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Yucca Extract for Trees #379015

Asked December 04, 2016, 10:33 PM EST

Is there any proven benefit to root feeding trees with a yucca extract solution to ensure adequate moisture intake by trees, both deciduous and evergreen, over the winter months?  If so, what is the recommended procedure (quantity, timing, etc.).

Arapahoe County Colorado

Expert Response

Research-proven benefit - No.  

Yuccas, some of which are called "soapweeds", contain many complex compounds called saponins.   These have soap-like properties, acting as wetting agents or surfactants by reducing surface tension of water.   These saponins may be an advantage to yucca survival in arid environments.

So, the yucca extracts "make water wetter" and supposedly more effective in hard-to-wet soils.

There are several kinds of surfactants/wetting agents available; yucca extracts as "natural" wetting agents tend to be more expensive.     Even dishwashing liquids like Dawn or Ivory could be used similarly, at a very low rate.

Winter watering of landscape trees/shrubs can be beneficial; see http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fall-and-winter-watering-7-211/

An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 07, 2016, 3:35 PM EST

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