Although Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) often get the mention when people talk about yucca palms, other yucca palm trees also exist, including Peter-pan palm (Yucca filifera) and the rarer palm soapwart (Yucca decipiens). Yucca palms rarely need trimming, aside from the removal of dead leaves and fading flowers. Only damaged or problematic branches require trimming.
When a yucca's foliage dies, it turns a yellowish-tan color and curls downward. Eventually the leaves essentially wrap around the trunk of the tree, creating a thick covering, and eventually fall from the trunk. The dead leaves can appear unsightly, so you may remove them prior to them falling off. Always wear gloves when pruning the foliage, as the leaves are jagged. Use pruning shears or a serrated knife to remove the dead leaves from the tree as necessary. Dead leaves serve no use, so you must dispose of them is required.
As a yucca palm matures, it eventually branches out, although the process can take several years. Because the trees don't grow to great lengths, there's usually little reason to prune the branches, and they shouldn't be pruned unless disease, damage or space presents a problem. Pruning the branches can increase the chances of disease-causing pathogens affecting the plant. Cut all diseased and damaged branches back to healthy tissue, which is indicated by green tissue underneath the bark. If a branch has overgrown its boundaries, cut it back to where you want the new growth to begin. Using a pole saw makes the process easier and safer.
Similar to yucca shrubs, yucca palms display showy flowers that bunch up along stems that rise from the middle of the green foliage. Snipping off faded flowers at the base of the stalk helps the tree conserve energy for other purposes. Long-handled pruning shears are useful for taller trees with branches above your head.
The three-cut method refers to a strategy of pruning back thick branches, which are likely the types of branches you'll be dealing with when trimming your yucca palm. If you attempt to prune the branch in one cut, the weight of the branch may pull away from the tree with a great deal of force, injuring the trunk. By making three cuts, you reduce the amount of pressure from the falling branch. Make the first cut about 1 foot out from the spot you wish to prune back the branch, on the underside of the branch. Stopping once you cut 1/4 into the branch, make the second cut 2 inches out from the first, on the top side of the branch. About halfway through the second cut, most of the branch will fall, allowing you to make the final cut at your desired location.
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