How to Get Rid of a Cactus: A Complete Guide

Cacti are iconic plants of the desert, but their toughness allows them to thrive in many climates When a cactus becomes overgrown or unwanted on your property, getting rid of it can be challenging Their sharp spines and prickly nature make cacti a literal pain to remove. However, with the right approach and safety precautions, you can successfully remove cactus from your yard.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover cactus identification, inspection, removal techniques, herbicide recommendations, and prevention. By following these steps, you can rid your landscape of nuisance cactus for good.

Identifying Cactus Plants

Over 2000 different cactus species exist, but they share some common traits:

• Succulent, spongy, green stems
• Sharp spines, glochids, or barbs
• Reduced or absent leaves
• Brightly colored flowers

Popular cacti seen in landscaping include:

• Prickly pear – Has flat, rounded pads with glochids and spines
• Cholla – Cylindrical segmented joints with barbed spines
• Barrel – Large, round, and ribbed shaped cactus
• Saguaro – Iconic columnar cactus of the Sonoran Desert
• Opuntia – Genus including prickly pear cacti

Before removal, confirm the cactus species to use proper techniques Contact a local expert if identification is unclear Proper ID sets you up for success.

Inspect the Infestation

Walk your property to map where cacti are located and the extent of growth. Take note of:

• Heavily infested areas
• Isolated plants scattered throughout the landscape
• Proximity to sidewalks, foundations, etc.

Documenting the growth patterns helps determine optimal removal methods. Keep kids and pets away during inspection. And wear thick gloves and long sleeves for protection from spines.

For large, dense clusters mechanical extraction works best. But for a few isolated plants, chemical control or manual removal is better.

Mechanical Removal

Mechanical extraction uses equipment to clear heavily infested areas efficiently. Methods include:

Skid Steer Loaders: Loaders with attachments like brush grapples grab and uproot plants. Remove all roots to prevent regrowth.

Tractor Plows: Plows rip out cactus clusters. Use plow blades or ripper attachments. Plow to at least 8 inch depth.

Bulldozers: Dozers push and uproot cacti using angled, downpressure blades.

Excavators: Excavator buckets and grapples extract cactus plants. Great for removing large barrel cacti.

Pros:

• Removes dense infestations
• Uproots entire plants
• Fast removal of many plants

Cons:

• High rental costs for equipment
• Risk of collateral damage to landscape
• Distinguishing cactus from desired plants challenging
• Remaining roots may resprout

Mechanical removal is ideal for large, impenetrable cactus clusters. But it likely isn’t practical for a few scattered plants.

Chemical Control

Applying herbicide provides an affordable, effective solution for cactus control. Systemic options include:

• Glyphosate: Non-selective, absorbed through pads and stems. Known products are Roundup, Rodeo, Killzall.

• Imazapyr: Non-selective, persists in soil. Sold as Polaris, Chopper, Arsenal, Habitat.

• Picloram: Selective control of broadleaf and woody plants. Found in Tordon, Grazon, Access.

Follow herbicide labels for proper mixing, timing, and safety. Here are the basic steps:

• Mix herbicide solution per label rate.
• Spray directly onto cactus pads using backpack or tank sprayer.
• Thoroughly wet pads but avoid runoff.
• Monitor and reapply to any regrowth.

Herbicide works best on smaller cacti, not dense thickets. It also keeps operators safely away from spines. Avoid contact with desired vegetation.

Manual Removal

For a few isolated cactus plants, manual extraction using hand tools is possible. But this labor intensive approach requires extreme caution. Leather gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and shovels are essential.

• Carefully dig around the cactus base exposing roots.
• Lever the plant back and forth to loosen roots.
• Grasp cactus with shovel avoiding spines.
• Fully extract roots to prevent regrowth.
• Use wheelbarrow or tarp to contain and move plants.

Manual removal makes sense for small jobs. But the risk of puncture wounds from spines is high. Herbicides provide a safer DIY option.

Prevention and Maintenance

Eliminating cactus takes diligence and vigilant monitoring:

• Inspect monthly and remove new seedlings before establishing.
• Cut down missed pads and stems, applying herbicide.
• Monitor previously infested areas for years until eradicated.
• Encourage competitive grasses and groundcovers to deter regrowth.
• Install physical barriers along property edges as needed.

Persistence is vital! Continually monitor for new growth and respond quickly. Maintaining healthy lawns and vegetation also prevents cactus from returning.

FAQs

What’s the most effective way to kill cactus?

For most cases, chemical control with systemic herbicides like glyphosate or imazapyr is easiest and most effective. It provides comprehensive control when applied to pads.

How do you get rid of cactus naturally?

Boiling water kills cactus when applied directly, but is hard to reach the root. Soaking pads in vinegar may work for seedlings. Otherwise, mechanical or chemical removal is required to fully kill established cacti.

Does digging up cactus spread it?

Yes, any leftover roots or pads may resprout. So removing all plant matter is key to prevent spreading.

When’s the best time for removing cactus?

Late spring through early summer when actively growing is ideal. Herbicides also work best then. Avoid hot mid-summer periods when plants are stressed.

How long after treatment before cactus dies?

Depending on the product, size, and species, death occurs within 2-6 weeks typically. Look for wilting, shriveling, and brown stems as indicators. Retreat any new growth.

Conclusion

Removing unwanted cactus requires matching treatment methods to the extent and location of growth:

• Mechanical removal for large, dense clusters
• Herbicide application for most scenarios
• Manual extraction only for isolated plants

Persisting with prevention and monitoring is vital for lasting control. A proactive, vigilant approach minimizes regrowth. Follow these best practices and you’ll have a cactus-free landscape in no time!