- All-American Rose Selection lists digging the tree rose as the best method of wintering the plant in northern climates. Place the removed rose tree in a 12- to 18-inch deep trench and fill soil around the plant. Add an extra layer of winter protection by placing 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch over top of the trench.
- Bush varieties of roses do not require digging for winter protection. The University of Illinois Extension lists mound covering as the most common method of winterizing rose bushes. Cover the bushes with a 10- to 12-inch high mound made from a soil and organic compost mixture.
- Avoid taking soil from the garden area around the roses when creating mounds or soil covering for winter protection. This will reduce the amount of soil around the plant roots and increase the risk of winter injury. Prune off the top of the tree rose before laying horizontally in the trench for winterizing.