Question
I live in Austin, Texas...Which is the best month/months to move rose bushes? The rose bushes have outgrown current location and need more space...The rose bushes have been in current location for 4 years...
Any suggestions on how to move/replant the rose bushes to improve chances for the bushes to adapt to new area and thrive?

Answer
The best time to transplant any rose is when they don't know you're doing it, and that is when they have gone dormant. Dec. Jan. and Feb. seem to be the coolest months in your area so those months are the best to move the roses. I would try around Dec. as that means the roses will still be dormant for a couple of months and so will settle in much better rather than having to start growing right away. So have the new holes ready before you do anything . In my opinion, if a rose has grown well in your natural soil, it really doesn't need any amendments in the new hole. But if you feel your soil is not good then you can add a some compost,  or just a bag of steer manure and a cup of bonemeal. Cut the rose back hard, about a third and remove any dead or very thin, frail canes coming from the base. Dig up as much of the root ball as you can. If possible move the rose when it is cool in the evening.  The long roots are mainly the anchors but the tiny, little white roots ( lots near the top) are called the feeder roots and these are the roots that normally keep the rose alive. When you dig a rose up you just can't help but destroy most of these type roots so you will have to wait about 6 weeks for them to grow back. The main reason transplanted roses don't survive is because gardeners don't water them enough. Transplanting a rose will always put it into semi shock and then the roots don't function well. Making sure the soil is damp, but not soaking wet, keeps the roots from dying out until they can function at their best. Therefore keeping the soil damp encourages and gives the right situation for them to grow again. Don't give the rose any fertilizer as the roots won't be able to take it up. Wait until you see new growth coming back and then give it a couple of handfuls of any rose fertilizer or better still, liquid fish fertilizer a this can be taken up and used right away. Watering is the answer for at least 6 weeks. Because the bushes are mature, they may sulk if you get some hot weather, but just ignore them and keep watering. It may take time for them to start producing new growth but they won't die.