I am clearing a large patch of blackberry brambles. The canes and foliage are easy enough to cut back, but I’d like to get at the roots too. I have used a mattock before but it’s tough going. I am wondering if anyone has seen a “Weed Wrench” (aka Uprooter) locally. This is a heavy duty tool that uses a gripping jaw and leverage to pull the root mass of even large shrubs and small trees from the ground. I will be asking the tool rental companies around town but wanted to see if there are other views on the best tool/technique for the job. Thank you!
Welcome to the CVHS and our Forum!
I have an extractigator with a big foot attached which works quite well. You are welcome to borrow it if you like.
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Thanks Gordon for the welcome and offer- that looks like just the thing.
We forwarded this timely question to the members of the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners through the Garden Advice Line at Milner Gardens and Woodland. Many thanks for this response:
Thank you for forwarding the blackberry question to the Milner Garden Advice Line
Many people on Vancouver Island struggle with controlling the spread of the invasive Himalayan blackberries (delicious as they are).
Your writer has completed the prickly initial work of removing the above-surface canes. Some people use goats or hire a heavy-duty mower for this step, “ Both work by removing the leaves so the plant can’t turn sunlight into food. The plant eventually starves. Both goats and mowers must be brought back often, however, and both have the same drawback: They destroy everything else in their path."
The writer was looking into an Uprooter tool. One of us has used a similar, less heavy tool with limited success. A mattock is definitely a good tool but also requires a lot of effort! The root ball can be in an awkward location and very large so not easy to remove. It can also split off and create more new growth.
In our research we have discovered the best method is to remove as much as possible and then plant something that will take over the space and not allow new growth to photosynthesize.
Oregon State University suggests:
“Make sure to replant the area with a perennial plant, such as grass, which will outcompete any new blackberry shoots.
Early spring seems to be the best time to attempt this method, cut back as much as possible and then plant something in its place to compete for nutrients and light!”
Planting grass seed continually and whacking back any new bramble regrowth has shown to give good results. When the grass carpets the ground, begin to mow regularly.
It is important to stay with it and not stop!
Good luck with this and please let us know if we can assist you further.
Kindly,
Gail and Dona
Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association
Phone: 250-752-0312
Email: GardeningAdvice.MilnerGardens@shaw.ca
Web: www2.viu.ca/milnergardens/gardening-advice.asp
Milner Gardens & Woodland’s Gardening Advice is offered through a partnership between Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens & Woodland and the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association.
Advice is given without charge and although it is believed to be correct, it is given on the basis that there is no liability on the part of the Master Gardener, VIU, or the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association.
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