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You get rid of blackberries by being persistent and using a combination of methods that work together.
It’s not a one-and-done task, but with the right strategy, you can reclaim your garden and get rid of blackberries for good.
If you’ve been battling these thorny invaders and wondering how to get rid of blackberries, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to get rid of blackberries using proven techniques, from digging them out to smothering them, and we’ll share tips to stop them from coming back.
Let’s get started.
Why You Need to Get Rid of Blackberries
Blackberries are delicious, but when they take over, they become a nightmare.
Knowing why you need to get rid of blackberries helps you stay motivated during the process.
1. They Spread Aggressively
Blackberries spread through seeds, root suckers, and tip layering, where canes touch the ground and root themselves.
That means if you don’t get rid of blackberries completely, they’ll keep multiplying.
A single patch can turn into a thicket in just one season.
2. They Crowd Out Other Plants
When blackberries take hold, they shade out everything else.
If you want to get rid of blackberries, you have to act before they smother your flowers, vegetables, or shrubs.
Their dense growth steals water and nutrients, leaving other plants struggling to survive.
3. They’re Hard to Control Once Established
The longer you wait, the harder it is to get rid of blackberries.
Their deep, woody roots store energy, so even if you cut the canes, they’ll regrow.
To truly get rid of blackberries, you need to attack the roots, not just the visible growth.
Effective Methods to Get Rid of Blackberries
So how do you get rid of blackberries effectively?
You combine several methods for the best results.
1. Dig Them Out by Hand
For small patches, digging is the most direct way to get rid of blackberries.
Use a fork or spade to loosen the soil around the base.
Then pull up the roots, making sure to remove as much of the root system as possible.
Any root fragments left behind can sprout new plants, so be thorough.
This method works best when the soil is moist, making it easier to get rid of blackberries without breaking the roots.
2. Smother Them with Mulch or Cardboard
If you want to get rid of blackberries without digging, smothering is a great option.
Cut the canes down to the ground first.
Then cover the area with thick cardboard or several layers of newspaper.
Top it with wood chips, compost, or black plastic.
This blocks sunlight and prevents regrowth.
It takes a few months, but it’s an effective way to get rid of blackberries naturally.
3. Use Herbicides Carefully
For large infestations, herbicides can help get rid of blackberries.
Choose a glyphosate-based or triclopyr-based product labeled for blackberry control.
Apply it to the leaves when the plant is actively growing, usually in late summer or early fall.
Be careful not to spray desirable plants, and always follow the instructions.
It may take more than one application to fully get rid of blackberries.
4. Mow Repeatedly
Mowing won’t kill the roots, but it weakens the plant over time.
If you consistently cut the canes before they flower, you’ll eventually get rid of blackberries by starving the roots.
This works best in combination with other methods.
Tips to Make Sure You Get Rid of Blackberries for Good
Getting rid of blackberries takes patience, but these tips will help you finish the job.
1. Remove All Roots
When you dig, go deep and wide.
Blackberry roots can spread several feet, so if you want to get rid of blackberries, you have to remove them all.
Sift through the soil with your hands to find every piece.
2. Dispose of Debris Properly
Don’t compost blackberry canes or roots.
They can survive and regrow.
Bag them and put them in the trash, or burn them if allowed.
This ensures you truly get rid of blackberries and don’t just move them around.
3. Monitor and Repeat
Even after you get rid of blackberries, new shoots may appear.
Check the area regularly and pull any new growth immediately.
Consistency is key to staying blackberry-free.
4. Use a Barrier
If blackberries keep coming back from a neighboring property, install a root barrier.
Bury a thick plastic or metal edging at least 12 inches deep along the boundary.
This helps prevent them from spreading into your garden and makes it easier to get rid of blackberries when they do pop up.
So, How Do You Get Rid of Blackberries?
You get rid of blackberries by combining digging, smothering, mowing, and, if needed, herbicides.
It’s not a quick fix, but with persistence, you can get rid of blackberries and keep them from coming back.
Remember to remove all roots, dispose of debris properly, and monitor the area for new growth.
With these strategies, you’ll finally get rid of blackberries and enjoy a garden free from their thorny grip.