigation will also help wash the salt through the root zone.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to
