Learn Tips for How to Prune Roses from a Master Rosarian

Expert Michael Cevola shows how to prune roses without overdoing it. Find out which tools are needed to properly prune roses without crushing the stems. Then decide the shape you want the rose to grow into and start pruning off the dead growth. Make cuts at a 45 degree angle so that water will run off and not cause the tissue to rot. Use a wire brush on bark to help prevent disease and encourage new cane growth. Be sure to remove any crossing branches. Wondering when to prune roses? It depend on the zone you live in, but as a general rule, the best time to prune your roses is when you just begin to see the bud break.