Rose Bush Stalks Have Been Crushed In Center Of Plant

Question From: S. Howard - Brookings, South Dakota, United States
Q: This year my 4 year old rose bushes look like a critter jumped into the middle of them. The stalks have either broken off at the base or are bent over, lying on the ground. The flowers themselves are prolific and the foliage is green and full. The were pruned back to about 6 inches high when the growing season here in South Dakota begin and are now about 3.5-4 feet high. It is just the center stalks that are affected.

A: My guess is a deer. They do feed on roses and if startled may have done the damage. I use a product called Plantskydd to repel deer. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy