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You can dig up blackberry roots by loosening the soil around the base of the plant and pulling the roots out systematically.
Digging up blackberry roots takes patience because these plants are stubborn and they spread aggressively underground.
If you’ve been battling a blackberry patch that keeps coming back year after year, you already know that cutting the canes alone won’t solve the problem.
The roots are the real issue, and that’s why learning how to dig up blackberry roots properly is the only way to truly get rid of them.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to dig up blackberry roots step by step, the tools you’ll need, and the mistakes that let these roots survive.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Need to Dig Up Blackberry Roots
Blackberry roots are the engine behind everything you see above ground.
If you only cut the canes, the root system simply sends up new shoots within weeks.
That’s why digging up blackberry roots is the only permanent solution.
Here’s why these roots are so tough:
1. Blackberry Roots Spread Through a Perennial System
Blackberries grow from a perennial root system that survives winter and regrows every spring.
The roots store energy, so even after you cut everything down, they have enough reserves to push up fresh canes.
This is why digging up blackberry roots matters more than anything you do above the soil.
2. The Roots Form a Dense Underground Network
Blackberry roots branch out horizontally and can travel several feet from the main plant.
They also send up suckers from lateral roots, which is how a small patch becomes a thicket.
When you dig up blackberry roots, you’re breaking that network apart piece by piece.
3. Root Crowns Regrow After Cutting
At the center of each plant is a woody root crown.
If you leave the crown in the ground, it will regrow canes no matter how much you prune.
Digging up blackberry roots means removing the crown entirely, not just the visible plant.
How to Dig Up Blackberry Roots Step by Step
Now let’s get into the actual process of digging up blackberry roots.
Follow these steps for the best results:
1. Water the Soil Before You Start
Softer soil makes digging up blackberry roots much easier.
Water the area deeply a day before you plan to dig.
Moist soil lets your shovel slide through instead of bouncing off hard, dry ground.
2. Cut the Canes Down First
Use loppers or pruning shears to cut all canes down to ground level.
This clears the way so you can see exactly where to dig.
Don’t skip this step because tangled canes make digging up blackberry roots a nightmare.
3. Loosen the Soil Around the Root Crown
Push a sturdy shovel or garden fork straight down about a foot away from the crown.
Work your way around the plant, loosening the soil on all sides.
This step is the heart of digging up blackberry roots because it frees the crown without breaking the roots into pieces you’ll miss later.
4. Lift the Root Crown Out
Once the soil is loose, pry under the crown and lift it out.
You’ll likely see thick woody roots extending outward.
Keep digging up blackberry roots by following each one as far as it goes.
5. Chase the Lateral Roots
Lateral roots can run several feet, so use a hand fork to trace and pull them out.
Any root fragment left behind can sprout a new plant.
This is the most tedious part of digging up blackberry roots, but it’s the most important.
6. Sift Through the Soil
Run your hands or a rake through the loosened soil to find leftover root pieces.
Even small chunks can regrow.
When you’re digging up blackberry roots, thoroughness beats speed every time.
Tools That Make Digging Up Blackberry Roots Easier
Having the right tools saves hours of frustration.
Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
1. A Sharp Spade or Garden Fork
A heavy-duty spade cuts through soil and roots cleanly.
A garden fork works well for lifting crowns without slicing roots into invisible pieces.
Both are essential for digging up blackberry roots effectively.
2. Loppers and Pruning Shears
You’ll need these to cut canes and thick roots before pulling them out.
Sharp blades make digging up blackberry roots faster and less exhausting.
3. A Pickaxe or Mattock
For old, established patches, a pickaxe breaks up compacted soil and stubborn root crowns.
It’s a lifesaver when digging up blackberry roots in rocky or clay-heavy ground.
4. Thick Gloves
Blackberry thorns are unforgiving, and roots can be sharp too.
Protect your hands while digging up blackberry roots because a single scratch can slow you down for days.
Mistakes to Avoid When Digging Up Blackberry Roots
Even with good intentions, people make mistakes that let blackberries win.
Avoid these common errors:
1. Leaving Root Fragments Behind
This is the number one reason blackberries come back.
Every piece of root left in the soil can sprout again.
When digging up blackberry roots, treat every fragment as a potential new plant.
2. Not Digging Deep Enough
Blackberry roots can go deeper than you expect.
Shallow digging leaves the crown intact, and it will regrow.
Digging up blackberry roots properly means going at least a foot down.
3. Skipping the Follow-Up Check
A few weeks after digging up blackberry roots, check the area again.
New shoots mean you missed something.
Pull them immediately before they rebuild the root system.
So, How Do You Dig Up Blackberry Roots?
You dig up blackberry roots by cutting the canes, loosening the soil around the crown, and removing every piece of root you can find.
It’s hard work, but it’s the only way to stop blackberries from taking over your yard for good.
With the right tools, a little patience, and a commitment to chasing every root fragment, digging up blackberry roots becomes a job you can actually finish.
Stay persistent, and your garden will thank you.