I understand the benefits of mulch which is why I put it there originally. However, I read conflicting things online that said water might not be getting enough into the soil as a result of mulch. Probably should stop reading so much stuff! Ken, one of your statements cut off that I'm confused about. You mentioned that because of my sand, it probably wouldn't hurt in a month of 3... what do you mean? Also, how often should I be watering? I've been using a moisture meter to find out if I'm watering enough or over-watering. Every time I check the soil (about every other day), it reads as dry. Do I need to be soaking them every day?

Recently planted roses need to be watered more prior to establishing. The roses look great from my standpoint. I think what you're referring to as dead flowers are blooms that have just passed by. Just cut them off.

Hello there Chris,

Congratulations on your new house =)! Your roses look perfectly fine to me for newly planted roses. The leaves look healthy and not brown or burned in any way. The blooms have dried out and fallen (completely normal). The knockout rose is a pretty self cleaning rose, meaning the blooms will dry and fall cleanly to the ground without a need for deadheading on your part and this is normal. You may go outside with some clean shears and remove the spent blooms if you wish, but this is not necessary. Before long your plants will have new buds and more blooms. Watering your roses 3 to 4 times a week in sandy soil while they get established in your garden sounds perfect. Once they get bigger and deeper roots depending on the amount of rain you get you may not need to water them that much. I would not water them every day if their foliage looks this good, because you want to promote deep roots and for this you need to allow drying in between watering. I hope this helps.

They look great! Just cut off those spent blooms and it will produce new ones in a few weeks.

In a short while, 3 of the cultivar you have selected will more than amply fill the bed now occupied by the 4 in your photo. The permanent obstructions complicate things just a little.