These blackberry control methods are relevant statewide across a range of habitats. Blackberry is particularly common along waterways, forest edges, and in disturbed sites with moist soils and direct sunlight. 

• Early intervention is critical—small infestations are far easier and cheaper to control than large ones 

• Develop a plan before starting control including assessment, prioritisation, timing of control, and monitoring 

• Chemical methods are most effective, but should be combined with physical methods 

• Monitor areas where Blackberry has been removed and repeat treatment if necessary 

• Restoring vegetation and minimising disturbance can reduce  the rate of Blackberry reestablishing 

• Follow chemical use regulations 

Chemical Control 

• Spray when actively growing (flowering to fruiting, typically December–March) 

• Avoid spraying in extreme heat (>30°C) or onto stressed plants that may not absorb herbicide 

• Choose herbicide based on site. Herbicides are sold under a variety of names. Active ingredients include: 

• • Picloram + Triclopyr (+ Aminopyralid) – most effective for long-term control 

• • Metsulfuron-methyl – recommended for initial treatment of large areas 

• • Glyphosate – most effective for small areas in sensitive areas (such as near waterways and urban areas) 

• Choose application technique based on site, including: 

• • Foliar spraying – herbicide is sprayed directly on the plant and absorbed through the leaves. Herbicide is usually sprayed with a hand-gun. This is the most common method. 

• • Cut-stump – canes are cut close to ground and herbicide is applied to stem. Effective for small areas or sensitive sites. 

• • Granules or gels – herbicide is spread as granule or gel onto ground and absorbed after rain 

• Follow chemical label directions,follow regulations for chemical use and take care in sensitive areas (such as near waterways, intact native vegetation, market gardens, wineries and urban areas) 

Physical Control 

• Physical methods include removing Blackberry by hand, hand tools or machinery 

• Seedlings can be manually removed by hand if found and controlled while very small 

• Using physical control methods alone is not effective for controlling established Blackberry infestations –  a combination of physical and chemical control methods is most effective 

• Intermittent physical control can increase the vigor of blackberry infestations by creating disturbance and stimulating regrowth as well as seed germination 

• Slashing can be an effective method to reduce the size of Blackberry thickets to a manageable height and increase ease of access for control. Slashing will stimulate new growth to which herbicide can be applied. 

• If using mechanical control, all root material must be removed to be an effective standalone control method. Disturbance will stimulate the seed germination and require follow-up treatment 

• Follow-up control and monitoring is essential  

• Monitor treated areas for regrowth and new infestations 

• Use photo points and mapping to track progress 

• Treat regrowth promptly and rehabilitate cleared sites 

• Encourage natural regeneration or replant with competitive species 

• Record all treatments and outcomes for evaluation 

• Work with neighbours, Landcare groups and public land managers for coordinated control programs 

Blackberry control manual 

Blackberry, European Blackberry – Weeds Australia 

Blackberry Weed Control | Victorian Blackberry Taskforce Action Group | VIC 

Prescribed measures for the control of noxious weeds | Weeds | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria 

Chemical use legislation and regulation | Chemicals | Farm management | Agriculture Victoria 

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