How To Get Rid Of Overgrown Blackberry Bushes

You can get rid of overgrown blackberry bushes by cutting them down, digging out the roots, and then staying on top of the regrowth for a few seasons.
 
It’s not a one-and-done job, but it’s totally doable with the right tools and a little patience.
 
If you’ve been staring at a tangled mess of overgrown blackberry bushes and wondering where to even start, you’re in the right place.
 
This post will walk you through how to get rid of overgrown blackberry bushes step by step, from the first cut to the final cleanup.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Overgrown Blackberry Bushes Are So Hard to Remove

 
Overgrown blackberry bushes are stubborn because they spread through both roots and seeds, so cutting the top alone won’t kill them.
 
Here’s why these plants keep coming back:
 

1. Deep, Spreading Root Systems

 
The main reason overgrown blackberry bushes are so tough to remove is their aggressive root system.
 
Blackberry plants send out underground stems called rhizomes that creep outward in every direction.
 
Even if you chop the visible canes, those roots stay alive and push up brand-new shoots within weeks.
 
That’s why getting rid of overgrown blackberry bushes means targeting what’s below the soil, not just what you see.
 

2. Sharp Thorns That Fight Back

 
Many overgrown blackberry bushes come armed with thorns that can tear through gloves and clothing.
 
Those thorns make every cut and pull a slow, painful process if you’re not dressed for battle.
 
So before you tackle overgrown blackberry bushes, gear up with thick leather gloves, long sleeves, and sturdy boots.
 

3. Rapid Regrowth From Canes and Seeds

 
Blackberry canes can root wherever they touch the ground, and birds drop seeds that sprout new plants nearby.
 
That double threat is why overgrown blackberry bushes seem to reappear no matter how much you cut.
 
Staying consistent is the only way to win.
 

How to Get Rid of Overgrown Blackberry Bushes Step by Step

 
You can get rid of overgrown blackberry bushes with a mix of cutting, digging, and smothering, done in the right order.
 
Here’s the process that actually works:
 

1. Cut the Canes Down First

 
Start by cutting the overgrown blackberry bushes down to the ground with loppers, pruners, or a brush cutter.
 
Work from the outside in so you’re not fighting the densest part right away.
 
Bag up the clippings or burn them, since canes left on the ground can re-root and start the whole cycle again.
 

2. Dig Out the Roots and Crown

 
Once the canes are gone, dig out the root ball and the surrounding rhizomes with a shovel or mattock.
 
Focus on the crown, which is the thick base where everything connects.
 
Removing the crown is the single most effective step when getting rid of overgrown blackberry bushes, because it cuts off the plant’s engine.
 

3. Smother the Area With Cardboard or Tarp

 
After digging, cover the ground with flattened cardboard or a heavy black tarp for several months.
 
This blocks sunlight and starves any roots you missed, which helps you get rid of overgrown blackberry bushes without endless digging.
 
Weigh the edges down with rocks or bricks so it stays put through wind and rain.
 

4. Spot-Treat Regrowth or Use Herbicide Carefully

 
If new shoots pop up, pull them while the soil is soft, or treat the leaves with a brush-killer herbicide.
 
Just be careful around garden plants and pets, and always follow the label directions.
 
For many people, digging plus smothering is enough to get rid of overgrown blackberry bushes for good.
 

Tips to Keep Overgrown Blackberry Bushes From Coming Back

 
Getting rid of overgrown blackberry bushes is only half the battle, since staying on top of them matters just as much.
 
Keep these habits in mind:
 

1. Check the Area Every Few Weeks

 
Walk the spot every couple of weeks during growing season and pull any tiny sprouts while they’re still easy to yank.
 
Catching regrowth early is what keeps overgrown blackberry bushes from ever taking over again.
 

2. Mow or Cut New Shoots

 
Mowing young shoots repeatedly exhausts the root system over time.
 
This is one of the easiest ways to get rid of overgrown blackberry bushes on a large property without hours of hand digging.
 

3. Plant Something Competitive

 
Fill the bare spot with grass or a dense ground cover so blackberry seeds have less room to sprout.
 
A healthy lawn naturally helps keep overgrown blackberry bushes from making a comeback.
 

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

 
You get rid of overgrown blackberry bushes by cutting the canes, digging out the roots and crown, and smothering or spot-treating whatever grows back.
 
It takes more than one weekend, but each step weakens the plant a little more.
 
Stay consistent, protect your arms and hands, and don’t let new shoots get ahead of you.
 
Do that, and you’ll clear those overgrown blackberry bushes for good and finally get your space back.