Trenching is a technique used to provide roses (or other shrubs) with protection from wind and cold over the winter.

1. Loosen the rootball of the rose, and then dig a trench out from its base. This should be about 30 cm (12 in) deeper than the width of the plant and long enough to take its full height.
2. Line the base of the trench with a 10 cm (4 in) layer of straw.
3. Without totally uprooting it, tip the rose over into the trench.
4. Pack straw over the rose and into any air spaces.
5. Drive a number of stakes around the edges of the trench and lace string over the rose to hold it in place.
6. Fill the trench with soil, mounding it up over the rose to a depth of 30 cm (12 in).