Deeply Rooted Weeds In The Middle Of Rose Bushes And Citrus Trees

Question

My question is not related to this particular email, but I’m hoping that you can help me. I recently moved into a home that has mature rose bushes. My problem is that huge weeds are growing up in the center of the bushes. They have very large and deep roots and I’m afraid to try to dig them up for fear of damaging the rose bushes. My question is this: Is there anything that I can spray on the weeds that will kill the roots, but not harm the bushes? I have the same problem with some small citrus trees. Thank you in advance for your help. Deborah Lott [e-mail]

Answer 1

I have been there before. It is painstaking but worth while. You will need to pick a place to start and begin removing the weeds and grass by hand. Water the area where you are going to start the day before you want to get started. It will make it easier to grab hold of weeds and grass and pull it up and out removing a bunch of roots at the same time. Once this is done. Spread new amended garden soils over the ground around the bushes and trees. Water in well. Add a nice layer of mulch of your choice. When you see the grass or weeds poking back up, pull them out ASAP! The mulch will help discourage the grass and weeds. I say "discourage" because nothing really stops the grass and weeds, unless you can put down some landscape fabric around the bases of each bush and tree and cover that with mulch. Even then, the grass and weeds seem to find their way in there again. Do Not use any weed killers as that will get onto the foliage or into the roots and kill or harm the bushes and trees. Could even poison the citrus trees fruit. I cannot recommend any sort of chemical treatment. Just remember the old saying, The gardens grow best with the shadow of the Gardener in them. 🙂