How Do You Get Rid Of Blackberry Brambles

You can get rid of blackberry brambles by digging them out completely, smothering them with heavy mulch or black plastic, or using a targeted herbicide.
 
Blackberry brambles are stubborn, but they’re not invincible, and with the right approach, you can reclaim your garden or yard without losing your mind.
 
The key is understanding how these plants grow and then attacking both the canes above ground and the roots below.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to get rid of blackberry brambles, how to stop them from coming back, and the mistakes that let them win.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Blackberry Brambles Are So Hard to Get Rid Of

Blackberry brambles are tough to get rid of because they spread both by seed and by an aggressive root system.
 

1. They Have Deep, Spreading Roots

The root system of a blackberry bramble can travel several feet underground and send up new shoots far from the parent plant.
 
That means pulling the visible canes isn’t enough—if the roots stay, the brambles come right back.
 

2. The Canes Root Where They Touch

Blackberry canes arch over and root wherever their tips touch the soil.
 
So a single bramble can quietly expand into a whole thicket in just one season.
 

3. They’re Covered in Thorns

Those thorns aren’t just annoying; they make manual removal slow and painful.
 
You’ll need thick gloves, long sleeves, and patience to get rid of blackberry brambles by hand.
 

Ways to Get Rid of Blackberry Brambles

How do you get rid of blackberry brambles for good?
 
Here are the methods that actually work, depending on how big the patch is and how much time you have.
 

1. Dig Them Out by Hand

Digging is the most natural way to get rid of blackberry brambles, and it works best for small patches.
 
Use a shovel or mattock to loosen the soil, then pull out the roots and all—not just the canes.
 
Follow every root runner as far as you can, because any piece left behind can sprout again.
 

2. Smother Them With Mulch or Plastic

If digging isn’t practical, smothering is a solid way to get rid of blackberry brambles over time.
 
Cut the canes down to the ground, then cover the area with thick black plastic or several inches of heavy mulch.
 
Block the sunlight, and the roots eventually starve and die.
 

3. Use a Targeted Herbicide

For large, stubborn infestations, a glyphosate-based herbicide can help you get rid of blackberry brambles.
 
Spray it directly on the leaves when the plant is actively growing, and avoid spraying desirable plants nearby.
 
You’ll likely need to reapply, because blackberry roots are persistent.
 

4. Mow Them Down Repeatedly

If you catch brambles early, repeated mowing can wear them out.
 
Cut the plants down every time new growth appears, and over time, you’ll get rid of blackberry brambles by exhausting their energy reserves.
 

How to Stop Blackberry Brambles From Coming Back

Getting rid of blackberry brambles is only half the battle—keeping them gone is the other half.
 

1. Watch for New Shoots

Check the area every couple of weeks, especially in spring.
 
Pull any new shoots the moment you see them, before they have a chance to establish roots.
 

2. Keep the Soil Covered

A layer of mulch or a healthy ground cover makes it harder for blackberry seeds to sprout.
 

3. Clean Your Tools

Seeds and root fragments can hitch a ride on your shovel or mower.
 
Rinse your tools after working on a bramble patch so you don’t spread them elsewhere.
 

So, How Do You Get Rid of Blackberry Brambles?

You can get rid of blackberry brambles by digging out the roots, smothering them with mulch or plastic, or using a targeted herbicide for bigger patches.
 
The trick is to stay consistent—remove the canes, kill the roots, and keep watching for new growth.
 
Do that, and you’ll get rid of blackberry brambles for good and keep your yard clear.