Question
My husband put a 2x2 in the ground about 4inches away from my mr Lincoln in a slanted manner. It is obvious to me that it pushed the bush bc it's now rather crooked. If it went into the root will it be okay? How do I straighten back out without disturbing it too much? I just planted last summer!

Answer
Roses have two types of roots, long ones which anchor it and frail, little white ones, called feeder roots, which take up the water and nutrients to the rose bush. The stake won't kill the rose but as you have said has probably made it tilt. Gentle dig down about 6 to 8 inches, along the side of the the rose bush that is leaning over. With your foot pressed firmly on the base of the other side and wearing thick gloves, gently pull back towards you until the rose straightens up. Then fill in the area you dug, but DON'T firm it down with your foot as this will just tilt the rose again. Press gently with your hands to firm the soil. Water well for a few days incase you exposed any feeder roots. If it still continues to grow and lean over, in the late summer, stake the side that is leaning over, pull it back with soft rope until it is straight again. Then leave the stake in over the winter. When the rose hardens off for the winter, the canes will go stiff and not be able to bend so it will grow straight again when you take the take out in the late spring.