How To Get Rid Of Invasive Blackberries

You can get rid of invasive blackberries, but it takes persistence, timing, and a willingness to come back and fight them more than once.
 
These thorny troublemakers spread through sprawling canes, deep roots, and seeds that seem to sprout just to spite you.
 
Left alone, invasive blackberries swallow fences, smother native plants, and turn a tidy garden into a jungle of prickles.
 
But with the right approach, you can reclaim your land.
 
In this post, we’ll look at how to get rid of invasive blackberries using methods that actually work, plus how to keep them from roaring back.
 

Why Getting Rid of Invasive Blackberries Is So Tough

Getting rid of invasive blackberries is tough because the plant has two ways to survive: seeds and roots.
 
Birds drop seeds everywhere, and root crowns can send up new canes after you cut the top growth.
 
If you just yank the canes, you often leave root pieces behind that sprout again.
 

1. Deep, Stubborn Root Crowns

Invasive blackberries grow from thick root crowns and lateral roots that store energy.
 
Chopping the visible canes doesn’t kill those underground reserves.
 
That’s why you need to target the roots too, not just the top growth.
 

2. Fast Regrowth From Canes and Seeds

Those long canes root at the tips when they touch soil.
 
And each berry can carry dozens of seeds that stay viable in the soil for years.
 
So even after you clear a patch, new plants can appear from seeds or rooted cane tips.
 

3. Thorns That Make Every Job Harder

Thorns slow you down and make cleanup painful.
 
You’ll need thick gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection any time you work on a patch.
 
But don’t let the thorns scare you off, because the methods below still work.
 

How to Get Rid of Invasive Blackberries Step by Step

The best way to get rid of invasive blackberries is to combine manual removal, smothering, and follow-up monitoring.
 
Here’s how to do it without losing your mind or your skin.
 

1. Cut and Clear the Canes First

Start by cutting the canes down to the ground with loppers or a brush cutter.
 
This gives you access to the root crowns and makes the patch easier to manage.
 
Bag the cuttings and trash them, since canes can reroot if left on the soil.
 

2. Dig Out Root Crowns and Major Roots

Use a mattock, shovel, or digging fork to pry out the root crowns.
 
Getting rid of invasive blackberries means removing as much of the crown and main lateral roots as you can.
 
Sift through the soil and pull out any thick root pieces you find.
 

3. Smother the Area With Heavy Mulch or Cardboard

After digging, cover the ground with cardboard or several layers of newspaper, then top with wood chips or mulch.
 
This smothering layer blocks light and weakens any root pieces you missed.
 
Leave it in place for at least one full growing season for the best results.
 

4. Use Targeted Herbicide Only If You Must

If the patch is huge or you’ve tried everything else, a targeted herbicide can help.
 
Apply it to freshly cut stems or new leaves according to the label, and never spray on a windy day.
 
Always follow local rules, and keep herbicide away from waterways and desirable plants.
 

5. Repeat the Process Until the Roots Give Up

Getting rid of invasive blackberries isn’t a one-and-done job.
 
Check the area every few weeks and pull any new sprouts while they’re small.
 
Each time you remove new growth, you drain the root reserves a little more.
 

How to Keep Invasive Blackberries From Coming Back

Getting rid of invasive blackberries works best when you pair removal with prevention.
 
Otherwise, those seeds in the soil will happily start round two.
 

1. Monitor the Patch Regularly

Walk the area every couple of weeks during growing season.
 
Pull or dig any new blackberry shoots before they get big enough to flower.
 
Staying on top of regrowth is the simplest way to keep invasive blackberries from returning.
 

2. Replant With Competitive Ground Cover

Replace the cleared space with fast-growing, non-invasive plants.
 
A dense ground cover or native grasses can shade out blackberry seedlings.
 
This gives your land a purpose and makes it harder for invasive blackberries to sneak back in.
 

3. Keep Edges and Fencelines Tidy

Blackberries love edges, ditches, and fence lines.
 
Mow or trim those areas regularly to stop canes from creeping into your garden.
 
A little routine maintenance goes a long way when getting rid of invasive blackberries.
 

So, How Do You Get Rid of Invasive Blackberries?

You get rid of invasive blackberries by cutting the canes, digging out the root crowns, smothering the ground, and staying vigilant for regrowth.
 
It’s not a quick fix, but it is doable with patience and consistency.
 
Combine manual removal, mulch or cardboard, and careful follow-up, and you can win the battle.
 
Stick with it, and soon your blackberry jungle will be a memory.