The upper portions of modern roses, such as hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandilfloras, typically winterkill due to exposure to low winter temperatures and extreme temperature changes. When the winter protection is removed from these 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 the canes.
Sharp tools also make the job easier. A pair of heavy-duty leather gloves will help protect your hands while pruning. Pruning roses is relatively easy. Live wood is green and has plump, healthy buds. Dead wood is brown, has no live buds, and has a brown or gray pith.