Ranch Renew: Blackberry Kill Zone!

This weekend Kyle and I tackled the blackberry vines that were taking over our ivy bank. I know what you are thinking - an invasive species growing over another invasive species...oh yeah...and they are both thriving. At the end of our mostly flat yard, we have a slope that goes down about 10 feet down to the fence line. It is a steep slope that is held in place by what I would guess is 30+ year old ivy. As much as I hate ivy, it does a good job holding the earth in place. But blackberry vines tangled with the ivy and random horsetails coming through both - now that makes me crazy.

I did a bunch of research on killing blackberry vines, and besides adopting a few goats, pesticides were what everyone said produced the kill. I really really did not want to use anything toxic in the yard because of Luna our pup and I strongly dislike using toxic chemicals. After talking for about 20 minutes with a wonderful earth loving vegetarian at our local nursery, he convinced me that painting on the pesticide to the newly cut vines instead of spraying it, was the best way to target the pesticide and avoid contamination.

Armed with my gloves, goggles, paintbrush, old plastic container, jeans, and long sleeve shirt - I was ready to kill some blackberries. It was a hot weekend and with our winter attire on, we were only able to work a few hours in the morning and a few hours at night, but we finally finished around 9 tonight!

Here are a few before and after pictures: