Schedule pruning of repeat-bloom climbing roses in the spring before new growth appears. Prune single-bloom climbers after the flowering period ends. Prune shoots and canes to encourage horizontal growth on the trellis or arbor. Take a snapshot of your climbing rose at the height of the summer to aid your pruning efforts the following spring.
Prune young climbing roses as little as possible to encourage horizontal growth of the canes. Limit pruning to removal of diseased or dead canes. Perform maintenance pruning of this type at any time to limit exposure to pests and disease in the dead/dying branches of the climbing rose.
Avoid major pruning in late fall to reduce stimulation to the plant. Pruning encourages new growth throughout the plant. This flush of new growth is susceptible to fall frost damage. Limit fall pruning to removal of diseased or dying portions of the plant.