Permanently removing bramble hedges – tips and methods

Blackberry hedges can be an undesirable and often persistent feature in gardens and on properties. They spread quickly, overgrow other plants and can turn the garden into an uncontrollable wilderness. Even though brambles are a valuable source of food for animals in nature, they can cause considerable problems in private gardens and on agricultural land. If you want to remove blackberry hedges permanently, you face the challenge of eradicating the plant thoroughly and effectively, as blackberries have a strong ability to spread and even the smallest roots can form new shoots.

1. manual removal of blackberry hedges

The most effective method of removing blackberry hedges is to dig out the plant by hand. This involves removing both the above-ground shoots and the roots anchored deep in the ground. To do this properly, it is important to get the entire plant, as brambles are particularly stubborn and new shoots can sprout from the roots again and again.

Step 1: First cut back the above-ground shoots and branches of the blackberries. Use hedge shears or secateurs to cut the plants back to ground level. This will give you easier access to the roots later.
Step 2: Now dig around the roots of the blackberries with a shovel or spade. Try to get as many roots out of the soil as possible, as even small roots are enough to get the plant growing again.
Step 3: Check whether there are any remnants of the roots left in the soil. If possible, remove these to prevent regrowth.

Manual removal is a very thorough method, but it requires a lot of labour and time, especially for large areas. It is also important to remember that every small piece of root can lead to a new plant. Therefore, the soil should be thoroughly checked for remaining roots after removal.

2. use of herbicides

If you want to save yourself the manual labour or are struggling with particularly stubborn blackberry hedges, you can use herbicides. However, caution is advised here, as chemical agents can also damage other plants and could be harmful to insects and animals in natural habitats.

Selective herbicides: There are special herbicides that work specifically against blackberries without damaging other plants. These should be applied directly to the leaves and shoots of the blackberries. Make sure you apply them exactly according to the instructions.
Glyphosate: Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide. It is absorbed by the plants through the leaves and destroys the root system. However, it should be noted that the use of glyphosate is regulated or even banned in some countries and regions, as it can raise health concerns. So find out about the legal regulations beforehand.

Herbicides can be effective, but they also pose risks to the environment and should therefore only be used when other methods are not sufficient.

3. mulching and ground cover

A gentle and environmentally friendly method of controlling bramble hedges is mulching. Covering the ground with a thick layer of mulch or plastic sheeting makes the ground impassable for the blackberries, as sunlight will no longer reach the plant and it will eventually die.

Step 1: Cut back the blackberry bushes as far as possible.
Step 2: Cover the affected areas with a thick layer of mulch (e.g. bark mulch or compost) or a black weed film. The layer should be at least 10-15 cm thick to keep the light out completely.

This method is particularly suitable for smaller areas and has the advantage of being environmentally friendly and relatively easy to carry out. However, it can take several months or even years for the blackberries to die back completely.

4. regular pruning and monitoring

If it is not possible for you to completely remove the blackberries all at once, you can also use a long-term strategy of regular pruning. By repeatedly cutting back the blackberries and removing the roots in a controlled manner, you can weaken the plant over time and ultimately eliminate it completely. This method requires patience and regular maintenance, but is an effective way to combat blackberries over a longer period of time.

Conclusion

Permanently removing bramble hedges is a challenging task that requires different methods depending on the extent of the infestation and your own preference. Whilst hand digging is the most thorough method, herbicides and mulch offer a more effective, if not always environmentally friendly, alternative. Regular pruning and monitoring can also help to keep blackberries at bay in the long term. Whichever method is chosen, patience and consistency are the keys to success in banishing blackberries from the garden for good.