How to Remove Blackberry Bushes Yourself: A DIY Guide
If you’re a property owner in Vancouver and dealing with overgrown blackberry bushes, then this guide is for you! Blackberry bushes are fast growing and aggressive. They can quickly take over your backyard, garden, or even the side of your house if left unchecked. They might look inocent at first but they are notorious for damaging fences and choking out native plants.
At Provident Junk Removal, we regularly help homeowners with our professional blackberry bushes removal and disposal service in Vancouver. This blog is for those who are ready to take matters into their own hands with a solid DIY approach and for anyone who wants to know when it might be time to bring in the pros.
Let’s dig in.
Types of Blackberry Bushes Found in Vancouver
Before diving into removal, it’s important to know what kind of blackberry you’re dealing with. There are a few common types, and each behave a bit differently.
Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) is the biggest culprit. It’s an invasive species that spreads aggressively via underground runners and seeds. This type forms thick, thorny thickets that are difficult to navigate or remove.
Then there are Trailing Blackberries, often referred to as dewberries. These are lower-growing and less invasive but can still be a nuisance if left unmanaged.
Lastly, Erect or Cultivated Varieties are typically found in gardens. They’re more manageable and less invasive but still require regular care to prevent spreading.
These plants reproduce in several ways like, seeds (often spread by birds), underground runners, and even root fragments left behind in the soil. That’s why just cutting them down rarely solves the problem.
Why Blackberry Bushes Are So Hard to Get Rid Of
Anyone who has ever tried to remove blackberry bushes would know it’s more than just trimming some brambles. The problem lies underground. Blackberry roots grow deep and wide, creating a web of runners that pop up unexpectedly even weeks after removal.
Cut stubs left behind can sprout new canes. Seeds dropped by birds can germinate quickly. And their thick, thorny canes can easily damage fences, retaining walls, garden beds, and even pavement. It’s a tough plant that requires a persistent and strategic removal approach.
DIY Blackberry Bush Removal Tips (Step-by-Step)
1. Wear Protective Gear
Before you start, make sure you are wearing long sleeves, heavy-duty gloves, thick pants, and eye protection to keep yourself safe as blackberry bushes have sharp thorns that can easily cut skin and tear clothing.
2. Tools You’ll Need
To tackle blackberry bush removal effectively, gather the following tools:
- Pruning shears for smaller branches
- Loppers for thicker canes
- A shovel or mattock to dig up roots
- Heavy-duty garbage bags or bins for disposal
You’ll want everything close by so you’re not scrambling mid-task.
3. Cutting Back the Canes
You should start by cutting the canes down to ground level. This makes it easier to access the root system. Cut as close to the base as possible and stack the cuttings in a pile for later disposal. Don’t leave them lying around because blackberry debris can easily take root if left on moist soil.
4. Digging Up the Roots
Once the canes are gone, it’s time for removing the roots. Use a shovel or mattock to dig out the main root crown and follow the runners underground. Try to remove as much of the root system as you can. Even small leftover roots can regrow.
5. Dispose of Debris Properly
Do not compost blackberry debris, as the plant can regenerate from cuttings. Instead, use your city’s green waste program or use a blackberry bushes disposal service in like Provident Junk Removal. We ensure safe and eco-friendly disposal.
How to Get Rid of Blackberry Bushes Permanently
Cutting and digging are just the beginning. To fully remove blackberry bushes for good, you’ll need to stay on top of regrowth. Check the area every 2–4 weeks and pull out any new shoots.
Covering the area with mulch or a heavy tarp can help block sunlight and prevent regrowth. You can also replant the cleared space with native plants or ground cover to outcompete any remaining blackberry roots.
We recommend avoiding herbicides near vegetable gardens or water sources, as they can affect the soil and local ecosystems.
When to Call a Professional
DIY blackberry removal is doable but it’s also labor-intensive and time-consuming. Here are a few scenarios when hiring a professional makes more sense:
- You’re dealing with a large, overgrown patch
- The area is difficult to access (steep slopes, near fences, etc.)
- You don’t have the proper tools or time
- You want a safe, thorough job with guaranteed disposal
That’s where we come in.
How Provident Junk Removal Can Help in Getting Rid of Blackberry Bushes
At Provident Junk Removal, we offer affordable blackberry bush removal and eco-friendly disposal services throughout Vancouver, BC. Whether you’re dealing with a backyard overrun with thorns or just want to clean up a corner of your property, our trained crew can handle the tough work so you don’t have to.
To book your blackberry bushes removal and disposal service in Vancouver, simply call us at +1 (672) 667 4238 and we’ll provide a free quote and schedule a visit that works for you.
Conclusion
Removing blackberry bushes takes determination, sweat, and a good plan but with the right tools and tips, it’s absolutely possible. If you’re a DIY type, we hope this guide gives you the confidence to take it on yourself. Just remember: it’s not a one-time job. Persistence is key.
And if it ever feels like too much or you just want it gone — Provident Junk Removal is here to help. Give us a call and let us take care of the thorns, roots, and all.
