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How to Kill Blackberries Download Article A fast track to eradicating blackberries once and for all Co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH
Last Updated: February 24, 2025 References
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Tilling the Soil
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Employing Herbicides
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This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee. This article has been viewed 178,593 times.
Blackberries are delicious, but they’re not as enjoyable when the bush they’re growing on decides to invade and take over your yard. If you’re dealing with an unruly and determined blackberry bush, don’t worry. Killing overgrown blackberries is usually something you can do on your own, and we'll walk you through exactly what you need to do step-by-step below.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Tilling the Soil
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1 Cover the area around the plant. Place a covering around the area in which you plan to remove the blackberry plant. This can make clean up easier and minimize the risk of seeds or stems escaping and forming new plants.
Use trash bags or tarps to cover the area to till.
2 Cut the stems. Using your hands or a pair of heavy-duty garden scissors to cut the stems of the blackberry plant. This will make it easier for you to remove the roots and source of life for the plant.[1]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Bundle the stems for disposal. Using the covering you used around the blackberry bush, bundle the stems together. Then dispose of the stems in your garbage or a place in which they are not exposed to the soil to prevent regrowth.[2]XResearch source
Make sure to get every bit of stem off of the ground because a new bush can still grow even from a short cutting.[3]XResearch source
Check with your community to inquire about local regulations on disposing of organic plant material.
4 Dig up the root ball. Once you’ve removed the stems, you can more easily access the root ball. Using a trowel or shovel, dig the surrounding soil until you expose the entire root ball.[4]XResearch source
Make sure to dig around the root ball so that you don’t break it up and potentially release seeds or stems into the soil.[5]XResearch source
Be aware that digging up the root ball will not kill the plant since some plant material may remain, but this does make tilling the soil much easier.[6]XResearch source
5 Remove the root ball. Gently take the root ball out from the soil around which you’ve dug a hole. Not only can this ensure easier tilling, but can also remove a major source of rhizomes that can propagate the bush.[7]XResearch source However, keep in mind that blackberry plants do not form a tight root ball like some other plants and the roots can run a long way underground. Follow the roots to the ends and then carefully dig them up with a trowel.
Use gloves when you remove the root ball to minimize the risk of cutting yourself.
Dig further around the root ball if it doesn’t come out when you pull on it. This may allow you to get most bits of root in one movement.
Dispose of the root ball in the same way you did the stems.
6 Till the soil. It’s important to till, or break up and turn over, the soil after removing the stems and root balls.[8]XResearch source This can help remove or starve any material, including rhizomes, which are also called rootstocks, that can propagate further plants.
Use a cultivator fork or deep spade to turn over and break up soil in small areas.[9]XResearch source You can purchase these at most home improvement and hardware stores.
Rent an engine-powered tiller for larger areas. You can rent (or buy) these at home improvement and hardware stores.[10]XResearch source
Be sure that you’ve broken up and turned over your soil by examining it. The soil will often look darker if it’s come from under the surface.
If you do not want to till the soil, then you can also just mow over any shoots that do come up. This will weaken the plants and stop the shoots from coming up.
7 Cover the soil. Use a heavy layer of plastic to cover the soil and minimize the risk of more blackberries growing.[11]XResearch source Then cover the plastic with 4-5 inches of mulch to further deter growth.[12]XResearch source
8 Repeat tilling. Follow up your removal and tilling with frequent care of your soil. Repeating your tilling efforts can minimize the number of plantlets and eventually kill all of your blackberries.[13]XResearch source
Till once a week or any time you see plantlets. Eventually, the blackberry plants will die.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Employing Herbicides
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1 Place an herbicide in the soil. In areas not used to grow other crops, you can apply tebuthiuron (Spike) to your soil. This can kill blackberry bushes, but may also harm other surrounding vegetation.[14]XResearch source
Place tebuthiuron pellets to the base of blackberry plants to control their growth long-term.[15]XResearch source
Be aware that tebuthiuron is toxic not only to vegetation, but can also be to mammals, too. It is also water soluble, so it can easily contaminate ground water.
Wear protective clothing when you apply tebuthiuron to minimize your exposure to the pesticide.
Make sure to check and see if it is legal to use tebuthiuron where you live. It has been banned in Europe since 2002 because if its toxicity.
2 Apply an herbicide directly on the plant. One of the most effective ways to kill blackberries is by applying an herbicide directly to the plant while it is actively growing. This allows it to get into the plant’s structure and kill rhizomes, thus deterring regrowth.
Use foliar-based herbicides, which you apply to the part of the plant visible above the ground, in early summer or at the start of the growing season when their tissue is rapidly expanding.
Spray herbicides such as glyphosate, dicamba, or triclopyr on the blackberry bush. You can purchase these at many home improvement and hardware stores.
Be careful when mixing and applying these chemicals because they can kill other plants. Make sure to avoid contact with your skin as well.
3 Treat the basal bark. Since the bark at the base of the bush helps transport the nutrients needed for the plant to survive, treat it with an herbicide. This can help kill the bush at any time of year and also minimize contact with chemicals.
Use a concentrated form of triclopyr to treat the basal bark.
Spray the solution directly at base of the bush directly on the bark.
Cover about 6-12 inches of the basal bark with spray, depending on how large the plant is. Make sure to not oversaturate the bark with the solution, which can cause toxic runoff.
4 Spray the dormant stems and leaves. An alternative way to administer triclopyr is to spray the dormant stems and leaves of your blackberry bush. This can also kill the plant while minimizing your contact with the chemical.
