I recently created a similar thread on this subject. Most information I have found says to prune knockout roses after all danger of frost has passed and before it begins actively growing. In my zone, the last frost is usually in May. However the weather has been consistently warm lately and I am already seeing new growth on my roses, even the traditional ones. So I am wondering whether I should prune them later or if doing it now will be fine?

Prune when the forsythia starts to bloom in our area. Last frost date is way too late. Its the soil temp that's important. However, a really cold snap such as last year's could damage new growth, but it will regrow. Where are you in Ohio?

When the forsythia blooms is a good general rule. The growth you're seeing now is coming from stored energy in the canes and not from the roots being active. When the forsythia blooms generally means the ground has warmed up enough for active root growth. If I waited until my last frost date, May 15th, I'd be pruning off bloom buds as I usually have my first open bloom by Memorial Day!