The Best Mulch for Rosebushes in Alabama

Benefits

• The benefits of mulch include water conservation, a means to keep weeds at bay, added humus to the soil and an even temperature at root level. Pine straw ensures this and is also attractive on the garden bed when it's laid 3 to 4 inches deep.

Timing

• The best time to mulch rosebushes is in the fall soon after the leaves have fallen. You should remove both leaves and old mulch because disease spores left on the leaves will sit in the soil through the cold months and infect roses in the following growing season.

Considerations

• Bark is another common mulch found in Alabama, but it depletes nitrogen from the soil. If using bark, amend the soil with a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Organic compost is also a good choice for mulch around rosebushes as it will add humus and nutrients to the soil.