Best way to kill brambles

[FionaH]

My mate has a very overgrown garden and her brother is going to clear it, with some help from me
Apparently there are lots of brambles, whats the best way of getting rid? They are happy to use a systemic weedkiller but I was thinking it might be best just to dig the beggers out. What do you reckon?

[chris]

I went in with a strimmer (heavy duty) in our old place, blasted them down so I could get to the stems, and then dug them up. Was cut up to high heaven, but this was the final resort -I tried weedol, and other weed killers (one recommended not to be used near anything you dont want to survive, included kids + pets apparantly!). Still grew back, so after I dug them all out, I covered over with matting, and then put slabs/chippings over where I could.

[sweetiepea]

They can be stubborn beggars! I have a field full of them, which I have sprayed, allowed to die back, and dug up the 'remains'. The roots however can be very difficult to remove thoroughly. Expect re-growth - I've had plenty. When the weather improves, and leaves appear I'll repeat the process again, and probably again! Roots can be deep, so don't be surprised if 'new' brambles appear in a different place - it’s likely that it’s a new shoot from an old root!

[Alison]

I've cut back and dug out to the best of my ability and continue to do so as they crop up. If you get them as soon as they appear they aren't too bad. Personally I wouldn't be happy using the sort of high powered weed killer you'd need to blast them but then I don't use weed killer at all on principle so it depends on what you're happy with really.

[binley100]

We cleared some brambles from our garden when we moved in (21years ago) and I still find little brambles trying to push their way up, I don't think you can kill them. I think they are like cockroaches and would be the only thing to survive a nuclear attack.

[FionaH]

Nuclear war it is then! I had this funny sinking feeling when he said brambles, now I know why

[binley100]

At the lottie the ones round the edges get trained along the fence or through the hedges. Helps keep out intruders with the added bonus of blackberries.

[Glutton4...]

If they don't mind spraying, try and get hold of some 'proper' Roundup, (try local Landscapers) not the pre-mixed stuff. Only spray when the plant is 'actively' growing. Successive sprays will probably be necessary. When the plants have been weakened sufficiently they're a lot easier to dig/pull out.

Good luck.

[Jeanied]

My preferred method is the same as grapes above - I had them all over the rear part of my lottie plot. Hack down to ground level and everytime they shoot from the base, pounce on 'em! Actually I found they were less invasive than the couch grass and bindweed!

And I actually have a cultivated bramble as well - no offence in this thread to our friend on the vine Bramble herself!

[Two_Sheds]

If they don't mind spraying ... Only spray when the plant is 'actively' growing.

I was going to say that. It's taken in through the leaves, so you have to have a lot of leaves to spray.

If you want to get cracking now, you'll have to slash and burn, then dig out the pigging roots.
Use a small saw and secateurs to cut the roots, and use a garden fork to get a good lever/fulcrum action going too

[FionaH]

I was going to say that. It's taken in through the leaves, so you have to have a lot of leaves to spray.

If you want to get cracking now, you'll have to slash and burn, then dig out the pigging roots.
Use a small saw and secateurs to cut the roots, and use a garden fork to get a good lever/fulcrum action going too

I think this sounds like the way to go. I have sent a link to here to my mate and her brother, see what they want to do.
Madly I am looking forward to helping, I have run out of things to slash and burn

[SarzWix]

Sheesh, I've got plenty you can go at if you fancy a working holiday... ?!

[FionaH]

Sheesh, I've got plenty you can go at if you fancy a working holiday... ?!

You're on! Wheres the train timetable?

[its hilly]

I got rid of the HUGE bramble patch at the field by spraying with brushwood killer..but it wipes out grass etc as well. If theres a lot of dead stuff in it hack the whole lot off with a scythe (careful, they bounce off thick stems unless razor sharp) then spray the regrowth, it kills em faster
The farmer next door said Grazon 90 (from farm supply) works, but I never tried it.
Ordinary weedkillers just dont touch brambles.

Oh yes..fastest eco friendly bramble clearer = goat lol

[Two_Sheds]

You're on! Wheres the train timetable?

while you're at it, I've got a greenhouse needs building