Question
I recently bought some undeveloped property and when walking one of the cleared paths I found what appears to be a rose bush that was cut down during the clearing.  It only has a few branches left (from what I remember there are 2 or 3 that are about a foot to a foot and a half in length). Since the property is adjacent to an environmental conservation area I'd like to keep with the theme and save as much of the existing plant life as possible (there are also some old uncared for apple trees).  However, I am a complete novice and don't know how to take care of healthy roses nevermind one that has been damaged.  Assuming I'm right and this is a rose bush how would I go about caring for it?  And what do you think it's chances for survival are?  The area that this is located is approx. 20 miles south of Albany, NY.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.  

Answer
If the rose has survived in undeveloped property, then your chances are very good to bring it back to normal growth. I would first clear out all grass and weeds so the plant sits in a 2 1/2 foot circle. I would then water it well and place a mulch of anything you have all around the base. Then if you get a nasty winter the roots are protected. Simply tidy up any jagged cane ends that the mower caused. Now next year when it starts to put out leaves, use a liquid fish fertilizer on it. The reason I say liqid if so the nutrients get quickly to the roots. Water weekly so that it is soaked and then water the same again in a weeks time. Roses don't like wet roots. Keep the mulch around it as cool roots encourage growth.
This is a basic routine with any thing in the garden, trees included. You could clear away all the weeds and grass around the apple trees to the drip line or outter branch edges. Scatter tree fertilzer all around the edge of the circle. Again water well but more often, again concentrating where the feeder roots are located towards the edge. After a years time if the trees perk up and produce new growth then they will be strong enough to take a hard pruning. Right now they may be in a frail condition and go into shock and die from hard pruning. Hopes this helps.