Blackberries are a wonderful choice for your edible landscaping. They’re worth waiting for, and they add colour to any garden. However, when they start to grow too close together and become invasive, it can be hard to get rid of them. Blackberry bushes can grow up to eight feet tall, so if you don’t want them growing in your yard, it’s best to remove them from where they’re already established.
If you have ever tried removing blackberry bushes without the help of a power tool, you know what a daunting task it can be. It takes an extreme amount of time to snip each bush carefully, and in many instances, the clumps of blackberry vines are too much to handle. In extreme cases, people will opt for more violent means (I’m looking at you, chainsaw).
However, that is not always the best choice and can leave your yard looking like a war zone. A more efficient way of removing blackberry bushes would be to use a power tool.
How to Remove Blackberry Bushes
1Cutting a bushing out
Cutting a bushing out
Cutting the bush out is the best way to get rid of blackberry bushes. It can be a lot of work, but it’s worth doing if you have the time and energy.
Before you start digging out roots, cut off all the canes as close to the ground as possible. This will make it easier to get at the roots later on. If you’re only removing a few bushes, use a pair of pruning shears. If you’re getting rid of more than ten or so, use a power hedge trimmer or chainsaw.
If you want to remove the plant altogether, dig down approximately 6 inches around it and pluck out any roots that come up easily. If required, use a shovel or pick to dig deeper. After removing the shallow roots, search for any thick or woody roots that remain in the earth and cut them with a sharp axe or pruning saw.
2Pulling out a bush
Pulling out a bush
For the most part, you can dig up blackberry bushes with a shovel. If it’s a huge bush, you may want to use a hatchet or pick an axe to help loosen the roots before digging them out.
3Burning out a bush
Burning out a bush
Burning out a bush is the process of cutting the bushes down to the ground and then applying a herbicide to the cut stumps. This process is effective, but it is also low-cost and can be easily performed by a homeowner. It also leaves no unsightly stumps or roots behind that must be removed.
4Burning Out Blackberry Bushes
Burning Out Blackberry Bushes
The most effective time to burn out blackberry bushes is during the spring when they are actively growing. Cut each of the canes at ground level using your loppers. It’s best to do this when the soil is damp so that you don’t run into any problems with dry, hard soil. If you have an established patch of blackberries, it may take multiple cutting sessions to get all of them down to size.
5Mowing
Mowing
The best way to get rid of blackberry bushes is to mow them down. This will not completely kill the bushes, but it will weaken them. You may need to do this several times and then spray the blackberries with a herbicide. The first time you mow the bushes, get rid of as many canes as possible by cutting them in half. This will keep them from growing up again. Mowing will also prevent new canes from growing. When you are done mowing, use a special herbicide made for blackberries and other similar weeds.
6Covering
Covering
Finding a way to remove the blackberry bushes will get your garden back on track. This method requires you to cut the plants down with a pruning shear or hedge clipper and then cover them with a tarp or sheet of plastic to prevent new growth.
It’s not as simple as just covering them up, though. You’ll need to apply fertilizer (and it doesn’t hurt to add some manure) to encourage new growth and have patience while the plants are kept under wraps. Once they’ve regrown, you’ll have to be ready with the shears again to chop them down again.
7Goats & chickens
Goats & chickens
Goats are the best tools in your arsenal when it comes to cutting, pulling, and destroying blackberry bushes.
In addition to a few goats, you can also get chickens. Chickens are good at breaking up the soil and scratching up any seeds that fall on the ground. It is important to keep the goats and chickens separated until they have eaten all of the blackberry leaves.
Best Power Tool to Cut Blackberry Bushes
Let us review some of the best tools for clearing blackberry bushes:
Electric Pruning Shears
ZR-TNT Electric Pruning Shears
ZR-TNT Electric Pruning Shears Cordless 21V with 2000mAh 2PCS Lithium Battery and Matching Tools,30mm (1.2″) Cutting Diameter,Tree Branch Flowering Bushes...
