Question
We purchased several Knockout rose bushes about three years ago.  Never having grown any type of roses they seemed full proof. Aside from occasional applications of Miracle Grow nothing has been done to them.  We noticed this spring that the bushes appear to have almost a wind burned looked to some of the outer branches. The bushes themselves appear lanky, the original rounded appearance is gone.  Since they are Knockouts the are STILL blooming, (we live in Zone 4) and have buds on them. Instructions said not to prune them the first couple of years. When and how can I trim/prune these bushes, and how can I do to get them back to their full rounded appearance. ( I really need step by step instructions when and where on the branch to prune.) Thanks!

Answer
Knock Out roses don't need to be carefully cut as they will bounce back even if you make  real mess of pruning them. In your zone the pruning should be done in the spring. All that needs to be done is cut right across the bushes down to 18 inches tall. This will make the bush fatter or bushier. It will then grow back to about 3 feet and be rounded again. It is a good idea to let a rose grow without cutting it for a couple of years but if the rose tends to go lanky then you have to do something or it will continue to be tall and awkward looking. It really doesn't matter how you prune a hardy shrub the most important thing is to do it.