How to Kill Blackberry Bushes

The blackberry bush can become large and invasive in a yard.

Blackberry bushes grow by sending off shoots from the main plant through the soil. These offshoots or nodes will eventually grow into new blackberry bushes. To remove the bush, the Oregon State University Extension Service recommends using an herbicide that contains triclopyr or cutting back the plant and digging up the root and nodes of the bush. If you are vigilant with your preferred removal method, you will be able to destroy and remove the blackberry bush.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pesticide containing triclopyr
• Large garden shovel or hand saw or chainsaw
• Garden tiller
• Garden rake

Pesticide Method

1. Mix the fertilizer according to the instructions. Fertilizers with triclopyr will be clearly marked for bush control.

2. Spray the fertilizer onto the plant. It is necessary to wait until the time is right to apply the fertilizer. Spraying the fertilizer on the plant while it is dormant will not destroy the plant. The fertilizer must be absorbed by the plant and spread throughout the roots. Time the fertilizer application between the last of the fruit but before the leaves begin to drop.

3. Allow the bush to turn brown and wilt. Dig the dead blackberry bush out of the ground using the garden shovel. Make sure you remove all of the roots and shoots.

4. Dispose of the dead bush and nodes. Do not place the bush into an organic compost pile. The residue from the herbicide may remain with the plant. Call your local yard waste collection facility.

Garden Tiller Method

1. Cut the bush branches with a hand saw or chain saw. Leave only the stump exposed.

2. Dig out as much of the stump, roots and nodes as you can with the shovel.

3. Use the tiller to till the area. Turn over all of the soil in this area. Rake the loose pieces of bush up from the ground.

4. Watch the area closely. Use the garden tiller anytime you see new shoots appearing from the ground. This may take several attempts to remove the entire bush.

Tips & Warnings

• Grow blackberry bushes in containers to control growth and for easy disposal.

References

• Oregon State University Extension Service: Garden Hints
• University of Georgia: Blackberries and Raspberries

Resources

• University of Florida: Growing Fruit in Containers