Question
What is the best or preferred way to trim roses?

Answer
Hi Carl-

Usually in the winter time after the last frost, I like to prune my roses (sometimes I also prune very leggy roses in the summer time to encourage more bloom).  You want to prune out all the dead wood, and any canes that are crossing or rubbing onto other canes, and try to prune out some of the canes that criss-cross through the center to encourage more air circulation.  If you have modern roses (Hybrid Teas) you would want to prune them approximately 1ft. to 3ft. above the bud union.  This type of drastic pruning is good for winter time. For summer pruning I like to cut off 6 to 12 inches from the end of the cane if the roses have grown so much they are leggy.  This will also encourage more bloom. You would want to make a angled cut (45 degrees) about 1/4 inch above an outward facing bud. Use a sharp pruning instrument. Use wood glue on the pruned end to discourage insects from digging into the cane and making a home.

Within a 1-2 weeks you should see the buds below the cut to swell and a new set of leaves will begin to grow.

Good luck-

Carlene