Now is the time to prune modern roses. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach state the roses require good care and dead wood should be pruned out in late March to mid-April. Also, when pruning roses, make the cuts at least one inch below the dead, brown areas on the canes with a slanting cut. And if there is no sign of life, remove the entire cane.

With severe winter weather hybrid tea, grandiflora and floribunda roses often experience winter damage and need to be pruned.