Dull tools tend to crush or bruise the canes. These damaged areas may become entry points for pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Sharp tools also make the job easier. A pair of heavy-duty leather gloves will help protect your hands while pruning. While pruning roses is relatively easy, sometimes it is difficult to distinguish live from dead wood.
Live wood is green and has plump, healthy buds.
Dead wood is brown, has no live buds and has a brown or grey pith. When pruning roses, make the cuts at least 1 inch below the dead, brown-colored areas. Remove the entire cane if there are no signs of life. Also, remove any diseased wood. Because of our severe winter weather, rose bushes often suffer a great deal of winter injury.