How to Get Rid of Blackberry Bushes Naturally

Blackberry bushes yield wonderful tasting fruit commonly used in pies and jellies. However, for the fussy gardener, they can be a nescience plant. They can suck up the water source and choke out other plants in the area. Cutting out the stump and spraying it with herbicides usually will not kill the plant. Getting rid of blackberry bushes naturally will take a good bit of work.

Things You'll Need

• Hand pruners
• Shovel
• Backhoe (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the branches off of the blackberry bush's trunk with hand pruners.

2. Dig up the blackberry bush's root system, which is relatively large and runs deep. Removing only part of the root system will allow it to regrow. Dig up the root system with a backhoe, if desired, but that that runs the chance of leaving part of it in the ground. Hand removal typically is best because it allows for better vision to ensure total root removal.

3. Dump boiling water onto any small white roots left in the hole. The boiling water will shock and eventually rot the remaining roots.

4. Routinely inspect the areas where the blackberry bush was. If you see any evidence that the bush is re-sprouting, remove it immediately.

References

• Oregon State: Blackberry Bushes