Expert: Greg Simpson - 8/13/2006

Question
We have a mature Agave - I believe it's the Americana variety.  We live in AZ.  What is the best way to prune this plant - there are some dead parts at the bottom of the plant.  And when is the best time of year to do this?  After the growing seasons (Spring/Fall)?

Thanks in advance for the info.

Answer
Dear Caryn,

The best way to prune an Agave is to pay someone else to do it (based on personal experience). You can prune it at any time, but Agaves have some of the nastiest spines around so be very careful. The best way to prune them if your going to do it is to saw them off from the bottom of the leaf upwards.

Again, be very careful!

Sincerely,

Greg