How Do You Get Rid Of Blackberry Brambles

You can get rid of blackberry brambles by digging them out, smothering them, or using a targeted herbicide.
 
But if you’ve ever tangled with these thorny invaders, you know it’s rarely a one-and-done job.
 
The good news is that with the right approach at the right time of year, you can absolutely win the battle against blackberry brambles.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to get rid of blackberry brambles for good, including the tools and techniques that actually work.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Getting Rid of Blackberry Brambles Takes Persistence

Getting rid of blackberry brambles is less about brute force and more about strategy.
 
Here’s why these plants are so tough to remove:

1. They Spread Through Underground Roots

Blackberry brambles don’t just spread by seed.
 
They send out underground stems called rhizomes that can travel several feet from the parent plant.
 
That means even if you cut everything above ground, those roots keep pushing up new canes.
 
This is exactly why a quick trim never gets rid of blackberry brambles for long.
 
You have to deal with the root system too.
 

2. Canes Root Wherever They Touch Soil

Those long, arching canes will tip over and root themselves into the ground.
 
Each new root point becomes a brand new plant.
 
So while you’re focused on one patch, the edges are quietly expanding.
 
This habit makes blackberry brambles spread fast if you leave them alone for even a season.
 

3. They Come Back After Cutting

Cutting blackberry brambles down to the ground feels satisfying.
 
But within weeks, fresh shoots emerge from the intact root system.
 
This is why persistence matters so much when getting rid of blackberry brambles.
 
You’re not fighting the visible plant.
 
You’re fighting what’s hiding underground.
 

4. Timing Affects Your Success

Late summer and early fall are the best times to tackle blackberry brambles.
 
That’s when the plant is pulling energy down into its roots for winter.
 
If you apply herbicide or dig during this window, you disrupt that process and weaken the roots.
 
Spring removal works too, but the plant bounces back faster.
 

Manual Methods for Getting Rid of Blackberry Brambles

If you’d rather avoid chemicals, manual removal is your best bet.
 
Here’s how to get rid of blackberry brambles by hand:

1. Dig Out the Roots Completely

Start by cutting the canes back to ground level with loppers or a brush cutter.
 
Then grab a sturdy digging fork and work around the root ball.
 
You need to remove the crown and as much of the root system as you can reach.
 
Any root fragments left behind will sprout again, so take your time.
 

2. Smother the Area With Mulch or Cardboard

After digging, lay down thick cardboard or a heavy tarp over the area.
 
Cover it with several inches of wood chips or mulch.
 
This blocks sunlight and starves any remaining roots.
 
Leave it in place for at least one full growing season to truly get rid of blackberry brambles.
 

3. Mow Repeatedly During the Growing Season

For large patches, regular mowing can exhaust the plant over time.
 
Every time new canes appear, cut them down before they can photosynthesize.
 
Without leaves, the roots can’t store energy.
 
It takes patience, but this method does get rid of blackberry brambles eventually.
 

4. Wear Serious Protective Gear

Blackberry thorns are no joke, and they’ll shred thin gloves in seconds.
 
Wear thick leather gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection.
 
Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re getting rid of blackberry brambles by hand.
 

Using Herbicides to Get Rid of Blackberry Brambles

Sometimes manual removal isn’t enough, especially for established thickets.
 
Here’s how to get rid of blackberry brambles with herbicide:

1. Choose the Right Product

Look for a systemic herbicide containing glyphosate or triclopyr.
 
These get absorbed into the plant and travel down to the roots.
 
That’s the key to actually killing blackberry brambles instead of just burning the tops.
 

2. Apply After Cutting the Canes

Cut the canes down and wait for fresh regrowth to appear.
 
Then spray the new leaves thoroughly.
 
The plant will pull the herbicide down into its roots and die off.
 
You may need a second application to fully get rid of blackberry brambles.
 

3. Paint Cut Stems for Targeted Control

For smaller patches, cut each cane near the base and paint the stump with undiluted herbicide.
 
This method is precise and avoids harming nearby plants.
 
It’s slower going, but it works well when you’re getting rid of blackberry brambles in a garden bed.
 

4. Follow Up Every Few Weeks

Check the area regularly for new shoots.
 
Any regrowth means the roots aren’t dead yet.
 
Hit them again while they’re small, and you’ll stay ahead of the problem.
 

So, How Do You Get Rid of Blackberry Brambles?

You get rid of blackberry brambles by combining persistence, the right timing, and a mix of manual and chemical methods.
 
Digging, smothering, mowing, and targeted herbicide all play a role depending on your situation.
 
The one thing that never works is a single afternoon of hacking and hoping for the best.
 
Stay consistent, hit the roots, and you’ll finally get rid of blackberry brambles for good.