The upper portion of rose bushes, such as hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras, often winterkill due to exposure to low winter temperatures and extreme temperature changes. When the winter protection is removed from the roses in early to mid-April, gardeners should prune out the dead wood. Hand shears and long-handled lopping shears are needed to prune roses properly. Use sharp tools.
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.