How To Keep Blackberry Bushes From Growing Back

You can keep blackberry bushes from growing back by removing the entire root system, not just the visible canes.
 
Blackberries spread aggressively through underground rhizomes and root buds, so if any piece of the root survives, the bush will send up new shoots.
 
That’s why simply cutting the canes to the ground rarely works long-term.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to keep blackberry bushes from growing back using methods that actually target the roots, plus tips to stop them from returning.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Blackberry Bushes Keep Growing Back

Blackberry bushes keep growing back because their root system is built to survive.
 
Understanding why they’re so persistent is the first step in stopping them.
 

1. Extensive Rhizome Networks

Blackberry bushes spread through rhizomes, which are underground stems that creep horizontally.
 
Each rhizome can sprout a new cane, so pulling up one plant often leaves behind a network ready to regrow.
 

2. Root Buds That Stay Dormant

Even if you remove most of the root, dormant buds on leftover root fragments can activate later.
 
This is why blackberry bushes seem to reappear out of nowhere months after you thought you cleared them.
 

3. Canes That Root at the Tips

Some blackberry varieties tip-root when their canes touch the ground.
 
That means a single arching cane can create a whole new plant without any help from you.
 

How to Keep Blackberry Bushes From Growing Back

To keep blackberry bushes from growing back, you have to destroy the roots completely.
 
Here are the most effective methods.
 

1. Dig Out the Entire Root System

Digging is the most thorough way to keep blackberry bushes from growing back.
 
Use a shovel or mattock to loosen the soil around the plant, then pull out every piece of root you can find.
 
Blackberry roots are shallow but wide, so work in a circle at least two feet beyond the canes.
 
Sift through the soil with your hands or a garden fork to catch fragments.
 
Any root piece left behind can regrow, so patience matters here.
 

2. Smother the Area With Mulch or Cardboard

Smothering cuts off sunlight, which weakens blackberry bushes over time.
 
Lay down thick cardboard or several layers of newspaper, then cover with wood chips or black plastic.
 
Leave it in place for at least one full growing season.
 
This method works best after you’ve already dug out the main root mass.
 

3. Use a Targeted Herbicide

If digging isn’t practical, a systemic herbicide can keep blackberry bushes from growing back.
 
Choose a product labeled for blackberries and apply it to freshly cut canes or new leaves.
 
The plant absorbs the chemical and carries it down to the roots.
 
Always follow the label instructions and avoid spraying on windy days.
 

4. Mow Repeatedly to Starve the Roots

Repeated mowing exhausts the root system by forcing the plant to use stored energy to regrow.
 
Cut new shoots down to the ground every time they reach a few inches tall.
 
Do this every week or two during the growing season.
 
It takes time, but consistent mowing will eventually stop blackberry bushes from growing back.
 

5. Solarize the Soil

Solarization uses the sun’s heat to kill roots and seeds near the surface.
 
Water the area, then cover it with clear plastic sheeting for four to six weeks in summer.
 
The trapped heat cooks the soil and destroys remaining root fragments.
 
This works best in hot, sunny climates.
 

Common Mistakes That Let Blackberry Bushes Return

Even with good effort, a few mistakes can let blackberry bushes grow back.
 

1. Leaving Root Fragments Behind

It’s easy to miss small root pieces when digging.
 
That’s why sifting the soil carefully is so important.
 

2. Stopping Too Soon

Blackberry bushes can regrow from buds that stay dormant for months.
 
Keep monitoring the area for at least a year and remove any new shoots immediately.
 

3. Not Cleaning Your Tools

Root bits can cling to shovels and boots.
 
Clean your tools before moving to another part of the yard to avoid spreading the problem.
 

So, How Do You Keep Blackberry Bushes From Growing Back?

You keep blackberry bushes from growing back by removing the entire root system and staying consistent with follow-up.
 
Digging, smothering, mowing, solarizing, and targeted herbicide all work when done thoroughly.
 
The key is to never leave roots behind and to watch the area for new shoots.
 
With patience and persistence, you can keep blackberry bushes from growing back for good.