Expert: Greg Simpson - 9/24/2006

Question
I am wondering what the best method of removing prickly pear cactus would be and if there is a certain time of year that is best for removal?  I live in Northern California and need to remove approxinmately 20 Sq feet of this viscious little plant.  Thank you.

Answer
Dear Sam,

My advice would be to pay someone else to do it! They can be nasty and the spines are covered with a sheath the will stay in you even if the spine is removed. If you have to do it yourself, just chop it up with a long handled shovel and dig up the root ball. As long as no pads are left, it should not re-grow.

Sincerely,

Greg