7 Ways to Get Rid of Blackberry Bushes in Vancouver, BC

Himalayan blackberry is one of the most aggressive and invasive plants in the Vancouver area. What starts as a small bramble can quickly take over entire yards, fence lines, forest edges, and commercial properties. These thorn-covered vines grow fast, choke out native vegetation, and are incredibly difficult to remove once established.

At Ascent Yard Care, we specialize in professional blackberry removal across Vancouver, using proven methods that eliminate the plant down to its root system. Here are 7 of the most effective strategies for getting rid of blackberry bushes—and keeping them from coming back.

1. 

Cut to the Ground and Haul Away

The first step in controlling blackberry is a full cut-down of all above-ground growth. This includes:

• Using brush cutters, trimmers, or chainsaws
• Removing all vines and canes
• Hauling away or chipping the debris

This makes the area accessible and prepares the site for follow-up treatment. At Ascent, we remove everything and leave your property clean and accessible—no thorny piles left behind.

2. 

Target the Regrowth with Herbicide

Blackberry plants store energy in large underground root systems. That’s why herbicide treatment is most effective when applied to the fresh regrowth that sprouts up after cutting.

We typically return 3–6 weeks after the initial cut to spot-treat new growth using low-toxicity, targeted herbicides that penetrate deep into the root zone.

This method dramatically reduces regrowth and keeps chemical use minimal.

3. 

Dig Out Root Crowns

For small infestations or isolated plants, digging out the central root crown can be an effective mechanical solution. You must:

• Locate the thick central crown (often buried deep)
• Remove as much of the root mass as possible
• Monitor the site for several months and re-dig as needed

This method is labour-intensive and best suited for gardens or sensitive areas where herbicide isn’t an option.

4. 

Smothering with Tarp or Cardboard

Blackberries can be starved out by covering the area with light-blocking materials for 1–2 growing seasons. This works best for small patches or urban lots.

• Cut the blackberry to the ground
• Cover with heavy-duty tarp, geotextile fabric, or cardboard + mulch
• Leave in place for at least 6 months (ideally 12–18)

This method is slower, but very effective if done properly.

5. 

Repeat Cut & Treat Method

For large infestations, blackberry often requires a multi-phase approach:

1. Cut to the ground
2. Let it regrow
3. Spray the new shoots
4. Repeat 1–2 more times until the plant stops re-emerging

This is the preferred approach for invasive thickets along fences, slopes, and roadsides. It balances efficiency with long-term control and uses less herbicide than spraying mature vines.

6. 

Prevent Regrowth with Ground Cover or Replanting

After clearing blackberry, it’s critical to stabilize the soil and prevent sunlight from hitting the bare ground, or it will return.

Consider:

• Mulching heavily with bark mulch or wood chips
• Planting fast-growing ground cover
• Installing landscape fabric in non-garden zones

This creates a barrier and allows desirable plants to establish and outcompete any returning shoots.

7. 

Hire a Professional Blackberry Removal Team

Invasive blackberry removal is hard, thorny, and time-consuming. At Ascent Yard Care, we’ve removed tens of thousands of square feet of blackberry in Vancouver and know how to eliminate it safely and permanently.

Our services include:

• Full cut and removal of brambles
• Herbicide spot-treatment of regrowth
• Mulching or erosion control
• Restoration planting
• Ongoing seasonal follow-up to ensure the problem stays gone

We’re licensed, insured, experienced, and responsive.

Areas We Serve

We provide blackberry removal throughout:

• Vancouver
• North Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• Burnaby
• Richmond
• Surrey
• New Westminster
• Coquitlam
• Delta
• Langley

Don’t Let Blackberry Take Over

If blackberry is invading your garden, acreage, fence line, or slope—act early, act decisively, and let the pros help.

Victoria’s best now in Victoria.