"E" wrote in message
om...
Gail,

Thanks so much for all the info. I think I'll prune the
roots this
weekend of the roses I have in my front yard and move them
in a few
weeks to see how they do. Then I'll tackle the back yard
(where most
of the roses are).

When I prune the roots, how much room should I allow from
the base of
the rose bush?

E

Hi E -

I agree with others who recommend waiting
until Fall and the other suggestions (identifying,
digging proper holes, etc.).

Regarding your question, I would make the
circle as large as possible but with the
understanding that you're going to have to
deal with the resultant root ball. And, not
knowing what kinds of roses you have, it's
hard to give a distance. Some of the roses
I moved were small floribundas, and I
pruned the roots at the drip line, and could
eventually lift the rose with just a shovel.
Other roses were taller Hybrid Teas and
I pruned the roots considerably inside the
drip line and still needed help moving the
bush.

Gail