Question
I have a rose bush which is sending out "growth shoots' underground.  These shoots surface to start another bush and have made my lawn a prickly mess.  What can I do to control the unwanted spread of this bush?

Answer
Roses are grafted onto an understock which can be a species rose or wild rose. These wild roses are very invasive. The problem is that they can make a new bush from only an inch of root. A herbicide such as Roundup, is about the only thing that will kill the suckers. Because the roots are growing up in the lawn, it is best to us a paint brush and paint the herbicide on the rose plants. This way you won't also kill the grass. Do this when they are actively growing in the spring as that is how the herbicide works best. You may have to use the chemical a couple of times as the rose can pop up again in the same spot. but it will kill he roots in time.