How to Kill Brambles Permanently

Brambles are tough. Cut them down and they grow back. Dig them out and you miss a bit of root that sprouts again. Here is how to actually get rid of them permanently.

Why are brambles so hard to kill?

Brambles spread in two ways: by seed (birds eat the blackberries and spread them) and by rooting where the tips of stems touch the ground. They also have deep, woody root systems that store energy and can regrow even after the top growth is removed.

To kill brambles permanently, you need to exhaust or poison the root system, not just remove what you can see.

Method 1: Cut and treat with weedkiller

This is the most effective method for established brambles. It works best in late summer or early autumn when the plant is drawing energy down into its roots.

1. Cut the brambles down to about 15-30cm (6-12 inches) above ground level.
2. Wait for regrowth – new leaves will appear within a few weeks.
3. When the new growth has several leaves, spray with a glyphosate-based weedkiller (such as Roundup).
4. The leaves absorb the chemical and carry it down to the roots.
5. Wait 2-3 weeks for the brambles to die back completely.
6. Remove the dead growth and dig out as much root as you can.

You may need to repeat this process if any regrowth appears. Persistent brambles sometimes need two or three treatments over a season.

Method 2: Dig out completely

For smaller patches or if you want to avoid chemicals, you can dig brambles out. This is hard work but effective if done thoroughly.

1. Cut all the top growth down to ground level and remove it.
2. Dig around the root crown with a spade or mattock.
3. Follow the roots as far as you can, removing every piece.
4. Sieve the soil if necessary to catch small root fragments.
5. Check the area regularly and dig out any regrowth immediately.

The key is persistence. Any root left behind will regrow, so you need to keep on top of it for at least a full growing season.

Method 3: Smother with mulch or membrane

If you have time and patience, you can kill brambles by cutting them down and covering the area with a thick layer of mulch or landscape membrane. This starves the roots of light.

• Cut everything down to ground level.
• Cover with heavy-duty landscape fabric or thick cardboard.
• Weigh it down with a thick layer of bark mulch or soil.
• Leave in place for at least 12-18 months.

This method is slow but works well for larger areas where digging is impractical. Check the edges regularly as brambles will try to grow around the covering.

What about burning brambles?

Burning the top growth does not kill the roots. It can actually stimulate regrowth by removing competition and letting light reach the soil. Burning is useful for disposing of cut brambles but is not a control method on its own.

Preventing brambles coming back

• Remove seedlings early: Pull up young bramble plants as soon as you spot them.
• Maintain the area: Regular mowing or strimming prevents brambles establishing.
• Check boundaries: Brambles often creep in from neighbouring land or hedgerows.
• Plant ground cover: Dense planting makes it harder for brambles to get a foothold.