How To Get Rid Of Wild Blackberry Bushes

Getting rid of wild blackberry bushes is best done by cutting them down to the ground and then digging out the root crowns.
 
You can also smother them with thick black plastic or repeated mowing, but you have to stay consistent.
 
If you’ve ever asked yourself how to get rid of wild blackberry bushes, you’re in the right place.
 
These thorny invaders spread through underground roots and seeds, so killing the top growth alone won’t finish the job.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to get rid of wild blackberry bushes using manual, chemical, and natural methods that actually work.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Getting Rid of Wild Blackberry Bushes Is So Tough

Getting rid of wild blackberry bushes is tough because they come back from deep, stubborn roots.
 
Here’s why these plants refuse to die quietly:
 

1. They Spread by Root Crowns and Suckers

Wild blackberry bushes send up new canes from a woody root crown and from shallow lateral roots.
 
That means even if you cut every visible cane, the plant keeps pushing fresh shoots.
 

2. The Canes Root at the Tips

When the long canes arch over and touch the soil, they root and form brand new plants.
 
So one bush can quietly become a whole thicket in a single season.
 

3. Seeds Stay Viable for Years

Birds and animals drop seeds everywhere, and those seeds can sit dormant in the soil for years.
 
That’s why getting rid of wild blackberry bushes often means dealing with seed banks too.
 

Manual Ways to Get Rid of Wild Blackberry Bushes

Manual removal is the most reliable method for getting rid of wild blackberry bushes in a home garden.
 
Here’s how to do it right:
 

1. Cut the Canes First

Use loppers or a brush cutter to cut all the canes down to about two inches above the ground.
 
Wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection because those thorns are brutal.
 

2. Dig Out the Root Crown

After cutting, use a mattock or spade to dig out the root crown and the main lateral roots.
 
Getting rid of wild blackberry bushes means removing that crown, or the whole thing regrows.
 

3. Sift Through the Soil

Shake the soil loose and pull out every root fragment you can find.
 
Any piece left behind can sprout a new plant, so take your time here.
 

4. Repeat Every Few Weeks

New shoots will pop up from missed roots, so keep cutting them before they get big.
 
Staying on top of regrowth is the real secret to getting rid of wild blackberry bushes for good.
 

Natural and Chemical Methods for Getting Rid of Wild Blackberry Bushes

If manual digging isn’t enough, you have other options for getting rid of wild blackberry bushes.
 
Here are the most effective ones:
 

1. Smother with Black Plastic or Cardboard

Cut the canes down first, then cover the area with thick black plastic or layers of cardboard.
 
Weigh it down and leave it for a full growing season to block light and cook the roots.
 
This works well for getting rid of wild blackberry bushes in large patches.
 

2. Repeated Mowing

If you have a field of them, mow the area every two to three weeks during the growing season.
 
The plants burn through stored energy and eventually starve, which is a slow but chemical-free approach to getting rid of wild blackberry bushes.
 

3. Herbicides with Care

For stubborn patches, apply a glyphosate-based herbicide to freshly cut stems or new leaves.
 
Always follow label directions and avoid spraying near desirable plants or water sources.
 

4. Goats Love Them

Goats will happily munch wild blackberry bushes down to the ground, though they won’t kill the roots.
 
Pair grazing with digging or smothering for the best results.
 

So, How Do You Get Rid of Wild Blackberry Bushes?

You get rid of wild blackberry bushes by cutting the canes, digging out the root crown, and staying consistent with follow-up removal.
 
For larger patches, smothering, repeated mowing, careful herbicide use, or grazing goats can help finish the job.
 
The key is patience, because those roots and seeds will keep trying to come back.
 
Use a mix of methods, keep at it through the season, and you’ll win the battle against wild blackberry bushes.