Repeat blooming roses such as floribunda and hybrid tea roses need a heavy annual pruning that is done in the spring, just as the buds break dormancy. Old-fashioned roses and climbers that bloom only once a year should be pruned immediately after flowering. Do not prune these types of roses heavily in the early spring since they bloom on wood from the previous year's growth. Dead, diseased or damaged wood on any rose should be removed as soon as it is seen. Following this section on general rose pruning, you will find instructions for specific types of roses.
Anvil pruners tend to crush the stems.
Leather gloves will help protect your hands. The first step in pruning roses is the same for all rose types. Remove all dead, damaged or weak stems leaving only the most vigorous, healthy canes. When pruning, check to make sure the stems show no sign of discoloration. If they appear diseased, you will need to cut farther down into healthy wood.