Can you kill brambles at the root?

An invasion of brambles can feel overwhelming, but armed with the correct knowledge, tools and work ethic, they can be tamed.

A direct physical removal of the root system or the targeted application of systemic herbicides, can help achieve long-term control of brambles by eliminating their root network and effectively cutting off the life-support for the plant.

Brambles can be, and should be, killed at the root to regain control over your garden. Knowing the strategies that work for achieving lasting eradication by focusing on the root system are the key to success.

Why targeting the root is essential

Brambles are resilient because they can spread and grow in several different ways, including seeds and tip layering. However, their primary source of regrowth and spread in established patches is their extensive root system, which includes a tough root crown and spreading rhizomes (underground stems). If you only remove the above-ground canes will offer a temporary solution.

The root system allows the plant to send up new shoots, perpetuating the problem. To achieve control, you must either physically remove or effectively kill this underground network.

Strategies for removing the root

Here are the methods professionals, such as The Gardensmiths, employ to target and eliminate bramble roots:

Manual Removal: The Direct Approach

For smaller infestations or individual plants, physically removing the root system is a highly effective method.

The Technique: 

After cutting back the canes to ground level, the key is careful excavation. Using a mattock, grub axe or sturdy spade, dig around the base of the plant to expose the central root crown.

Follow any visible rhizomes outwards, cutting them as you go. The goal is to lift the entire root ball and as much of the rhizome network as possible from the soil.

Ensuring thorough work is crucial as any significant root fragments left behind can and likely will regenerate. This method is labor-intensive but offers immediate and often lasting results if done meticulously.

Herbicide Application: Systemic Action

Systemic herbicides are designed to be absorbed by the plant’s foliage and then translocated throughout its system, including the roots, leading to their demise.

The Technique:

For brambles, glyphosate-based or triclopyr-based herbicides are commonly used. The optimal timing for application is when the plant is actively growing, allowing for maximum uptake of the herbicide.

It is often recommended to cut back the brambles and allow for regrowth of fresh foliage (around 6-12 inches) before applying the herbicide to the leaves. This ensures a larger surface area for absorption and more effective translocation to the roots.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and application to ensure effectiveness and safe application. Repeated use may be necessary for well-established and extensive root systems.

If you wish to delve further into how brambles can be removed, read our professional guide here.
 

Considerations for Successful Root Eradication

• Persistence: Regardless of the method, persistence is vital. Brambles can be tenacious, and you may need to follow up on regrowth, especially from missed root fragments or new seedlings.
• Timing: Targeting actively growing plants for herbicide application maximizes effectiveness. For manual removal, tackling younger plants before their root systems become too extensive can make the job easier.
• Thoroughness: When manually removing brambles, ensure you remove as much of the root system as possible. When using herbicides, ensure adequate coverage of actively growing foliage.
• Prevention: Once you’ve successfully eradicated brambles, implement preventative measures to stop them from returning. This can include regular monitoring, prompt removal of new seedlings, and encouraging the growth of competitive ground cover.

Requiring assistance with effective bramble root removal?

We know brambles can be killed at the root. Whether through the direct physical removal of the root system or the targeted application of systemic herbicides, achieving long-term control of brambles by eliminating their root network is entirely possible. The key lies in understanding the plant’s biology, choosing the appropriate method for the scale of the infestation, and committing to thorough and persistent action. By focusing your efforts below the surface, you can finally reclaim your garden or landscape.

If all of this sounds too much like hard work, and you would rather leave it to the experts, we are here to help. The Gardensmiths are not your average gardeners. We provide specialist garden services that tackle even the most challenging of garden problems such as relentless bramble removal, invasive weeds, overgrown shrubs, bamboo removal and full renovation of neglected areas. We specialise in problem-solving for outdoor spaces, helping you to reclaim your gardens and grounds. Whether it’s a domestic garden in Chichester or a commercial site in Worthing, we bring expertise, efficiency and a no-nonsense approach to getting your outdoor space back under control.

Contact us for a no-obligation quote today.