climbing rose bushes

[MYTOY]

Hi. I have 4 climbing rose bushes, very tall, but 3 of them are completely bare at the bottom to about half way up. Then the leaves are brown with black spots. WHAT CAN I DO?????????? Also, should I prune them back before winter hits? THANKS A BUNCH.:confused:

[Time Traveler]

Sounds like you have Black spot fungus Toy,, There are a couple of products out there that could save your Roses,, and I would certainly cut them back before winter in Ohio comes calling,,

The reason you are probably having this problem is a result of all the wet weather that came across your way this summer,, Afternoon downpours and warm temps overnight cultivate Fungus in Roses,, Climbing Roses usually loose their leaves close to the ground but circumstances such as you have described often exhacerbate the loss of foliage on the bottom half of the plant,, Not to mention the brown leaf black spot,, :rolleyes: ;)

Often times with older cultivars of Rose plants they are not hybred to be resistant to certain diseases,, Climbers are usually from old growth plants,,

If you have a reputable garden center nearby you can request a certain type of Fungicide and apply it to the leaves and the ground area,, Around your wetter times of course,, Chlorothalonil for Black spot,, The treatment is usually around a 14 day period,,(once every 14/2 weeks) so you should trim your babies back before the really cold weather sets in,, The problem begins in the soil and the atmosphere,,

Are your Roses in full Sun? Do you have an automatic timer on your watering system? have you turned it off during rainy weather? The best watering time if you get some dry weather is from about 5am to 7am,,

Good Luck,, ;)

[MYTOY]

OH, WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS FOR THE REPLY !!!!!!!!! IT REALLY WILL HELP ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND I'M GLAD YA TOLD ME ABOUT CUTTING EM BACK BEFORE THE COLD SETS IN TOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Time Traveler]

Your very Welcome Toy,, Fungicides are not unique to just the one I named also,, There are many available that are primary to Roses,, and systemic insecticides with granular fertilizers combined are available as well,, It would be a good Idea to apply a light dose of these after you cut back your babies using something that will be time realease,, It will give them a boost when Spring arrives,,

Good Luck and Happy Gardening;)