How Do You Get Rid Of Blackberries

Getting rid of blackberries is one of those gardening jobs that feels impossible until you understand how the plant actually works.
 
These aggressive brambles spread through deep roots and sprawling canes, so if you want to get rid of blackberries for good, you have to attack both the top growth and the root system at the same time.
 
Miss one and you’ll be pulling blackberry shoots out of your garden again next spring.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to get rid of blackberries using methods that actually work, from simple manual removal to more serious chemical and smothering approaches.
 

Why Getting Rid of Blackberries Takes Real Effort

Blackberries are hardy, and getting rid of blackberries is hard because the plant is built to survive.
 
Once you understand why they’re so stubborn, the removal process makes a lot more sense.
 

1. They Spread by Roots and Canes

Blackberry plants send out long canes that root wherever they touch the ground.
 
Underground, they also have a woody root crown and lateral roots that keep pushing up new shoots even after you cut the top off.
 
That’s why simply mowing blackberries down rarely works on its own.
 

2. The Root System Is Deep and Persistent

The roots of a blackberry bush can travel several feet underground and store enough energy to regrow for years.
 
If you only remove what you can see above the soil, the plant will bounce back stronger, which is why getting rid of blackberries means getting the roots too.
 

3. Seeds Stay Viable in the Soil

Birds and animals drop blackberry seeds everywhere, and those seeds can sit dormant in the soil for a long time.
 
So even after you clear a patch, new blackberries can pop up from seeds you never knew were there, keeping the cycle going.
 

How Do You Get Rid of Blackberries Naturally?

If you’d rather avoid chemicals, you can still get rid of blackberries naturally with patience and consistency.
 
Here are the most effective natural methods for getting rid of blackberries.
 

1. Dig Out the Root Crown

The most reliable natural way to get rid of blackberries is to dig out the root crown by hand.
 
Use a sturdy shovel or mattock to loosen the soil around the base, then pull the crown and as much of the root system as you can.
 
It’s hard work, but it’s the best way to get rid of blackberries at the source.
 

2. Smother the Area with Cardboard or Black Plastic

Cut the canes down to the ground, then cover the entire patch with thick cardboard or black plastic weighted down with rocks or mulch.
 
Blocking sunlight for several months starves the roots, which is a slow but effective way to get rid of blackberries without spraying anything.
 

3. Keep Cutting New Shoots

Every time a new blackberry shoot appears, cut it back to the soil.
 
Repeated cutting drains the root’s energy reserves, and if you stay consistent, you’ll eventually get rid of blackberries for good.
 

Using Herbicides to Get Rid of Blackberries

When natural methods aren’t enough, herbicides can help you get rid of blackberries faster, especially on large patches.
 
Here’s how to do it safely and effectively.
 

1. Choose the Right Herbicide

Look for a systemic herbicide that moves down into the roots, since that’s the only way to truly get rid of blackberries.
 
Glyphosate and triclopyr are commonly used, but always follow the label instructions carefully.
 

2. Apply at the Right Time

Late summer and early fall are the best times to spray, because the plant is actively pushing energy into its roots.
 
That’s when the herbicide does the most damage and helps you get rid of blackberries with fewer applications.
 

3. Cut and Treat the Stumps

For smaller patches, cut the canes down and brush herbicide directly onto the freshly cut stumps.
 
This targeted method is a clean way to get rid of blackberries without spraying the whole area.
 

Stopping Blackberries from Coming Back

Once you’ve done the hard work, the last step is making sure you never have to get rid of blackberries again.
 
A little prevention goes a long way here.
 

1. Mulch Heavily

A thick layer of mulch over the cleared area makes it much harder for blackberry seeds to sprout.
 
This simple step helps keep blackberries from creeping back into your garden.
 

2. Plant Competing Ground Cover

Fast-growing ground covers or lawn grass can crowd out young blackberry shoots before they get established.
 
It’s a natural way to keep blackberries from taking over again.
 

3. Check the Area Regularly

Walk the spot every few weeks and pull any new blackberry sprouts while they’re still small.
 
Staying on top of it is the easiest way to get rid of blackberries before they ever become a problem again.
 

So, How Do You Get Rid of Blackberries?

You get rid of blackberries by removing the root system and staying consistent with your follow-up.
 
Whether you dig, smother, or spray, getting rid of blackberries always comes down to killing the roots and preventing regrowth.
 
With patience and the right approach, you can clear even the worst blackberry patch and keep it gone for good.