How Do You Get Rid Of Blackberry Bushes

You get rid of blackberry bushes by digging out the roots, cutting back the canes, and staying consistent with your removal method until the plant stops coming back.
 
Blackberry bushes spread aggressively through underground rhizomes and rooting canes, so getting rid of them means you have to attack both the top growth and the root system at the same time.
 
If you only cut the canes, the bushes will bounce right back stronger than ever, so the key to getting rid of blackberry bushes for good is patience and a solid plan.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to get rid of blackberry bushes, from manual removal to chemical options, and how to keep them from returning.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Getting Rid of Blackberry Bushes Takes Real Effort

Getting rid of blackberry bushes isn’t a one-and-done task, and here’s why:

1. Blackberry Bushes Have Deep, Stubborn Roots

Blackberry bushes send out underground stems called rhizomes that can travel several feet from the main plant.
 
That means even if you pull up the visible plant, there are usually pieces of root left behind that will sprout new bushes within weeks.
 
This is the number one reason getting rid of blackberry bushes frustrates so many gardeners.
 

2. Canes Root Wherever They Touch Soil

The long, arching canes of a blackberry bush will tip over and root into the ground wherever they land.
 
So a single bush can turn into a whole thicket in one growing season if you’re not paying attention.
 
That’s why getting rid of blackberry bushes requires you to remove not just the main plant but every rooted tip you can find.
 

3. Blackberry Bushes Thrive on Disturbance

Here’s the annoying part: cutting or breaking blackberry roots often triggers them to send up even more shoots.
 
So if you go at them half-heartedly, you can actually make the problem worse.
 
That’s why a focused, repeated approach works far better than a single attempt when getting rid of blackberry bushes.
 

Manual Methods for Getting Rid of Blackberry Bushes

If you’d rather avoid chemicals, these hands-on methods can absolutely work when getting rid of blackberry bushes:

1. Dig Out the Roots Completely

This is the most effective chemical-free way of getting rid of blackberry bushes.
 
Use a shovel or mattock to loosen the soil around the base, then work the root ball out with a fork.
 
Follow every thick root you can trace, because any piece left behind can regrow.
 
It’s hard work, but for a small patch, digging is the cleanest way to get rid of blackberry bushes for good.
 

2. Cut Canes and Mow Repeatedly

For larger patches, cut the canes down to the ground with loppers or a brush cutter.
 
Then mow or cut back any new growth every couple of weeks during the growing season.
 
This starves the roots over time, and it’s a reliable way of getting rid of blackberry bushes without chemicals if you stay consistent.
 

3. Smother the Area with Mulch or Tarps

After cutting everything down, cover the ground with thick black plastic or several layers of cardboard topped with mulch.
 
Blocking sunlight stops new shoots from growing and weakens the roots underneath.
 
Leave it in place for at least one full growing season, and you’ll have much better luck getting rid of blackberry bushes in that spot.
 

Chemical Options for Getting Rid of Blackberry Bushes

When manual methods aren’t enough, herbicides can help you get rid of blackberry bushes, especially large infestations:

1. Use a Glyphosate-Based Herbicide

Glyphosate works well for getting rid of blackberry bushes because it travels down into the roots and kills them.
 
Cut the canes back first, then spray the fresh regrowth when it’s actively growing.
 
Always follow the label directions and avoid spraying on windy days or near plants you want to keep.
 

2. Try Triclopyr for Tough Patches

Triclopyr is another option that’s especially effective on woody plants like blackberry bushes.
 
You can apply it as a foliar spray or paint it directly onto freshly cut stumps.
 
This stump treatment is one of the most efficient ways of getting rid of blackberry bushes that keep coming back.
 

3. Time Your Applications Right

The best time to spray is late summer or early fall when the plant is pulling energy down into its roots.
 
That’s when herbicides do the most damage, making your efforts at getting rid of blackberry bushes far more successful.
 

How to Keep Blackberry Bushes From Coming Back

Once you’ve done the hard work of getting rid of blackberry bushes, don’t let your guard down:

1. Watch for New Shoots

Check the area every week or two during the growing season.
 
Pull or dig any new shoots immediately, before they have a chance to build up energy reserves.
 
Staying on top of regrowth is the secret to getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently.
 

2. Replant the Area

Nature hates bare ground, so plant grass, ground cover, or shrubs where the blackberries used to be.
 
Competition from other plants makes it much harder for blackberry bushes to reestablish themselves.
 

3. Keep the Soil Covered

A thick layer of mulch or a healthy lawn keeps blackberry seeds and roots from getting the light they need.
 
This simple step goes a long way toward getting rid of blackberry bushes and keeping them gone.
 

So, How Do You Get Rid of Blackberry Bushes?

You get rid of blackberry bushes by removing the roots, cutting back the canes, and repeating your method until the plant gives up.
 
Whether you dig, smother, or spray, consistency matters more than any single technique.
 
Getting rid of blackberry bushes takes time, but with a clear plan and a little patience, you can reclaim your garden for good.