bramble roots

[gan heather]

A few weeks ago I acquired an extremely overgrown plot - all brambles and trees. I've been working at cutting the brambles back, which is slow going, but at least it's going. My problem is now the roots. Today was the first day I have tried to get the bramble roots up (I've just been cutting the brambles down to the ground and I'd finally cleared a spot that was large enough that I felt warranted going back to tidy it up). I can't get them up. The roots from the tiny brambles I can manage, but not the larger ones. How should I deal with this? Thanks for any advice!

[Reb Williams]

If you can afford the time to wait for them to 'starve' to death, covering the area with black plastic over the next growing season can help keep the buggers back. You could try it with one section of the plot perhaps?
In the areas that aren't too near the paths, it can help to light a big bonfire and burn them to death.
Otherwise it's just dig dig dig....


Reb
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[rustylady]

I know, I had the same problem. I dug as deep as I could with a sharp spade, and used secateurs to cut through the thick ones. Once you get most of it out the new shoots get weaker and are fairly easy to pull up. The main root then seems to rot. My problem now is the suckers coming through from next door's "bramble hedge" that threatens to kill anyone walking along the path.

[Two_Sheds]

I had the devil of a job to get my brambles out. Huge thick roots, like big octopi.

Best thing: use a garden fork (not an expensive one, even those will bend) and lever the roots out, working round them attacking from different angles. Take them by surprise.
Cut the roots with a little saw or secateurs too, get them out a bit at a time if you have to.

As Archimedes said, "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world."

[northepaul]

Have been having a similar problem with Ivy. My neighbour down the bottom has let his ivy become so overgrown that it destroyed our bottom fence (We only moved in in June.) I managed to get all of it off and replaced the fence, but digging down 2 foot to put a block down, we found what you would call the biggest root I have ever seen. It was roughly 6 ft long and about the thickness of my arm. Evenutally got it up but it actually goes under the fence, and down to a depth of over 3 foot!!!! Had to cut it off with a hacksaw!!

Worst bit is I am allergic to Ivy, so have to completely cover myself up while handling it!

Oh the joys of gardening

[gan heather]

What about rotovating? I'm not talking a few giant bramble roots - the *whole* plot is covered in these evil creatures. I spent about 40 minutes yesterday trying to get one out and finally gave up. I really don't think it will be physically possible for me to dig/chop them up.

[Jardiniere]

if you look at the pictures on my page (just clickon my name) you will see that my plot was, less than ayear ago, covered in over 60 false acacia trees ad hundreds and hundreds of some extremely enormous bramble bushes as well as nettles and other weeds. After the trees wee cleared, brambles did start to come through again, we have just had to brushcut, then dig. As other people have said you may have to dig down and use secateurs.I have grown potatoes, onions, carrots, leeks etc etc on the dug ground that still had acacia and bramble roots in it and just had to cut them back as they appeared.They do eventually give up the fight but you have to stay on top of them...good luck and keep at it...

[snakeshack]

I too had huge brambles on the lottie when i got it last year,I brush cut mine to ground level then took most of the roots out with a mattock,the spring shoots I have been pulling out as deep as possible and they are weakening and coming under control.
If only the horsetail was so responsive!

[Two_Sheds]

I really don't think it will be physically possible for me to dig/chop them up.

Then let them grow, and when they've got a lot of green leaf (May) spray with glyphosate

[geoff]

Here's something I've just thought of, though I've never done it, nor have I seen any other mention of it
Dig down as far as you can manage, and cut off the root as deep as you can Then wrap the cut end of the root, and further back if possible in a rag soaked in weedkiller; not sure which one; glyphosphate or a strong solution of sodium chlorate. Thus forming a kind of bandage or poultice of weedkiller over the root. Could even finish it by wrapping the whole affair in a plastic bag
Does anyone else have any comments about this? Problems? or any reason why it shouldn't work? I'm willing to be corrected, it's only an idea
If any fresh bramble shoots come up in the spring, spray them with glyphosphate, as it penetrates down to the roots, but only kills actively growing plants
Depending on how thick the roots are, use secateurs, or possibly a pruning saw. If you go to a DIY store look for a toolbox saw. These are meant for occasional work, but have a suitably short and narrow blade

[Eco-Chic]

I'm not sure the weedkiller will work under those circumstances. I believe it has to be absorbed through the leaves and taken down through the stem to the roots.

If the roots are exposed what about using a flamegun on them?