Blackerry Bushes Taking Over?

Blackberry bushes out of control? 4 proven fixes for Mornington & Melbourne blocks

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.) is a declared noxious weed in Victoria, spreading fast, spiking ankles and smothering pasture. Under the Catchment & Land Protection Act you’re obliged to control it, and many councils won’t take blackberry canes in green‑waste bins. Agriculture Victoria

Below are four widely used approaches, each one tried and tested on Victorian blocks. 

1| Slash, mulch & dig (eco‑friendly, small–medium outbreaks)

  1. Cut the canes low with a brush‑cutter or hedge trimmer.

  2. Hire a mulcher (our mulching unit drives right up to the thicket) to chip the vines on‑site—finger‑safe and fast.

  3. Hot‑compost or solarise the fresh chip for 6‑8 weeks.

  4. Dig out the root crowns with a mattock; leave them on black plastic in full sun until they’re crisp (or take to the tip)

Why it works: the mulch turns into soil food, and removing the root crown starves regrowth. Best suited to lifestyle blocks that already have the space for compost.

Reference: Best‑practice manual, Victorian Blackberry Taskforce

2 | Burn & dig  (rural properties, big fuel loads)

If you have acreage, burning the piled canes saves dozens of trailer loads. Check the CFA’s burn‑off rules, register your fire, and only burn outside the declared Fire Danger Period. 

After the fire:

    • Rake the ash aside to expose the root crowns.

    • Dig or grub them out while they’re brittle.

    • Follow with a thick blanket of wood‑chip mulch to smother seedlings.

Note: This is only a viable option for some properties, as blackberry bushes often grow near dry vegetation, posing a fire risk. Always consider the surrounding fuel load, weather conditions, and proximity to structures or native bushland. If in doubt, opt for slashing and mulching instead, it’s safer, more controlled, and still highly effective at suppressing regrowth

3 | Slash, poison & dig  (thorough but slower)

  1. Slash the bush to knee height, you might choose to burn this in a safe location or to mulch it. 
  2. After 6‑8 weeks of fresh regrowth, spray with a registered blackberry herbicide—follow Agriculture Victoria’s label rates and wear PPE. Agriculture Victoria
  3. Return in late summer, dig out the weakened crowns, then mulch heavily.

Word of caution: Herbicide treatments can affect more than just the blackberry—overspray or run-off may harm nearby plants, waterways, or soil health. Always apply in calm conditions, avoid spraying near creeks or drains, and consider spot-spraying over blanket coverage. If you’re unsure, consult a local landcare group or contractor before going all-in.

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4 | Bring in the forestry machines  (when it’s a jungle)

Specialist contractors run high‑horsepower forestry mulchers that shred blackberry and gorse in one pass and grind the crowns below soil level, ideal for a large volume of blackberry bushes. 

Expect:

    • Rapid clearance of multiple hectares.

    • A mulch carpet that suppresses regrowth.

    • Higher day‑rate, but far fewer labour hours.

Word of caution: Forestry mulchers are heavy machines and can cause soil compaction or track damage, especially on wet or sloped ground. If you’re working near native vegetation, fencing, or sensitive areas, be sure to flag boundaries clearly and speak with your contractor about access paths and potential ground impact before work begins.

Why we recommend mulching (when heavy machinery isn’t an option)

Mulching may have a slightly higher upfront cost than a quick burn or a handful of herbicide, but here’s why Groundwise champions it every time:

  • Zero tip-fee headaches: Mulch on-site, turn those canes into free soil amendment instead of paying green-waste charges.

  • Soil health boost: Wood chips gradually break down into humus, feeding microbes and improving moisture retention—your paddock or paddlestead will thank you.

  • No chemical fallout: Skip the off-target damage and waiting periods of poison; mulch is 100% natural and lets you re-plant natives right away.

  • Safety and compliance: No fire-permit worries, no CFA burn-off restrictions—just safe, finger-friendly chipping that neighbours and regulators love.

Mulch once, save on labour, landfill fees, and future weed control—plus you get a tidy, nutrient-rich blanket that keeps blackberry regrowth at bay. That’s smart landcare by Groundwise.

Follow‑up is everything

  • Scout monthly for sneaky re‑shoots and pull them by hand.
  • Keep the ground covered—coarse pine‑bark or chipped tree‑removal waste at ~75 mm depth blocks light and keeps moisture in.
  • Re‑plant with hardy locals (e.g., Dianella, Leptospermum) to out‑compete seedlings.
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Need a hand?

  • Groundwise have the tools to slice blackberry vines like butter, and our crew can chip, cart of compost the mess in one go! If you’re on the Mornington Peninsula or Melbourne’s south‑east:

    • Call Tim: 0477 725 049

    • Book online: groundwise.au

    We’ll sort the prickles so you can reclaim your space again.