February rose pruning is an opportunity to clean up old and damaged wood, old pruning problems, and open up the plant for light and air circulation. We also remove old diseased leaves that can perpetuate black spot and powdery mildew from year to year. The shape and height of the plant for this and years to come are formed in these dormant season prunings. There are a few general rules that apply to any rose pruning. Use sharp tools.
Dull tools crush and tear tissue around the cuts, complicating healing and encouraging disease.
Bypass hook and blade pruners are better than blade and anvil pruners that can also bruise and damage tissue around the cut. Use a fine toothed saw when making cuts close to the bud union. Use the right tool. Use a fine tooth keyhole saw for cuts close to the bud union. Do not leave stubs.