Question
How do we keep wild yellow roses from spreading? They take over everything,if you let them.
What would you mulch with, straw or leaves? And why?
We live in zone 4 closest to Burlington, Vt.

Answer
If the nature of a rose is to sucker then no matter what you do they are going to spread. I am guessing that you mean Harrisons Yellow? If it is then it suckers badle because it has the Scotch rose in it's background. Nothing, but nothing, suckers as madly as a Scotch rose. You can whack these roses right down to the ground and they will return with a vengence.
The best mulch is one that lets the rain or snow drain through and doesn't make it cosy for insects or other pests. I prefer straw because it stays fluffed up and because it is sterile nothing wants to spend the winter in it. Leaves are good too but they do break down and may habour pests. A combination of the two would also be another idea.