Use this solution only in the fall and winter when the plant stem and leaves are dormant.
Spray the plant until it is thoroughly wet, again avoiding oversaturation that can cause toxic runoff.
5 Hire a landscape professional. If your blackberry bush growth is especially pernicious, consider hiring a landscape professional. He can help you assess and deal with the problem without killing off all of your other vegetation.[16]XResearch source
Discuss your concerns with the landscaper and ask about how to manage the situation more effectively after his treatment.
The Landscape Contractors Association can help you find a qualified landscape professional in your local area.
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Question Can I kill blackberries with gasoline or kerosene? Ninox Top Answerer Don't use these to kill plants. You will pollute the ground irreversibly. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 34
Question Can vinegar and Epsom salts be used to kill blackberry and blueberry plants? Community Answer Vinegar has only been found effective when weeds are small ( below 3 leaf stage). It is ~12 % acetic acid which could kill a small plant started from seed, but if the plant is being fed via a runner from a larger, healthier plant it can often survive. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 17
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Co-authored by: Andrew Carberry, MPH Food Systems and Gardening Expert This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee. This article has been viewed 178,593 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 27Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 178,593 Categories: Garden Pests and WeedsArticle SummaryX
To kill an unruly blackberry bush, first place some trash bags or tarps down on the ground around the plant to catch any pieces that fall so they don’t take root in the soil. Then, use gardening shears to cut back all of the branches and stems on the bush. Bundle them up in a trash bag and dispose of them, making sure no cut pieces have fallen on the ground. Next, use a shovel to dig up the entire root ball and dispose of it in a trash bag. Use a cultivator fork or deep spade to till the soil, which will help break up and kill any roots that are still underground. Then, cover the area with a sheet of plastic followed by 4 inches (10 cm) of mulch to smother any remaining roots. If you’re not able to manually remove your blackberry bush, there are also herbicides you can use to kill the plant. Try spraying the bark at the base of the bush with triclopyr to kill the blackberry plant. Alternatively, you can apply a foliar-based herbicide like glyphosate to the plant’s leaves to kill it. To learn how to use herbicides to kill blackberries, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Download Article A fast track to eradicating blackberries once and for all Co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH 
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Co-authored by: Andrew Carberry, MPH Food Systems and Gardening Expert This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee. This article has been viewed 178,593 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 27 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 178,593 Categories: Garden Pests and Weeds Article SummaryX
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1 Cover the area around the plant. Place a covering around the area in which you plan to remove the blackberry plant. This can make clean up easier and minimize the risk of seeds or stems escaping and forming new plants. 
2 Cut the stems. Using your hands or a pair of heavy-duty garden scissors to cut the stems of the blackberry plant. This will make it easier for you to remove the roots and source of life for the plant.[1] Advertisement 
3 Bundle the stems for disposal. Using the covering you used around the blackberry bush, bundle the stems together. Then dispose of the stems in your garbage or a place in which they are not exposed to the soil to prevent regrowth.[2] 
4 Dig up the root ball. Once you’ve removed the stems, you can more easily access the root ball. Using a trowel or shovel, dig the surrounding soil until you expose the entire root ball.[4] 
5 Remove the root ball. Gently take the root ball out from the soil around which you’ve dug a hole. Not only can this ensure easier tilling, but can also remove a major source of rhizomes that can propagate the bush.[7] However, keep in mind that blackberry plants do not form a tight root ball like some other plants and the roots can run a long way underground. Follow the roots to the ends and then carefully dig them up with a trowel. 
6 Till the soil. It’s important to till, or break up and turn over, the soil after removing the stems and root balls.[8] This can help remove or starve any material, including rhizomes, which are also called rootstocks, that can propagate further plants. 
7 Cover the soil. Use a heavy layer of plastic to cover the soil and minimize the risk of more blackberries growing.[11] Then cover the plastic with 4-5 inches of mulch to further deter growth.[12] 
8 Repeat tilling. Follow up your removal and tilling with frequent care of your soil. Repeating your tilling efforts can minimize the number of plantlets and eventually kill all of your blackberries.[13] 
1 Place an herbicide in the soil. In areas not used to grow other crops, you can apply tebuthiuron (Spike) to your soil. This can kill blackberry bushes, but may also harm other surrounding vegetation.[14] 
2 Apply an herbicide directly on the plant. One of the most effective ways to kill blackberries is by applying an herbicide directly to the plant while it is actively growing. This allows it to get into the plant’s structure and kill rhizomes, thus deterring regrowth. 
3 Treat the basal bark. Since the bark at the base of the bush helps transport the nutrients needed for the plant to survive, treat it with an herbicide. This can help kill the bush at any time of year and also minimize contact with chemicals. 
4 Spray the dormant stems and leaves. An alternative way to administer triclopyr is to spray the dormant stems and leaves of your blackberry bush. This can also kill the plant while minimizing your contact with the chemical. 
5 Hire a landscape professional. If your blackberry bush growth is especially pernicious, consider hiring a landscape professional. He can help you assess and deal with the problem without killing off all of your other vegetation.[16] 
Ninox Top Answerer Don't use these to kill plants. You will pollute the ground irreversibly. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 34 
Community Answer Vinegar has only been found effective when weeds are small ( below 3 leaf stage). It is ~12 % acetic acid which could kill a small plant started from seed, but if the plant is being fed via a runner from a larger, healthier plant it can often survive. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 17 
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