Question
QUESTION: I have 2 yuccas that I inherited when I moved into my new home 5 years ago. They were both doing really well, lots of flowers & were flourishing. However, recently, they are both losing their leaves in huge quantites to the point that there are only a handful at the top of each branch.They are both about 7-8 feet tall & I would assume have been in the garden for quite alot of years. I don't want to lose them but am at a loss as to what to do to bring them back to life.

Thanks

ANSWER: Jackie:
Thanks for your inquiry. Would it be possible to email me a photo? Just a photo of most of the plant with emphasis to the bottom 2/3 of the plant. Leaf loss may indicate a stress condition to the plant. Possible change in its growing environment.  Think back a bit to review anything that (1) may have been sprayed on the plant, (2) added to the soil nearby, or (3) adverse weather conditions that may have preceeded leaf drop--sudden or unusual temperature fluctuations, hail etc, or (4) any physical evidence of injury/damage to the roots or stems, or (5)severe leaf spots.  Check those things out if you can and let me know.  There are a lot of possibilities to think about. Your photo may offer some clues.

Sometimes it is a process of elimination of potential factors.

Regards
Steve

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yucca   QUESTION: Thanks Steve. I can think of nothing that could have affected the yucca apart from the adverse british weather ! My cats occasionally run up it but I have another yucca in the front gdn that they don't run up & that one too looks ill. I've attached photos (I think !!!  as i'm new to digital photos onto a computer !) In case they haven't been sent the bark on all the stems of the plans are very scaley as well

Answer
Jackie;

I was unable to see an image attached to you message- sorry.  You had mentioned weather- any severe or sudden cold periods that may have preceeded the problem? Cold weather usually causes stem to split lengthwise and folige looks burned after a period in which foliage looks water soaked/wilted.
Here in my part of the world, they like a very well-drained soil. The biggest disease problem is a chocolate-colored elliptical shaped leaf spot- otherwise they are quite durable.

Try again to send a photo if you can. It can be a bit tricky.

Steve