<human>:  How to properly prune a rose bush?
<bot>: The first step to properly prune a rose bush is to identify what type of rose the bush is. Different types of roses require different pruning methods. After identifying the type of rose bush, it is important to gather all necessary pruning tools, such as pruning shears, loppers, gardening gloves, and protective clothing. Before cutting away dead or damaged canes, you should use your hands to remove any old or dead foliage from the branches. Next, you should cut away any dead, diseased, or damaged canes, cutting them back to an outward-facing bud. When pruning, you should always aim to maintain a fairly open shape and a balanced canopy. It’s best to prune in the early spring, when the rose bush is still dormant. After making the first cut of the season, the goal should be to remove around one-third of the plant’s total canes. Make sure to sterilize the pruning tools between uses, to help prevent the spread of any diseases. Once the pruning is finished, you should water the rose bush and apply a rose fertilizer.