How Deep Do Blackberry Roots Grow?

Blackberry roots only grow 12 inches (30 cm) deep. However, blackberries have strong lateral root growth that can spread out to 24 inches (60 cm) in width. A blackberry plant doesn’t need very deep roots because many berry bushes grow to rather short heights. While some blackberries can reach up to 10 feet tall (3 meters), they still don’t need deep roots due to trailing blackberry vines. These vines wrap around anything nearby, providing additional support to blackberry bushes. Be sure to provide your trailing blackberry bushes with trellises that give them additional support.

Do Blackberries Have Shallow or Deep Roots?

Blackberries tend to have shallow roots. The maximum depth for root crowns rarely exceeds 12 inches ( 30 cm). They don’t need very deep roots due to not growing very tall. A typical blackberry shrub will reach around 4 feet tall (1.2 meters). 

• Blackberry roots grow 12 inches (30 cm) deep, which is considered shallow.
• Trailing blackberries don’t need deep roots because their vines attach to nearby objects which provides additional stability.

There are some varieties that can reach a more impressive height of 10 feet (3 meters). However, even these taller types of blackberries will still have shallow roots. This is because trailing blackberries can affix their vines to nearby objects. This provides additional growth support that makes up for the lack of deep roots.

Do Blackberries Have Invasive Roots?

Blackberry roots are not invasive because they are shallow. However, blackberry bushes as a whole are an extremely invasive species of plants. Pretty much all blackberry varieties are hardy plants that propagate through even small stem cuttings. That means that unless you weed out every last blackberry cane, it can come back with a vengeance. 

• Blackberry roots are not invasive, but the entire plant often is.
• Blackberry roots are small and shallow enough that they cannot damage foundations, structures, and plumbing.
• Because they spread quickly, blackberry plants can still take over your garden.

If you’re growing blackberries, check to make sure that your species of blackberry is okay for your region. Don’t grow a species of blackberry that will become an invasive menace. There’s nothing worse than an impenetrable thorny mess of blackberry vines everywhere.

How Wide Do Blackberry Roots Grow?

Blackberry roots grow 24 inches (60 cm) wide at most. Under ideal circumstances, they may grow a bit beyond this but not by much. That said, just because the roots aren’t wide, it doesn’t mean it’s safe to plant other plants close to your blackberries. 

• Blackberry roots tend to grow 24 inches (60 cm) wide.
• Despite their small roots, plant other species 5–6 feet (1.4–1.8 meters) away from blackberries.
• Blackberry vines grow 5 feet (1.4 meters) wide in any direction, which can shade other plants.

Blackberry bushes reach out 5 feet (1.4 meters) in any direction with their canes. These canes can smother nearby vegetal growth and block sunlight from getting through. Additionally, thorny varieties of blackberry make trimming anything caught within the canes potentially painful. Exercise caution when trimming or pruning thorny blackberries.

How Far Apart Should Blackberries Be Planted?

Trailing blackberry varieties should have their planting holes at least 10 feet (3 meters) apart. This will leave sufficient room for each bush to spread 5 feet in either direction. Be sure to plant blackberries with trellises for support. This will increase your fruit crop and prevent erect canes from falling over.

• Allow 10 feet (3 meters) of space between blackberry planting holes.
• Be sure to provide trellis support for your blackberries.

Alternatively, you can plant your blackberries slightly closer together if you want denser foliage. Just be aware that if they are planted too closely together it will harm your fruit yield. Even a foot closer can make blackberry bushes tricker to prune and care for.

How Deep Does the Soil Need to Be for Blackberry Bushes?

12–18 inches (30–45 cm) is the ideal soil depth for your berry bushes. Generally, you’ll want to err on the deeper side of this scale. Since blackberry roots often grow 12 inches (30 cm) deep, your soil should be deeper than the deepest roots. You’ll want to plant blackberries in well-drained soil for the best fruit production. All-purpose fertilizer will help to get your plant the essential nutrients it needs.

• Soil needs to be deep enough for the roots to reach their maximum depth, at least 12–18 inches (30–45 cm).
• Blackberries can be grown in containers or raised beds provided there is enough soil width and depth.
• Mulch the ground where your grow blackberries to encourage healthier roots.

It will also help blackberry roots if you provide a layer of mulch over your soil. This will help maintain soil temperature and provide protection from cold temperatures. Use material like pine straw or shredded leaves spread at the base of your erect canes.

How Deep is a Blackberry Root System?

Blackberries don’t have the deepest or widest root system but they don’t need to. Their one foot deep by two feet wide roots (30 cm by 60 cm) are more than adequate. Especially when bolstered by the support of vines that provide additional stability. Here are the key facts on blackberry roots:

• Blackberry roots tend to grow a foot deep and two feet wide (30cm deep by 60 cm wide).
• Blackberry roots are not invasive but blackberry plants can be invasive.
• Be sure to plant blackberry plants 10 feet (3 meters) apart to allow for maximum vine growth.
• Soil should be 18 inches (45 cm) deep to properly provide space for blackberry roots.

These rules apply to both thornless blackberries and thorny varieties. All blackberries are shallow-rooted plants that have massive aboveground growth. With just a small layer of good soil, you can grow an abundance of delicious berries.