How To Get Rid Of Wild Blackberry Plants

You can get rid of wild blackberry plants by digging them out completely, smothering them with heavy mulch, or using a targeted herbicide—but you have to be persistent because these plants are stubborn survivors.
 
If you’ve ever tried to get rid of wild blackberry plants, you already know they don’t go down without a fight.
 
Those thorny canes seem to come back stronger every time you cut them, and the roots spread underground like a secret network.
 
The good news is that getting rid of wild blackberry plants is absolutely doable when you understand how they grow and attack the problem from the root up.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to get rid of wild blackberry plants, from natural methods to chemical options, so you can reclaim your garden or yard for good.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Getting Rid of Wild Blackberry Plants Is So Tough

Getting rid of wild blackberry plants is hard because these plants are built to survive.
 
Here’s what you’re up against:
 

1. They Spread Through Aggressive Root Systems

Wild blackberry plants don’t just grow from seeds—they spread through creeping roots called rhizomes.
 
These roots travel underground and send up new shoots far from the original plant.
 
That’s why cutting the visible canes rarely works; the root system just keeps pushing up new growth.
 
To truly get rid of wild blackberry plants, you have to deal with what’s happening beneath the soil.
 

2. Their Canes Root Wherever They Touch Soil

Another reason getting rid of wild blackberry plants feels impossible is that the canes tip-root.
 
When a long cane bends over and touches the ground, it grows new roots at that point.
 
So a single plant can turn into a whole thicket in one season if you’re not watching closely.
 

3. They Come Back After Cutting

Cutting wild blackberry plants down to the ground feels satisfying, but it rarely kills them.
 
The plant stores energy in its roots and simply regrows.
 
This is why any plan for getting rid of wild blackberry plants has to include root removal or root destruction.
 

Ways to Get Rid of Wild Blackberry Plants Naturally

If you prefer to avoid chemicals, there are effective natural methods for getting rid of wild blackberry plants.
 
They take patience, but they work.
 

1. Dig Them Out by Hand

The most direct way to get rid of wild blackberry plants is to dig them out.
 
Use a shovel or mattock to loosen the soil around the base, then pull up the roots.
 
You’ll need to remove the entire root crown and as much of the rhizome system as you can.
 
This works best when the soil is moist, so after rain is a great time to tackle this job.
 

2. Smother Them with Mulch or Cardboard

Smothering is a slow but effective approach for getting rid of wild blackberry plants.
 
Cover the area with thick cardboard or several layers of newspaper, then pile mulch on top.
 
This blocks sunlight and eventually starves the roots.
 
Keep in mind this method can take several months to fully work.
 

3. Repeated Mowing or Cutting

If you’re dealing with a large patch, consistent cutting can weaken wild blackberry plants over time.
 
Cut the canes down to the ground every time they sprout.
 
Eventually, the plant exhausts its stored energy and dies.
 
This is one of the most patient ways of getting rid of wild blackberry plants, but it’s reliable.
 

Using Herbicides to Get Rid of Wild Blackberry Plants

Sometimes natural methods aren’t enough, and herbicides become the practical choice for getting rid of wild blackberry plants.
 
Here’s how to do it safely and effectively:
 

1. Choose the Right Herbicide

Look for products containing glyphosate or triclopyr, which are effective against wild blackberry plants.
 
These herbicides are absorbed through the leaves and travel down to kill the roots.
 
Always read the label and follow the instructions carefully.
 

2. Apply at the Right Time

The best time to spray wild blackberry plants is in late summer or early fall.
 
At this point, the plant is actively moving nutrients to its roots, which helps the herbicide travel where it needs to go.
 
Avoid spraying when rain is expected within 24 hours.
 

3. Cut and Treat the Stumps

For tougher patches, cut the canes down and paint the cut stumps with herbicide.
 
This cut-and-treat approach is especially useful when getting rid of wild blackberry plants that keep coming back.
 

So, How Do You Get Rid of Wild Blackberry Plants?

You get rid of wild blackberry plants by digging out the roots, smothering them, or using a targeted herbicide—and by staying consistent until they’re gone.
 
Getting rid of wild blackberry plants isn’t a one-time job.
 
It takes persistence, the right timing, and a willingness to keep at it even when you see new shoots pop up.
 
But with the methods above, you can absolutely win the battle against wild blackberry plants and enjoy a yard that’s finally free of those thorny invaders.