Do you ever think about how much more space you would have or how much more comfortable you would feel if that chunk of blackberry in your yard just wasn’t there? If you’re looking to take back that section of your yard or lawn covered in blackberry, there is no better time than during the winter. We all know that blackberry can run rampant in Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver, Washington. So, in this post, you will learn about how and why to remove blackberries during the winter months in order to create useable space and reduce the spread of unwanted growth.
Dormancy Advantage
During dormancy, many plants shift their focus to the health of their root systems, instead of focusing on above ground growth. Blackberry is one of those plants. This makes it the best time to remove them because the plant becomes less resilient.
Visibility And Accessibility
The deciduous aspect of blackberries is very helpful in the wintertime because it forces all the leaves to fall. This opens up visibility of the thorns and bottom clusters, making removal easier and more accessible. This increased visibility allows for more efficient removal.
Easier Soil Disturbance
With winter comes wetter and softer soil conditions, producing easier soil manipulation. This is a game changer when it comes to removing deep roots, which can be a lot more work than you’d think if you’ve never done it. The softer soil also minimizes the risk of leaving behind roots that will easily resprout if not removed.
Preventing Spring Sprawl
If you don’t act during dormancy, be prepared for blackberries to spread quickly and grow rapidly in the spring. Tackling them in the winter will disrupt the growth cycle, preventing the production of new growth in the spring. This strategy will help get ahead of the issue and act against the resistant growth of blackberries.
Effective Cutting and Pruning
If taming blackberry is your goal, winter is also the perfect time for pruning and cutting blackberry shoots. With the correct tools, you can easily remove unwanted shoots; cut at the bottom as close to the ground as possible, which will reduce the risk of injury from the thorns. Cutting back bramble during the winter does not only give you control of the blackberry but puts you in a better position come springtime.
Disposal And Cleanup
The cold season also allows for an easier disposal process. Since there are no leaves, the cut-up shoots are much simpler to handle. You can dispose of the shoots by composting, chipping, or by taking them to a waste control facility, guaranteeing the shoots won’t come back to haunt you.
The task of removing blackberries can be a very strategic and rewarding process towards regaining your outdoor space. By capitalizing on dormancy, visibility, and soft soil, you use the perfect conditions for extracting the ever so invasive plant. Removing blackberries will bring a tidier and more spacious look and feel to your property that anyone will appreciate. Now grab your gloves and pruners and go reclaim what’s yours! Conversely, if this feels like too much for you, contact us today or fill out our FREE estimate request form online and we’ll take care of all of your landscape needs for you.