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Getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently takes patience, persistence, and a solid plan.
These thorny invaders spread through deep roots and seeds, so a one-time cut won’t cut it.
If you’ve been asking how to get rid of blackberry bushes permanently, you’re in the right place.
You can kill blackberry bushes permanently by combining digging, smothering, and targeted herbicide use.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to get rid of blackberry bushes permanently so they never come back to haunt your garden.
Let’s dig in.
Why Getting Rid of Blackberry Bushes Permanently Is So Hard
Blackberry bushes are stubborn because they’ve evolved to survive.
Understanding why they’re so tough is the first step in getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently.
1. They Have Deep, Spreading Root Systems
Blackberry bushes send roots deep underground and spread horizontally through rhizomes.
If you only pull the top part, those roots will push up new canes within weeks.
This is the number one reason getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently requires attacking the roots, not just the visible plant.
2. Canes Root Wherever They Touch Soil
Blackberry canes arch over and root at the tips when they touch the ground.
This tip-rooting habit lets a single bush turn into a thicket fast.
So getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently means you must remove every rooted tip, not just the main clump.
3. Seeds Stay Viable for Years
Even if you kill every root, seeds in the soil can sprout for years afterward.
Birds and animals drop seeds too, so blackberry bushes can reappear from nowhere.
That’s why getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently also includes monitoring the area long after the first removal.
How to Get Rid of Blackberry Bushes Permanently Step by Step
Here’s the most reliable method for getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently.
1. Cut the Canes Down First
Start by cutting all canes down to the ground with loppers or a brush cutter.
Wear thick gloves and long sleeves because those thorns don’t mess around.
Cutting first makes the next steps easier and exposes the root crowns.
2. Dig Out the Root Crowns and Rhizomes
Use a mattock or shovel to dig out the root balls and any thick rhizomes you can find.
Sift through the soil with a fork to catch every piece.
This is the most important step in getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently because roots left behind will regrow.
3. Smother the Area with Tarps or Cardboard
After digging, cover the ground with heavy black plastic, cardboard, or weed fabric.
Leave it in place for at least one full growing season.
Smothering starves any remaining roots of sunlight and is a powerful ally in getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently.
4. Apply Herbicide to Stumps and Regrowth
If digging isn’t enough, paint the cut stumps with a glyphosate or triclopyr-based herbicide.
Treat any new shoots the same way.
This targeted approach is often necessary for getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently on larger properties.
5. Repeat the Process for Several Seasons
No single treatment kills blackberry bushes forever.
Plan to revisit the site every few months and remove any sprouts.
Consistency is the real secret to getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Blackberry Bushes Permanently
If you’d rather skip chemicals, you can still succeed at getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently.
1. Use Boiling Water on Roots
Pour boiling water directly onto exposed roots and crowns.
It kills plant tissue on contact.
You’ll need to repeat this often, but it helps with getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently without chemicals.
2. Cover with Heavy Mulch and Replant
After digging, lay down thick mulch and plant competitive ground covers.
The shade and root competition stop blackberry bushes from returning.
This is a slow but effective route for getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently.
Common Mistakes When Getting Rid of Blackberry Bushes Permanently
Avoid these errors and your battle will be much shorter.
1. Only Cutting the Tops
Mowing or cutting alone never works.
The roots stay alive and send up new canes within weeks.
Getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently always means killing the roots.
2. Giving Up Too Soon
Most people stop after one round and then wonder why bushes return.
Persistence over two to three seasons is required for getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently.
3. Leaving Root Fragments Behind
Even a two-inch root piece can grow a new plant.
So when you’re digging, be thorough.
Every fragment you miss sets back your goal of getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently.
So, How Do You Get Rid of Blackberry Bushes Permanently?
You get rid of blackberry bushes permanently by combining cutting, digging, smothering, and repeated follow-up.
It’s not a weekend project, but it’s absolutely doable with patience.
Stay consistent, and you’ll finally win the fight against getting rid of blackberry bushes permanently.