- 【Super Sharp And Strong Powerful】The ZR-TNT electric pruning shears has 800W strong power, it can cut branches over 1.2 inch (30mm) quickly without damage.The blade is made of SK5 high carbon steel which is sharp and anti-rust, and powered by brushless motor,which has better efficiency and longer service life.
It has a large cutting head that’s perfect for clearing away stubborn stems, and it’s light enough to be used comfortably by one person. The blades are made of high-quality stainless steel and are sharp enough to cut through tough stems without damaging the plant; they’re also easy to clean.
The shears are durable and well-made, too — they’ve been tested under heavy use by people who work in gardens professionally, and they’ve passed with flying colors. They’re also effortless to use: just flip the switch on the handle when you want to cut something, press down on your thumb as you push forward for a good cut, and then repeat as needed. No more worrying about finding the right place on the stem or getting tangled
Features
- This is a cordless electric pruning shear, equipped with two lithium batteries. Each battery can continue to work for 90 minutes.
- It is equipped with a charger for easy charging.
- The cutting diameter is about 30mm (1.2 inches), suitable for small and medium-sized branches or trees.
- This pruning shear is lightweight, only 500g, and has a comfortable handle, making it easier to use.
- This product is equipped with four matching tools to meet different needs. This product comes with a wire saw, which can be used to cut large branches.
OMOLA Electric Pruning Shears
OMOLA Electric Pruning Shears,with 2 PCS Rechargeable 21V 2Ah 2000mA Lithium Battery Powered and 2 Blades，1Inch/25mm Cutting Diameter,6-8 Working Hours
- 【Sharp & Strong Blade】Our Electric pruning shears can be quickly pruned, clean and flat, does not damage the branches.Blade is forged from the Swiss SK5 high carbon steel and powered by brush less motor, it is extremely sharp and durable, making it easy to cut 1 inch / 25mm branches. Electric pruning shears can be quickly pruned, clean and flat and does not damage the branches.
If you need to get rid of them, OMOLA offers a pair of affordable pruning shears that allow you to cut down blackberry bushes up to 50 feet (15 meters) away. With these electric pruning shears, you can cut them down as low as two feet off the ground.
Features
- Rechargeable 2PCS 21V 2000mA Lithium Battery.
- 2PCS 20 cm Cutting Diameter Blade.
- 2PCS 22 cm Long Blade
- 2PCS 2 Inches/25mm Cutting Diameter Blade.
- 4-6 Hours working time for battery charge.
The main selling point of the OMOLA Electric Pruning Shear is that its rechargeable. This means that you don’t have to worry about having an outlet around to plug it in every time you want to use it. You also don’t have to worry about replacing the batteries every year (depending on how much household power you use).
Navegando Professional Pruner Electric Pruning Shears
Navegando Professional Pruner Electric Pruning Shears Tree Branch Flowering Bushes Trimmers 2Pcs Backup Rechargeable Lithium Battery Powered,30mm (1.2 Inch) Cutting...
- 【Sharp & Strong Blade】Note: We have optimized the appearance and performance of the pruner. From now on, the pruner you receive is the upgrade version(Please refer to the first picture for the upgrade version appearance) Our Electric pruning shears can be quickly pruned, clean and flat, does not damage the branches.Blade is forged from the Swiss SK5 high carbon steel and powered by brush less motor, it is extremely sharp and durable, making it easy to cut 1.2 inch / 30mm hard branches.
This product features an ergonomic design that makes it very comfortable for long-term use and an innovative cutting head that prevents accidental injuries while keeping your plants safe during trimming sessions.
Features
- 1500mAh high capacity lithium battery, the use of time is longer than the average product.
- The blade adopts SK5 high-quality steel, which is durable and sharp.
- It is equipped with a safety lock to prevent accidental opening and injury.
