Question
We still have over 2 feet of snow on the ground and I know better than to prune my roses now, would it be safe to snip off the dead leaves that did not drop this winter? I don't want to harm the canes, just snip off the leaves. I have cabin fever and want to start some of my chores in my gardens.  Thank you.

Answer
Yes, cutting the leaves off is a much better idea than stripping them off as that way tends to tear part of the cane and black spot will get in,  cutting them off is definitely the way to go. Something else you can do it cut off the dead canes if there are any. That won't harm the rose.