How To Get Rid Of Blackberries For Good

To get rid of blackberries for good, you need to dig out the entire root system, not just cut the canes.
 
Those stubborn plants spread through underground rhizomes and root crowns, so if any piece survives, blackberries come right back.
 
The good news is that with persistence and the right methods, you can permanently get rid of blackberries and reclaim your garden or yard.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to get rid of blackberries for good using proven techniques, plus tips to stop them returning.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why Getting Rid of Blackberries for Good Takes Work

Getting rid of blackberries for good is challenging because these plants are built to survive.
 
Here’s why they keep coming back:
 

1. Extensive Root Systems

Blackberry plants have deep, woody root crowns and spreading rhizomes underground.
 
Cutting canes alone won’t get rid of blackberries because the roots stay alive and send up new shoots.
 
You have to remove or kill the entire root system to truly get rid of blackberries.
 

2. Aggressive Growth Habits

Blackberries grow fast and spread aggressively through seeds, root suckers, and tip rooting.
 
Birds drop seeds everywhere, and canes that touch the ground root themselves.
 
That’s why a small patch can explode into a thicket if you don’t act fast to get rid of blackberries.
 

3. Tough, Thorny Canes

The thorny canes make blackberries painful to handle and hard to remove by hand.
 
Even if you cut them down, they regrow from the base stronger than before.
 
Getting rid of blackberries requires protective gear and a solid plan.
 

How to Get Rid of Blackberries for Good

To get rid of blackberries for good, combine manual removal with smothering or herbicides.
 
Here are the most effective methods:
 

1. Dig Out the Roots Completely

The most reliable way to get rid of blackberries is digging out the root crowns and rhizomes.
 
Use a mattock or shovel to loosen the soil, then pull out every piece of root you can find.
 
Sift through the soil to catch broken fragments, because even tiny pieces can regrow.
 
This method works best when the soil is moist, making roots easier to extract.
 

2. Cut and Smother with Mulch or Tarps

If digging isn’t practical, cut canes to the ground and cover the area with thick black plastic or heavy mulch.
 
Smothering blocks sunlight, which starves the roots and helps get rid of blackberries over several months.
 
Leave the cover in place for at least one full growing season to kill the root system.
 
This is a slow but chemical-free way to get rid of blackberries.
 

3. Apply Herbicides Carefully

For large infestations, herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr can help get rid of blackberries.
 
Cut canes first, then paint or spray the regrowth when plants are actively growing.
 
Always follow label instructions and avoid spraying desirable plants nearby.
 
Herbicides work best in late summer or early fall when blackberries are storing energy in their roots.
 

4. Repeated Cutting Weakens Roots

If you can’t dig or spray, cut new shoots to the ground every few weeks.
 
This depletes the roots’ energy reserves over time, eventually getting rid of blackberries for good.
 
Stay consistent, because skipping a few weeks lets the plant recover.
 

Preventing Blackberries from Coming Back

Even after you get rid of blackberries, you need to stay vigilant to keep them gone.
 
Here’s how:
 

1. Monitor and Remove New Shoots

Check the area regularly and pull any new blackberry shoots immediately.
 
Catching them early stops roots from re-establishing and makes it easier to get rid of blackberries long-term.
 

2. Maintain Thick Ground Cover

Plant dense grass or ground cover to crowd out blackberry seedlings.
 
Healthy turf shades the soil and prevents seeds from sprouting, helping you get rid of blackberries permanently.
 

3. Use Mulch or Landscape Fabric

Around garden beds, apply a thick layer of mulch or landscape fabric to block light.
 
This stops any surviving roots from getting the energy they need to regrow.
 

4. Clean Up Nearby Wild Patches

If blackberries grow on adjacent land, they’ll keep seeding your yard.
 
Work with neighbors or manage the edges of your property to reduce the source.
 

So, How Do You Get Rid of Blackberries for Good?

You get rid of blackberries for good by removing or killing the entire root system, not just cutting the canes.
 
Digging out roots, smothering with tarps, applying herbicides, or repeated cutting all work when done consistently.
 
After removal, monitor the area and maintain ground cover to stop blackberries returning.
 
With patience and persistence, you can absolutely get rid of blackberries and enjoy a clean, thorn-free space.
 
Stick with it, and those stubborn brambles won’t stand a chance.