Fall is a good time for light rose pruning, though most recommend you prune these shrubs in late winter or early spring. Trim your roses to about waist high (3 ft). I like to take off the old leaves if they are still on the plant. Prune out any dead or diseased canes. Be sure to wear heavy rose gloves to keep your hands protected and rely on sharp bypass pruners to make the job easy.
Wait until mid February for the severe pruning of cutting canes to about 18 inches. At this time, it also helps to feed plants with a little organic rose & flower fertilizer.