What is the fastest way to get rid of brambles?

Cut stems to ground level with loppers. Then apply glyphosate weedkiller to regrowth in September. This is faster than digging alone. Glyphosate kills 85-95% of treated bramble root systems within 4-6 weeks. Repeat treatment the following spring catches any survivors. A 10 square metre patch can be cleared in two seasons using this method.

Will brambles grow back if you cut them down?

Yes. brambles regrow from the root crown and any root fragments left in the soil. Cutting above ground removes top growth but does not kill the plant. New shoots emerge from the stump within 4-6 weeks during the growing season. You must either dig out root crowns to 20-30cm depth or apply a systemic herbicide to the cut stumps to prevent regrowth.

When is the best time to spray brambles with weedkiller?

September and October give the best results. Brambles translocate sugars to their roots in autumn, carrying the herbicide deep into the root system. Spring and summer spraying kills foliage but often fails to reach the roots. Apply glyphosate to actively growing leaves on a dry, calm day above 10C.

Can I burn brambles to get rid of them?

Burning removes above-ground growth but does not kill the roots. New shoots appear within weeks. Burning also risks damaging soil structure, killing beneficial organisms, and may require permission from your local council under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Burning near boundaries needs extra care due to smoke nuisance regulations.

Are brambles classed as an invasive species in the UK?

Brambles are native to the UK, not legally invasive. They are not listed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. However, brambles can become a statutory nuisance under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2014 if they encroach onto neighbouring property or public paths. Local councils can issue Community Protection Notices requiring landowners to cut them back.

How deep do bramble roots go?

Bramble root crowns sit 15-30cm below the surface. Individual roots can extend 45cm deep in loose soil. The root crown is the critical part to remove. If even a small section of root crown remains, new shoots will emerge. In compacted clay soil, roots tend to be shallower at 10-20cm.

Do I have to cut back brambles growing over my neighbour's fence?

You are responsible for preventing brambles from encroaching onto neighbouring property. Your neighbour has the legal right to cut back any growth that crosses the boundary and return the cuttings to you. If brambles cause a persistent nuisance, your local council can issue a Community Protection Notice requiring you to maintain them.

Pests & Problems | 4 February 2026 | 14 min read

How to Get Rid of Brambles

How to remove brambles from UK gardens permanently. Covers cutting back, root removal, glyphosate treatment, stump methods, and preventing regrowth.

Thick bramble canes with thorny arching stems and green leaves taking over a neglected UK garden corner

Pests & Problems

Brambles (Rubus fruticosus) are the UK's most common invasive woody weed, capable of growing 2-3 metres per season and rooting wherever arching stems touch the ground. Manual removal requires cutting stems to 15cm, then digging out root crowns to a depth of 20-30cm. Glyphosate applied at 360g/L concentration in September or October, when the plant is translocating nutrients to its roots, achieves 85-95% kill rates.

Growth RateUp to 3m per season

Spray TimingSeptember-October for 85-95% kill

Root Crown DepthDig to 20-30cm to prevent regrowth

Full Clearance2-3 seasons for established patches

Key takeaways

Brambles grow up to 3 metres per season and root wherever arching stems touch soil
September to October is the most effective time for glyphosate treatment
Root crowns must be dug out to 20-30cm depth to prevent regrowth
Established bramble patches take 2-3 seasons to clear completely
You are legally required to cut back brambles that encroach onto neighbouring property
Covering cleared ground with heavy-duty landscape fabric for 12 months prevents regrowth

brambles weed removal invasive plants garden clearance glyphosate weed control

By Garden UK Editorial Team

Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.

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