Question
we have about 25 hedge roses.we live in Mchenry IL. the leaves on the roses turned yellow and had black spots on them they fell off.Can you tell me when should I trim  the roses. we have had the roses for two years and they are not doing good. any information would be helpful. thank you christine.

Answer
If you are having high heat then your roses are probably complaining about it. Roses hate high heat and will semi shut down and look terrible until the weather returns to normal. The black spots on the leaves are a fungus called Black Spot and there are rose sprays to help keep it under control such as Orthos Rose Pride. Again don't use it if the temperatures are high as it will only burn the leaves. If you are concerned about the roses not putting out strong new growth, next spring cut them right back to 18 inches and make them start over again, feed them monthly with a liquid ( not solid) fish fertilizer and I think you will see lots of new growth.