- Apply to garden pruning, flower cutting, outdoor survival, etc. It can also be used in orchards, forestry management and other industries.
Cordless Shear/Trimmer Combo
ZAKER Cordless Grass Shear & Hedge Trimmer
ZAKER Cordless Grass Shear & Hedge Trimmer - 7.2V Electric Shrub Trimmer 2-in-1 Handheld Hedge Cutter/ Grass Trimmer/ Hedge Clipper...
- 【Powerful & Adjustable】The length of the grass shear is 60mm, and the length of the hedge trimmer is 200mm. The handle can be adjusted 180°, and it can be pruned anywhere. Meanwhile, 7.2V provides power for cordless pruning and runs for up to 50-100mins
The ZAKER Cordless Grass Shear & Hedge Trimmer is suitable for anyone looking for a hedge trimmer for blackberry bushes. This is an all-in-one tool that can be used as a grass trimmer, hedge clipper and shrub trimmer.
Features
- This cordless grass shear & hedge trimmer features a 7.2V rechargeable battery, which can be easily recharged with a USB charger. A full charge takes 5 hours and will last for up to 70 minutes of continuous use.
- The stainless steel blades are sharp and precise so that you can trim your shrubs at any angle. The blades are 4 inches long and can cut branches up to 5/8 inches in thickness.
- The grip is ergonomically designed for comfort so that you won’t worry about hand fatigue or other aches and pains after prolonged use.
Scotts Outdoor Power Grass Shear/Shrub Trimmer
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools LSS10172S 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Grass Shear/Shrub Trimmer Combo, Green
- Scotts battery-operated grass trimmer that uses a 7.2-Volt 2Ah high-capacity built-in lithium-ion battery; Includes a fast charger
- Cordless grass shear that includes a 6.5" hedge blade and 4" shear blade with tool-less blade change feature
The Scotts Cordless Grass Shear/Shrub Trimmer Combo is ideal for light trimming and edging around the house. The trimmer also includes a grass shear blade for cutting smaller branches. This cordless tool requires no gas, oil, or tune-ups, making it hassle-free.
Features
- Dual-action blades cut branches faster and easier with 40 per cent less vibration.
- 7.2-volt lithium-ion rechargeable battery holds a charge for 18 months; no gasoline or oil is needed.
- Trim up to 5,000 square feet per charge on a single charge.
- The lightweight design (under 3 pounds) makes it easy to maneuver and operate.
- The cushioned grip helps prevent fatigue during use.
Worx Power Share 4″ Cordless Shear and 8″ Shrubber Trimmer
Worx WG801 20V Power Share 4" Cordless Shear and 8" Shrubber Trimmer (Battery & Charger Included)
- [QUICK & EZ SHRUBS] The WORX 20V Power Share Garden Shear Shrubber is easy to maneuver, easy to maintain, and makes it easy to cut clean-looking shrubs
- [DUAL ACTION BLADES] Each blade cuts once, then again on the backside, which makes for a smooth, sharp cut
The best power tool to cut blackberry bushes is one that you can use safely and effectively with minimal effort. We recommend the Worx Power Share 4″ Cordless Shear and 8″ Shrubber Trimmer (Battery & Charger Included). It’s an affordable, cordless tool that makes your blackberry bush quick work.
Features
- Powerful shearing blades that cut through weeds, shrubs and grass with ease.
- A three-position telescopic handle can be adjusted to four different angles for comfortable cutting at any height or angle.
- A quick-release trigger lock for continuous operation without holding onto the button all the time.
- The Worx 20V Power Share 4″ Cordless Shear and 8″ Shrubber Trimmer is a great tool for your gardening needs.
We hope you enjoyed our Blackckberry bush cutter reviews and found them helpful. With so many bush-cutting tools available, choosing the best one for your needs is never easy. It’s therefore essential to do your research—it makes all the difference in the world when you buy a power tool. To find out more about removing the blackberries with these tools, watch this video.
