Blackberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that we all enjoy. However, blackberries can also be a pain for homeowners when they start to take over the yard. Many turn to the popular weed killer, Roundup, to get rid of their unwanted blackberry bushes.
But the question remains: Does Roundup kill blackberries? Generally speaking, roundup kills blackberries because it contains glyphosate, a herbicide that can effectively control blackberry wild blackberries during the growing season. Treatment with glyphosate must be combined with effective re-vegetation of the location to prevent undesirable vegetation re-invasion and control erosion (Source: King County Noxious Weed Control Program)
In this blog post, I will explore the different myths and facts surrounding the use of Roundup and its effectiveness in eradicating blackberries. If you are looking for a natural way to get rid of blackberries, I encourage you to read this article about plants that choke out blackberries.
Understanding How Roundup Works
Before we can determine if Roundup can effectively kill blackberries, it’s important to understand how the product works. Roundup is a glyphosate-based herbicide that works by inhibiting the production of a specific enzyme that is essential for plant growth (Source: University of California) This causes the plant to slowly die off, from the top down, over a period of several days.
Moreover, Roundup is a systemic herbicide which means that the plant absorbs it and travels from the leaves to the roots, killing the entire plant. When used correctly, Roundup is highly effective in killing blackberries.
Can Roundup Kill Blackberries?
Contrary to popular belief, Roundup is not an effective method for killing blackberries. Blackberry bushes are notoriously difficult to kill, as they have a deep root system that allows them to thrive in harsh conditions. While Roundup can cause the leaves of blackberry bushes to wilt and die, it is not strong enough to kill the roots. As a result, blackberry bushes treated with Roundup will likely resprout in the following season.
Kind in mind that Roundup is a nonselective herbicide, meaning it will kill most plants. To effectively kill blackberries, it is recommended to wait until they leaf out.
If you want to learn more about Roundup and its effectiveness in Killing Blackberry Bushes, I wrote a whole article that I encourage you to read.
Alternative Methods for Killing Blackberries
If Roundup is not an effective method for killing blackberries, what is? There are a few alternative methods that I encourage you to try to rid of blackberry bushes in your yard. One option is to physically remove the bushes by digging up the roots.
Tips for Managing Blackberry Bushes
While blackberry bushes can be difficult to kill, they can be managed. Regular maintenance, such as pruning and cutting back new growth, can help to keep blackberry bushes under control.
Additionally, generally, planting ground cover or other plants in the area can help to prevent the growth of new blackberry bushes.
Different Myths And Facts Surrounding The Use of Roundup
- Myth 1: Roundup Kills Everything – Another myth surrounding Roundup is that it kills everything in its path, including other plants and animals. This is not entirely accurate. Roundup is a non-selective herbicide which means that it kills all plants it comes in contact with. However, it is not harmful to animals or humans when used properly.
- Myth 2: There Are No Alternatives to Roundup – Many people believe that Roundup is the only herbicide that’s effective in controlling blackberries. This is not true. There are several alternatives to Roundup, such as vinegar, boiling water, and manual removal. These alternatives may take longer to work and may require more effort, but they’re equally effective.
- Fact 1: Roundup Needs to be Used Properly – One of the most important things to keep in mind when using Roundup is to read and follow the instructions carefully. Roundup is a powerful herbicide and can be harmful if not used correctly. Always wear protective clothing, avoid spraying on windy days, and avoid using near water sources.
- Fact 2: Roundup Can Contaminate Surrounding Areas – Another important factor to keep in mind when using Roundup is that it can contaminate surrounding areas and harm non-targeted plants and animals. I encourage you to use Roundup responsibly and avoid over-spraying or using it near sensitive areas like water sources.
What to read next:
- What Is The Best Herbicide For Blackberry Control?
- How To Kill Blackberry Bushes Quickly: A Quick Guide.
- Will Roundup Kill Blackberry Bushes? (Yes, and here’s how!)
Wrapping Up
I believe that Roundup might not be the best way to kill blackberry bushes. While it may cause the leaves to wilt and die, it will not kill the roots, resulting in resprouting the following year.
If you are looking to get rid of blackberry bushes, I encourage you to use alternative methods, including physically removing the bushes or using a brush killer.
