How to Manage Pests

Weed management around roses

Manage weeds around roses by handweeding or mulching. Herbicides should not be necessary. Remove all weeds before mulching. You can use organic mulches such as wood chips, bark chips, sawdust, or compost. For more effective control, put down a fabric barrier with a layer of mulch on top. Be sure to apply mulch at the proper depth and replenish it when needed. If weeds invade, remove them by hand when they are small before they go to seed, and be sure to remove the entire plant.

Provide roses with sufficient water but be careful not to overwater. Drip irrigation provides water only to landscape plants and reduces weed problems. To keep lawn out of beds, use a physical barrier such as a concrete or other type of mowing strip.

More information

• Roses: Cultural Practices and Weed Control Pest Note
• Weed Management in Landscapes Pest Note
• Woody Weed Invaders Pest Note
• How to manage specific weeds.
• For help identifying weeds: see the Weed Photo Gallery or the key to identifying weeds.