When you dont have the right weed killer on hand but are facing stubborn weeds like dandelions, crabgrass, and creeping charlie, you can actually turn to your kitchen cabinet to create an effective and all-natural DIY solution.
Gardeners are increasingly turning to natural weed killers to eliminate unwanted invaders, and if you’re looking for a simpler way to control undesirable weeds, this guide has you covered.
We explain when and how to use some of the most popular homemade weed killers and how you can integrate these with other safe solutions to keep your yard free of noxious weeds.
Listen, I’ve been battling those nasty briars in my garden for years, and I totally get how frustrating they can be. But here’s the good news – you don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of them! After trying various natural methods, I’m excited to share what actually works to kill briars without harming the environment.
Why Choose Natural Methods?
Before diving into the solutions, let’s quickly understand why going natural is better:
- Safe for pets and kids
- Won’t contaminate groundwater
- Preserves beneficial insects and soil microorganisms
- More sustainable long-term
- Cheaper than chemical herbicides
1. The Mulch Smothering Method
This is my favorite go-to method because it’s simple and super effective, Here’s what you’ll need
- Thick cardboard or newspaper
- Wood chips, leaves, or straw mulch
- Some heavy rocks or boards
Steps:
- Cut down existing briar stems as close to ground as possible
- Layer cardboard/newspaper over the area
- Add 8-12 inches of mulch on top
- Weigh down edges with rocks
- Wait 3-4 months for briars to die from lack of sunlight
Pro tip: Make sure mulch layer is thick enough – skimping here will let those stubborn briars push through!
2. Manual Removal (The Root-and-All Approach)
For smaller briar patches. getting your hands dirty works great
What you’ll need:
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Garden fork or spade
- Pruning shears
- Lots of determination!
The process:
- Water area day before to soften soil
- Cut stems down to about 12 inches
- Dig wide circle around main plant
- Pry up entire root ball
- Remove ALL roots and runners
Warning Wear thick gloves and long sleeves – those thorns mean business!
3. Landscape Fabric Technique
This method requires initial investment but provides excellent results:
Materials needed:
- Quality landscape fabric
- Garden stakes
- Scissors/knife
- Mulch (optional)
Implementation:
- Clear area of existing growth
- Cut fabric larger than infested area
- Secure edges with stakes every 2-3 feet
- Cover with mulch if desired
- Leave in place full growing season
4. The Intensive Mowing Strategy
For larger areas, repeated mowing can exhaust briar root systems:
Key points:
- Mow every 2 weeks during growing season
- Set mower deck as low as possible
- Be consistent – missing sessions reduces effectiveness
- Expect process to take full season
- Wear protective clothing while mowing
5. Corn Gluten Meal Treatment
While this won’t kill existing briars, it prevents new ones:
Application rate:
- 20 pounds per 1000 square feet
- Apply early spring
- Reapply every 4-6 weeks
6. Natural Solutions That Actually Work
I’ve tested these natural alternatives with good results:
Boiling Water Method:
- Pour directly on briar bases
- Most effective on young plants
- Repeat weekly as needed
Vinegar Solution:
- Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water
- Add 1 tbsp dish soap
- Spray on sunny days
- Multiple applications needed
7. Torch Method (Use With Caution!)
This method requires extra safety measures:
Safety first:
- Keep water source nearby
- Never use during dry conditions
- Maintain safe distance from structures
- Check local regulations
Process:
- Trim briars close to ground
- Apply torch to base of plant
- Heat until stems wilt completely
- Monitor for regrowth
Tips for Long-Term Success
Here’s what I’ve learned works best:
- Combine multiple methods for better results
- Be patient – natural methods take time
- Stay consistent with your chosen approach
- Monitor treated areas for new growth
- Address problems early before they spread
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t make these errors I’ve seen others make:
- Using too thin mulch layer
- Giving up too soon
- Neglecting to remove entire root system
- Inconsistent treatment schedule
- Ignoring new growth
Prevention Is Key
Once you’ve cleared briars, prevent their return:
- Maintain healthy grass cover
- Regular monitoring
- Address new growth immediately
- Improve soil health
- Consider companion planting
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes DIY isn’t enough. Consider professional help if:
- Infestation is extensive
- Multiple failed attempts
- Limited time/mobility
- Unsure of plant identification
- Near valuable landscaping
We’ve covered lots of natural methods to kill briars, and I hope you’ll find the perfect solution for your situation. Remember, patience and persistence are key – those briars didn’t appear overnight, and they won’t disappear that quickly either. But with these natural methods, you can definitely win the battle!
Have you tried any of these methods? What worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Using Rubbing Alcohol
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Another contact natural weed killer you probably have in your cupboard is rubbing alcohol (a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol and water). This astringent substance removes moisture from the plant’s foliage, causing it to die back.
- 1 quart of water
- 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol
Instructions:
- Mix the solution. Dilute the rubbing alcohol with the water.
- Apply it directly on weeds. Spray the solution on the weeds in question, making sure to do so on a sunny day so it doesnt wash away.
- Use this indiscriminate solution with caution. You can kill off cultivated species if the spray hits them. The alcohol can also leave the soil infertile when absorbed.
Using Boiling Water
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Applying boiling water directly onto the plants from a kettle is a quick, easy, economical, and natural way to control weeds. While boiling water defoliates plants on contact, deep roots are protected under the soil.
It works best as a spot treatment for killing weeds in sidewalks, driveways, and patios, rather than for use across large areas where you’ll have to boil up a lot of kettles to cover the ground.
Take care when transporting the boiling water from the house to the yard. If you accidentally spill any en route, you could damage prized plants or scald yourself.
If you want to take a multi-pronged approach to your weeding, consider buying a weed whacker for taming and cutting back weeds. We tested gas-powered and electric weed whackers to bring you the best weed whackers.
How to Kill Briar Vines
FAQ
What can I use to kill briars?
Herbicides with the active ingredient glyphosate (e.g., Roundup® and others) are your best options.
How to get rid of briar vines naturally?
Tips on Getting Rid of Greenbrier Weeds
Pull them out by the roots or cut the vines to ground level and try digging them up where they’re rooted. Cover the plant stubs with heavy black plastic and secure it, leaving them covered long enough for the ensuing heat to kill them.
Will bleach kill thorn bushes?
Bleach is a non-selective herbicide—it will kill any plant, including the ones you want to keep.
What chemical kills green briars?
A mixture of triclopyr ester (trade names: Remedy Ultra, Clear Pasture, Triclopyr R&P, and Triclopyr 4EC) and diesel fuel oil is very effective for this method. Diesel acts as a coating agent to ensure good absorption.