Question
I am having a new stockade fence installed and goes right through the knockout roses (which are doing great).  the installer has asked me to cut them down to the ground at installation time (new jersey late October).  I don't want to.  If I do, what are the results of trimming so drastically in the fall.  I usually trim them to recommended heights each spring.  I am afraid of doing damage to them.

Answer
Hi Bob,

In your climate, that would be detrimental to the roses.  Cutting them to the ground will cause them to put out new growth and could end up killing the entire plant if the right cold snap comes.  You could shear back the side that the fence will be touching.  

Chainsaw chaps work great when working in roses. You might mention that to the contractor.

Hope that helps,

Jay