Blackberries are delicious fruits often used in cooking and baking, or even eaten straight off the bush. However, when blackberry plants become invasive and out of control, they can wreak havoc in your garden or backyard. Follow these 13 steps to effectively kill blackberries and reclaim your space.

1. Identify: Learn to recognize blackberry plants by their thorny stems, compound leaves, and clusters of white or pink flowers.

2. Timing: The best time to tackle blackberry plants is in late summer or early fall when the plant’s energy reserves are low.

3. Safety first: Always wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants to protect your skin from thorns and chemicals.

4. Manual removal: For small infestations, dig around the roots, avoiding the root crown to prevent regrowth. Pull the plant from the ground and dispose of it in a heavy-duty yard waste bag.

5. Mowing: Regular mowing can weaken blackberry plants over time, but may need to be combined with other removal methods for definitive results.

6. Pruning: Cut back lateral branches on large blackberry bushes before using other methods to weaken the plant and make removal easier.

7. Smothering: Use a thick layer (at least four inches) of mulch around smaller blackberry plants to block sunlight and suppress growth.

8. Chemical control: Apply a systemic herbicide to the leaves, stem, or cut surfaces of the plant. Be sure to follow label instructions for proper use and other safety precautions.

9. Grazing animals: Introducing goats or sheep into an infested area can help with natural control as they eat away at the vegetation.

10. Tilling: Thoroughly cultivating the soil will damage the root system of blackberries, preventing regrowth.

11. Soil solarization: During summer months, spread a clear plastic sheet over the infested area and secure with rocks or other weights. Let the sun heat the soil and kill the blackberry plants.

12. Persistence: Repeatedly removing new sprouts will eventually weaken and kill the root system.

13. Restoration: After successfully killing blackberries, restore the area with native plants or other desired vegetation to prevent regrowth.

By following these 13 steps, you will be well on your way to eliminating invasive blackberries and reclaiming your outdoor space. Remember that persistence is key, as blackberries are known for their resilience.