How to Kill Grass Around Rose Bushes Without Harming the Roses

Growing beautiful roses requires vigilance to keep grass and weeds from invading the rose bed or border. Grass steals water, nutrients, and light that roses need to thrive. Getting rid of grass around roses can be tricky, however. The wrong weed killer can damage or kill the roses along with the grass.

The best ways to remove grass without harming the roses are

Smothering Grass Around Roses

Smothering grass with a thick layer of mulch or landscape fabric can be highly effective. Starve the grass of light and it will die out over time

To smother grass around roses:

• Cut the grass as short as possible. Remove thick mats of dead grass and rake the area smooth.

• Cover the area 3-4 inches deep with mulch, wood chips, pine straw, or other organic materials. Leave a 2-3 inch bare ring around the rose bushes.

• If using landscape fabric, cut holes for the rose bushes to fit through. Cover the fabric with 1-2 inches of decorative mulch or small rocks.

• Replenish the mulch as needed. It may take 2-3 months for the grass to die completely.

Smothering pros:

• Kills grass without chemicals

• Mulch retains moisture and adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes

• Landscape fabric blocks light to kill grass and weeds but allows air and water to penetrate

Smothering cons:

• Mulch and fabric can be costly, especially for large areas

• Grass may eventually poke through thinner layers of mulch

• Fabric tears and decomposes over time

Solarizing the Soil Around Roses

Solarizing uses the sun’s heat to kill grass, weeds, and soilborne pests. It is most effective in hot, sunny climates.

To solarize soil around rose bushes:

• Mow the grass very short and remove dead grass and debris. Rake smooth.

• Water the area thoroughly and cover with clear plastic sheeting, burying the edges to seal moisture in.

• Leave the plastic in place for 4-6 weeks during the hottest part of summer. The heat under the plastic will kill grass, weeds and pests.

Solarizing pros:

• Uses free power from the sun

• Also kills weed seeds and soil fungi

• Improves soil texture

Solarizing cons:

• Works best in hot climates with full sun

• Can take 4-6 weeks to fully kill grass and weeds

• Plastic sheets may blow away or be damaged by animals

• Doesn’t kill deep weed roots

Blocking Sunlight to the Grass

Plants require sunlight to live. Blocking the sun starves grass around roses of energy so it loses vigor and dies back over time.

To block sunlight to grass around roses:

• Remove thick mats of dead grass to open the soil surface.

• Arrange a double or triple layer of tightly overlapping sheets of cardboard around the roses.

• Cover the cardboard with 4 inches of mulch or small rocks.

• Check periodically and replace cardboard as needed where grass pokes through.

Blocking sunlight pros:

• uses free and readily available cardboard

• Mulch improves the soil as it decomposes

• Avoids chemical weed killers

Blocking sunlight cons:

• Cardboard breaks down over time and may need frequent replenishing

• Not as effective for dense, deeply-rooted grasses

• Can take several months to fully kill grass

Applying Non-Selective Systemic Herbicide (Glyphosate)

Non-selective systemic herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup) are absorbed by grass leaves and translocated down to the roots, killing the entire plant. Use extreme caution not to get herbicide on the roses.

To use glyphosate:

• Shield roses with cardboard when spraying. Use a wand attachment for targeted spraying.

• Mix herbicide according to label directions and apply on a calm day. Repeat applications may be needed.

• It may take 1-2 weeks for grass to die completely. Rake out dead grass.

Glyphosate pros:

• Kills all types of grasses and weeds

• Begins working in days, grass dies in 1-2 weeks

• Helps prepare soil for replanting roses or other plants

Glyphosate cons:

• Extremely toxic to rose bushes and other plants if it gets on the leaves

• Some grasses may require repeat applications

• Does not prevent new weed seeds from germinating

• Some experts advise against using glyphosate around edible plants

Applying Selective Post-Emergent Herbicides

Selective herbicides target grasses but do not harm broadleaf plants like roses. Two options are fluazifop (Ornamec, Grass-B-Gon) or sethoxydim (Segment).

To use selective grass killers:

• Mix according to label instructions. Add a spreader-sticker for best results.

• Spot spray or use a wand attachment to direct spray and avoid rose foliage.

• Apply when grass is actively growing for best absorption. Repeat as needed.

• It may take 7-14 days to see effects. Rake out dead grass.

Selective herbicide pros:

• Kills grass without harming roses

• Begins working faster than solarizing or smothering

• Allows flexibility in timing applications

Selective herbicide cons:

• Does not prevent new weed or grass seeds from sprouting

• Multiple applications may be needed

• Avoid applying during hot, sunny weather that stresses the roses

Removing Grass Around Roses by Hand

For small areas or isolated patches of grass, digging it out by hand may be the best solution.

To remove grass by hand:

• Use a shovel or heavy-duty weeding tool to dig under the grass, cutting the roots

• Shake off excess soil and rake the area smooth

• Dispose of grass clumps in trash or yard waste, not the compost pile

• Use a dense mulch layer, landscape fabric or cardboard to cover areas where grass was removed to block light and prevent regrowth.

Hand removal pros:

• Immediately removes grass without chemicals

• Allows inspection and removal of all roots

• Mulch and barriers prevent grass from returning

Hand removal cons:

• Very labor intensive for large areas

• Can disturb rose roots if not careful when digging

• Regrowth likely unless area is heavily mulched

Best Practices for Killing Grass Around Rose Bushes

• Spring and fall are ideal times to remove grass, when roses are dormant

• Avoid stressing roses by removing grass during drought or extreme heat

• Always use extreme care not to get any herbicides on the rose bushes

• Replace grass with 3-4 inches of mulch to retain moisture and add nutrients

• Replenish mulch regularly as it decomposes. Leave a 2 inch bare area around rose canes.

• Be patient! It can take weeks or months for some methods to fully kill grass. Repeat applications if needed.

With persistence and care not to harm the roses, you can rid the rose bed of troublesome grass and give your roses the space they need to thrive. A lush mulch layer also looks far nicer around roses than a scruffy fringe of grass!