How To Keep Blackberry Bushes From Growing Back

Keeping blackberry bushes from growing back means you have to destroy the roots, not just the visible canes.
 
Those thorny canes are easy to cut, but the stubborn part is the root system lurking underground.
 
If you’ve been battling blackberry bushes that keep growing back no matter how much you cut them, you’re not alone.
 
Blackberry bushes are notoriously persistent, and they can regrow from tiny root fragments left behind in the soil.
 
That’s why simply mowing them down or pulling the tops off won’t stop blackberry bushes from growing back.
 
In this post, we’ll look at how to keep blackberry bushes from growing back using methods that actually target the roots and stop the regrowth cycle.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Blackberry Bushes Keep Growing Back

Blackberry bushes grow back because they spread through an aggressive perennial root system.
 
To keep blackberry bushes from growing back, you first need to understand what you’re up against.
 

1. Blackberry Roots Store Energy

Blackberry bushes send up new canes from buds on their roots, and those roots store enough energy to survive repeated cutting.
 
Every time you chop the top off without killing the root, the plant just redirects its stored energy into fresh growth.
 

2. Root Fragments Regrow

If you till the soil or rip out canes carelessly, you can break the roots into small pieces.
 
Each fragment can sprout a brand new blackberry bush, which is why blackberry bushes growing back is so common after digging.
 

3. Canes Root at the Tips

Blackberry canes often bend to the ground and root at their tips, creating new plants without any help from you.
 
That’s why leaving cut canes on the soil can lead to blackberry bushes growing back in new spots.
 

How to Keep Blackberry Bushes From Growing Back

To keep blackberry bushes from growing back, you need to combine depletion, digging, and smothering.
 

1. Cut Canes Repeatedly to Deplete Roots

Start by cutting every cane down to the ground with loppers or a brush cutter.
 
Then keep cutting new shoots as soon as they appear, never letting them grow leaves.
 
This starves the roots over several months and is a slow but chemical-free way to stop blackberry bushes from growing back.
 

2. Dig Out the Root Crown and Major Roots

For smaller patches, dig out the central crown and as many thick roots as you can.
 
Use a mattock or digging fork to lift the roots carefully so you don’t snap them into fragments.
 
Sift through the soil with your hands and remove every piece you find, since even small bits can regrow.
 

3. Smother the Area With Heavy Mulch or Fabric

After cutting and digging, cover the ground with thick black plastic or woven landscape fabric.
 
Weigh it down with rocks or stakes and leave it for at least one full growing season.
 
This blocks light and heat-bakes the roots, which helps keep blackberry bushes from growing back.
 

4. Use Herbicides Carefully on Regrowth

If blackberry bushes keep growing back, a targeted herbicide can help when applied correctly.
 
Cut the canes and paint the freshly cut stumps with a glyphosate or triclopyr product labeled for blackberries.
 
Always follow the label directions and avoid spraying nearby plants you want to keep.
 

Common Mistakes That Let Blackberry Bushes Grow Back

Even when you try hard, blackberry bushes will grow back if you make these mistakes.
 

1. Leaving Root Pieces Behind

Ripping out canes without removing the roots guarantees blackberry bushes growing back within weeks.
 

2. Stopping Too Soon

Quitting after one round of cutting or digging lets the roots recover and send up new canes.
 

3. Composting the Canes

Putting cut canes in your compost pile can spread blackberry bushes to your garden beds.
 
Bag them and trash them instead.
 

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

You keep blackberry bushes from growing back by attacking the roots, not just the canes.
 
Repeated cutting, careful digging, smothering, and targeted herbicide use all work together to exhaust the plant.
 
Stay consistent for at least one full season, and be patient with the process.
 
Once the roots are gone, blackberry bushes won’t grow back.