wild rose eradication? - Ask Extension
We have had our property in Park CO for 40 years. The wild roses have become seriously invasive, and are taking over our 5 acres. What is the best me...
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wild rose eradication? #877524
Asked July 16, 2024, 5:47 PM EDT
We have had our property in Park CO for 40 years. The wild roses have become seriously invasive, and are taking over our 5 acres. What is the best method to eradicate a huge amount of these plants? If I am vigilant by mowing or hacking them down, it seems the roots just spread more. I hate the idea of spraying but we will try anything at this point. I have read several articles but still don't have a good idea of what is most effective.
Park County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Jeanne,
Mowing would eventually work but because Woods rose, the most common native rose in Colorado, spreads by rhizomes (underground stems) it takes a long time for the plant to fully exhaust its underground energy reserves. It would probably take 3-6 mowings a year for a couple years to fully kill it. An herbicide with the active ingredient dicamba (selective for broadleaved plants), or glyphosate (non-selective) should kill Woods rose but it will most likely take a few treatments. Always be sure to read the label thoroughly and follow the label instructions.
Thank you for using AskExtension!
- Denyse
Mowing would eventually work but because Woods rose, the most common native rose in Colorado, spreads by rhizomes (underground stems) it takes a long time for the plant to fully exhaust its underground energy reserves. It would probably take 3-6 mowings a year for a couple years to fully kill it. An herbicide with the active ingredient dicamba (selective for broadleaved plants), or glyphosate (non-selective) should kill Woods rose but it will most likely take a few treatments. Always be sure to read the label thoroughly and follow the label instructions.
Thank you for using AskExtension!
- Denyse
