Is it desirable to cut back bush roses in the fall before winter arrives?
Yes. There are several benefits derived from cutting bush roses back in the fall to a height of 2-1/2 feet especially in areas that normally receive a great deal of snow, sleet, and heavy winds. Cutting the stems back to 2-1/2 feet will remove the brushy, twiggy top growth that normally collects and holds snow and sleet that normally causes broken stems over winter. Removing the twiggy growth also reduces wind resistance and the whipping and loosening of plants from brisk March winds. Where snow, sleet, and wind are not a problem, it is not essential to cut back in the fall.
