How To Dig Up Blackberry Roots

To dig up blackberry roots, you need to remove the entire root ball and all lateral roots, not just the top portion of the plant.
 
This is because blackberry roots are perennial and will regenerate new canes if any piece of the root system is left behind.
 
If you’ve been battling a stubborn blackberry patch and wondering how to dig up blackberry roots for good, you’re in the right place.
 
The key is understanding how blackberry roots grow and then using the right tools and techniques to remove them completely.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to dig up blackberry roots step by step, the best time to do it, and how to make sure they don’t come back.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why You Need to Dig Up Blackberry Roots Completely

Digging up blackberry roots completely is the only way to permanently remove these aggressive plants.
 
Here’s why partial removal almost always fails:
 

1. Blackberry Roots Spread Underground

Blackberry roots don’t just sit under the cane you see above ground.
 
They spread horizontally through the soil, sometimes reaching several feet away from the main plant.
 
These lateral roots send up new shoots called suckers, which is why a single blackberry plant can turn into a thicket in just one or two seasons.
 
If you only pull the visible canes, those underground roots will simply push up fresh growth.
 

2. The Root Crown Stores Energy

At the center of every blackberry plant is a woody root crown.
 
This crown stores energy that the plant uses to survive disturbances like cutting or burning.
 
When you dig up blackberry roots, you have to remove this crown entirely.
 
Leave even a chunk of it behind and the plant will regenerate from that stored energy.
 

3. Small Root Fragments Can Regrow

Blackberry roots are tough and fibrous, and even small fragments left in the soil can sprout new plants.
 
This is why simply chopping at the roots with a shovel isn’t enough.
 
You need to sift through the soil and remove as much of the root system as possible, especially the thicker roots near the crown.
 

How to Dig Up Blackberry Roots Step by Step

Knowing how to dig up blackberry roots properly makes the job much easier and saves you from repeat battles.
 
Here’s the process that works:
 

1. Water the Soil Before You Start

Soaking the ground a day or two before you plan to dig up blackberry roots softens the soil.
 
Soft soil lets you pull more of the root system out intact instead of snapping roots off underground.
 
Aim for moist but not muddy conditions so you can still work efficiently.
 

2. Cut Back the Canes First

Before you dig up blackberry roots, cut the canes down to about six inches above the ground.
 
This gives you clear access to the base of the plant and makes it easier to see where the root crown sits.
 
Use loppers or pruning shears and wear thick gloves because those thorns are unforgiving.
 

3. Dig Around the Root Crown

Use a sharp spade or garden fork to dig a wide circle around the root crown, about 12 to 18 inches out from the base.
 
Work the fork under the crown and lever it upward to loosen the roots.
 
When you dig up blackberry roots, it helps to loosen the entire root ball before trying to lift it.
 

4. Pull and Sift the Roots Out

Once the crown is loose, grab the base of the plant and pull firmly while wiggling it side to side.
 
Then use your hands or a hand cultivator to sift through the soil and remove any remaining root pieces.
 
Every piece you remove now is one less piece that could regrow later.
 

5. Dispose of the Roots Properly

Don’t toss blackberry roots into your compost pile because they’ll happily regrow there.
 
Bag them up and send them to the landfill, or let them dry out completely in the sun before disposing of them.
 
If you want to dig up blackberry roots and be done with them, this step matters more than most people realize.
 

Best Time to Dig Up Blackberry Roots

The best time to dig up blackberry roots is in late fall or early winter when the plant is dormant.
 
During dormancy, the plant isn’t actively pushing new growth, so it’s less likely to rebound quickly from disturbance.
 
The soil is also usually softer after fall rains, which makes digging easier.
 
If you can’t wait, early spring works too, but you’ll need to be extra thorough because the plant is primed for growth.
 

What About Herbicides?

Some gardeners combine digging with herbicide application for stubborn patches.
 
Cut the canes and paint the fresh cuts with a systemic herbicide, then wait for the roots to die before digging them up.
 
This approach can make it easier to dig up blackberry roots, especially in heavily infested areas.
 
Always follow the product instructions and check local regulations before using herbicides.
 

So, How Do You Dig Up Blackberry Roots?

You dig up blackberry roots by removing the entire root crown, the lateral roots, and any fragments you can find in the surrounding soil.
 
This means cutting back the canes, loosening the soil around the crown, pulling the root system out, and sifting through the dirt to catch leftovers.
 
The best time to dig up blackberry roots is during dormancy in late fall or early winter when the plant is weakest.
 
Do it right the first time and you won’t have to dig up blackberry roots again next season.