Can I lay out cardboard to prevent weed growth around black berry plant

Question

I will be planting a black berry bush. The only area I have is a grassy area. I will be removing the grass, but to keep the area grass/weed free, would cardboard be ok to lay out…. I am concerned about runners coming up…and don’t want to impede that. Thank you.

Answer 1

I would not do this while there are plants there. You will be sure to give them a fungal infection that way. Blackberries are used to growing with competition in nature, so a little grass won't even bother them. Any trees growing near them will have an impact, but those few weeds will not bother them. In fact, it can help with moisture retention in soil to have that of roots and weeds. Just make sure no large weeds, or shrubs pop up. Those will need to be removed by hand.

This article will give you more information on the care of blackberries: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blackberries/growing-blackberry-bushes.htm