Question
I moved about 2 years ago (northern NJ) and the home has about 30 rosa rugosas planted in the front yard. The previous owner of the home told me they were planted about 6 years ago. I was told they do not need much care, and I don't think much has been done to them. They flowered nicely in July. Now I noticed they have not been looking so great and there is a lot of old dead canes and thick woody stems on all the bushes. Some sections even seem to be dying. I have an underground sprinkler with a drip system that is scheduled to water them every other day for about 20  minutes. I have begun to prune away all the dead and older growth ( I very prickly job) and hope this will help rejuvenate the roses.
I am a complete novice and need some direction on the proper on going care of this type of rose.
Is this the right thing to do and can I do this at this time of year (August)? Do I need to be careful when I prune? Should I fertilize in the fall before the winter and what is the best type to use?
Any advice you can give me is much appreciated.

Answer
Rugosa roses come back very well from a hard pruning. You did the right thing cutting out the dead and dying canes. Now cut them back by a third. You can use an electric hedge trimmer if you like. No I am not joking I have done it and it works. Never mind how you prune as the most important thing is that they are pruned. Making roses grow new growth every year is what keeps roses healthy. Try to leave about 5 of the best canes and get rid of all canes that are thinner than a pencil. It is too late to fertilize them now as they need to harden off their canes so they can go through the winter. If you fertilize after the middle of August, then the canes will be soft and will probably get frozen and die in the winter. Rugosas are easy to look after the only thing they won't tolerate is any type of spray such as for insects or even fertilizers. There leaves will turn yellow and drop off. Each spring sprinkle any type of rose fertilizer along the front of them if you can't get it around the base. That is all they will need. If you are an organic gardener then fertilize with any of your choice. You can simply throw it at the base of the roses. The main reason that Rugosas are considered to be easy is that they don't get any fungal diseases. However they do need regular care such as water and pruning. Pruning is the main thing that will keep your Rugosas looking nice so every spring cut them back about a foot more if you want them shorter. Pruning in the spring activates a rose to put out fresh canes which of course makes them look attractive. Hope this helps.