I have horrible blackberry bushes. If I lay heavy wood or other heavy objects on the bushes, will this kill the bushes?

Question

I’m a senior and I’ve tried every way to hack, poison, damage, and anything else to these big nasty blackberry bushes. They quickly grow back; if I battle them myself I get poisoned by the unavoidable thorns, very badly., I can’t afford to hire some company to do it over and over. I am partially disabled. Isn’t there a trick of putting heavy objects, lots of lumber, right ON THE BUSHES. SO THEY CANT GET AIR? Hey, like a big order of gravel!? does THAT WORK? DOES this also work for rose bushes? Round up is now categorized as causing cancer. —it’s so darn stupid to use, I can’t even get the system to work! Also, the spray gets  in the wind and blows back on you. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKS! in Eugene Oregon

Answer 1

It sounds like you are dealing the the invasive Himalayan blackberry. Covering blackberry will force the roots to grow outside the lumber or gravel area. It will not kill them. Links to articles on control follows: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blackberries/invasive-blackberry-control.htm
https://ask.extension.org/questions/450490