How to Get Rid of Blackberry Bushes

Blackberries spread from underground nodes and are invasive--and difficult to kill.

Introduced Himalayan blackberry bushes are invasive in most areas of the United States, and native and cultivated berries also spread vigorously. Because blackberries spread by underground buds, called nodes, Jed Colquhoun, a weed scientist at the Oregon State University Extension Service, says they are particularly difficult to kill. "No matter how much of the plant you remove, you'll miss a few nodes that will soon develop into new vines," says Colquhoun. There aren't really any easy options for blackberry removal. However, with persistence, gardeners can eventually eradicate blackberries from their landscape.

Things You'll Need

• Herbicide containing triclopyr or glysophate (optional)
• Rototiller
• Hand pruners or loppers
• Spade
• Protective clothing

Instructions

How to Kill Blackberries with Herbicide

1. Spray blackberry canes and leaves with a systemic herbicide containing triclopyr (like Brush-Be-Gone) or glysophate (like Roundup). These are often labeled as "blackberry killer" or for "brush control." Be certain to follow the manufacturer's directions precisely, and spray only on sunny, windless days. Spraying in the spring is most effective.

2. Reapply the herbicide if leaves don't start browning within two days.

3. Allow the brambles to turn completely brown. The blackberry leaves should also turn brittle.

4. Rototill the area where the blackberries are growing.

5. Remove canes and toss them in the trash. Don't compost the canes because they still have traces of herbicide on them.

6. Rototill again any time new plants emerge. Repeated rototilling will eventually kill the blackberry plants.

How to Kill Blackberries Without Herbicide

1. Don protective garments to prevent cuts and scratches. This should include a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes that cover all of the foot and leather gloves.

2. Prune back all blackberry canes to the ground, using hand pruners or loppers. The best time to do this is in the spring, when the plants begin to grow actively. Alternatively, mow the canes down to the ground. Removing the vine parts that are above the soil prevents the vines from creating sugars they need to grow vigorously.

3. Dig up any remaining parts of the plant, paying close attention to remove all traces of root.

4. As new canes grow from roots left behind, dig them up. Repeated and persistent digging will eventually lead to complete removal of blackberry plants.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't spray blackberries in the autumn, when leaves start falling. The herbicide won't be effective at this time because the plant is going dormant for winter.

• If the blackberry plants are in an area where people might eat the fruit, don't spray once the fruit sets.

• Do not burn blackberry vines, hoping to kill them. This actually encourages the plant to grow more vigorously, spreading out more roots.

References

• Oregon State University Extension Service: Blackberries tTake Persistance and Time to Control
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Blackberry and Dewberry: Biology and Control