With their sharp spines and prickly nature, cacti can be a nuisance in landscaping and gardens. While cactus plants are iconic symbols of the desert southwest, their toughness allows them to thrive in many climates. When cactus becomes overgrown or unwanted on your property, getting rid of it requires strategic removal methods.
Removing established cactus by hand can prove challenging and painful. Herbicides provide an effective chemical control option. Or for isolated plants, mechanical extraction may work. This comprehensive guide covers identification, inspection, removal techniques, herbicide recommendations, and prevention to rid your landscape of unwanted cactus.
Identifying Cactus Plants
Over 2000 cactus species exist, but they share common traits
- Succulent, spongy, green stems
- Sharp spines, glochids, or barbs
- Reduced or absent leaves
- Bright colored flowers
Popular landscape cacti:
- Prickly pear – Flat, rounded pads with glochids and spines
- Cholla – Cylindrical joints with barbed spines
- Barrel cactus – Large, round, and ribbed
- Saguaro – Iconic columnar cactus of the Sonoran Desert
- Opuntia – Prickly pear genus with flat, oval pads
Confirm cactus identification before treatment. Contact an expert if unsure. Proper ID ensures using the right removal methods.
Inspect the Infestation
Walk your property to determine cactus locations and extent of growth. Note:
- Heavily infested areas
- Isolated plants scattered through landscape
- Location proximity to sidewalks, foundations, etc.
Documenting growth patterns helps determine optimal removal techniques Keep children and pets away from cacti during inspection Wear thick gloves and long sleeves for protection.
For large, dense infestations, mechanical removal works best. When cactus is limited to just a few isolated plants, chemical control or hand removal are likely better options.
Mechanical Removal
Extracting established cactus by machines effectively clears heavily infested areas. Methods include:
Skid Steer Loaders: Loaders with hydraulic attachments grab and uproot plants. Attachments like brush grapples work well. Just take care to remove all roots to prevent regrowth.
Tractor Plows: Plows rip cactus clusters out of the ground. Use plow blades or ripper attachments. Plow to at least 8 inches depth.
Bulldozers: Dozers push over and uproot cacti. Angle and downpressure blades to rip plants from soil.
Excavators: Excavators utilize buckets and grapples to extract cactus. Use an excavator for removing large barrel cacti.
Pros:
- Removes dense infestations
- Uproots entire plants
- Fast removal of many plants
Cons:
- High equipment rental costs
- Risk of collateral damage to landscape
- Distinguished plant vs. weed challenging
- Remaining roots may resprout
Mechanical removal works best for large, impenetrable cactus clusters. It likely isn’t practical for removing a few scattered plants.
Chemical Control
Applying herbicides provides an affordable, effective means for controlling cactus. Systemic herbicide options include:
Glyphosate
- Non-selective, broad-spectrum herbicide
- Absorbed through cactus pads and stems
- Known commercial products: Roundup, Rodeo, Killzall
Imazapyr
- Non-selective, soil-residual control
- Persists in soil to prevent regrowth
- Sold as Polaris, Chopper, Arsenal, Habitat
Picloram
- Selective control of broadleaf and woody plants
- Translocates throughout cactus
- Found in Tordon, Grazon, and Access
Follow herbicide labels for proper mixing, application timing, and safety precautions. Here are the basic steps:
- Mix herbicide solution according to label rate.
- Apply directly to cactus pads using a backpack or tank sprayer.
- Thoroughly wet all pads but avoid runoff.
- Monitor and reapply to new growth.
Chemical control works best on smaller cactus plants rather than dense thickets. It also keeps operators safely away from spines. Just take care to avoid herbicide contact with desired vegetation.
Hand Removal
For a few isolated cactus plants, manual extraction using hand tools is possible. This labor-intensive approach requires caution. Leather gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and shovels are essential.
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Carefully dig around the cactus base exposing the roots.
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Lever the plant back and forth to loosen the roots.
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Grasp clumps with shovels avoiding contact with spines.
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Fully extract roots to prevent regrowth.
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Use a wheelbarrow or tarp to contain and move plants.
Hand removal makes sense for small jobs. But the close contact poses risks of cuts and puncture wounds from spines. Herbicides provide a safer DIY option.
Prevention and Maintenance
Eliminating cactus takes diligence and ongoing monitoring. Here are tips for preventing regrowth:
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Inspect monthly and remove new seedlings before establishing.
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Cut down missed pads or stems with herbicide application.
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Monitor previously infested areas for years until eradicated.
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Encourage growth of competitive grasses and groundcovers.
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Install physical barriers along fence lines or property edges.
Persistence is key! Have a plan to continually monitor for new growth and respond quickly. Maintaining healthy lawns and desirable vegetation also helps deter cactus regrowth.
FAQs
What is the most effective way to kill cactus?
For most scenarios, chemical control using systemic herbicides is the easiest and most effective method. Glyphosate or imazapyr applied directly to pads translocates throughout the plant. This provides comprehensive control.
How do you get rid of cactus naturally?
Boiling water kills cactus when applied directly, but it’s challenging to reach the root. Dousing pads with vinegar may work for small seedlings. Otherwise, removal mechanically or with herbicide is required to fully kill established cactus.
Does digging up cactus spread it?
It can. Any roots or root fragments left behind may resprout. Cactus also readily propagates from fallen pads that take root. Removing all roots and plant matter is key to prevent spreading.
What time of year is best for removing cactus?
Late spring to early summer when cactus are actively growing is prime time for removal. Herbicides also translocate most effectively then. Avoid hot mid-summer periods when plants are stressed.
How long does it take for cactus to die after herbicide treatment?
Depending on the product, size, and species, death occurs within 2-6 weeks typically. Indicators include wilting, shriveling, and brown stems. Monitor treated plants for regrowth. Retreat if any new pads appear.
The Takeaway
Removing unwanted cactus requires matching treatment methods to the extent and location of growth:
- Mechanical extraction for large, dense clusters
- Herbicide application for most scenarios
- Hand removal only for isolated plants
Persevering with prevention and monitoring is key to lasting cactus control. A proactive, vigilant approach minimizes regrowth. So take steps now for a cactus-free landscape long-term.
