How do i kill Wild Blackberry bushes without using weedkiller?

Jessica
by Jessica

I have Blackberry bushes taking over my backyard! I try to pull them up and my hands become shredded, even with 3 pairs of leather, rubber and knit gloves on at the same time. I try to dig it up and it grows back (quickly). I hate using store bought weed killer but would be open to something homemade and natural!

  5 answers
  • Cindy Cindy on Aug 20, 2018

    Hi Jessica. I'm Cindy. Salt will kill anything. Sprinkle salt on the soil where the plant ends. Then gently pour warm water on top of the salt. The water will help the roots receive the salt faster. If you gently pour the water, the salt will stay put. Be careful with the salt. It will kill anything it touches. Best of luck to you.

    • See 1 previous
    • Gail Gail on Aug 20, 2018

      If you throw out salt over briars as well as these wild blackberries near or under trees, does it go deep enough into the soil to kill the trees? Will the salt used in water softener systems work? Would salt help to kill grass & weeds along fence lines?




  • Linda Linda on Aug 20, 2018

    Haven’t tried this on blackberries, yet but it works on all other plants. Not only the weeds but ones I don’t want to kill..



    spray bottle

    1/2 cup salt

    1 cup vinegar

    a squirt of dishwashing liquid

    Fill bottle with water


    if you have a lot of blackberries and are using a spray canister, triple the vinegar and salt with the additional water.


    In the past I have done this every week until I see they are dieing. I know it works because I’ve done it. Good luck!


  • Linda Linda on Aug 20, 2018

    Please disregard the part about not having done this on blackberries because I have.

  • Jessica Jessica on Aug 20, 2018

    Thank you! I can't wait to try this!

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Mar 14, 2023

    They are so darn invasive, every year I see them in big box stores and many unsuspecting folk have no idea they are so invasive-both the wild ones and tame.

    It is near impossible to pull them our, runners go everywhere. What we have resorted to is continually mowing them down.