I live in southern New Mexico and we have desert landscaping. We are slowly being overrun by cholla, various types of prickly pear, and yucca. Removing the cholla can be tricky. Hit it with a blade or axe and it explodes sending segments all over. Prickly pear can be cut down easily. I use a bank blade and dig up the root. Cactus removal is manageable although slow at times cause of the spines. The problem is the yucca. The leaves dry and fold down around the trunk. Anyone have any suggestions on how to cut the yucca down?