vicious prune
By Dogrose
United Kingdom 
we have inherited what looks like it could be a dog rose in our front garden, it has very woody thick stems, quite brutal looking thorns, it is quite rangy if that is such a word. Pink floppy flowers and large ovalish hips. Well I say it has, I should say had. Someone has cut it down to about 2 inches from the ground. The main trunk, about 3 inches across and all others. The question is Is it done for? or could it grow again?
2 Nov, 2008
Answers
You beat me to it Rob.
2 Nov, 2008
If you want it to grow again fine.. If you want to stop it paint it with weed killer when new shoots arise.
2 Nov, 2008
Hi Dog rose,
No it isn't "done for" it is the briar stock of an old rose. It will grow again, watch that space.
2 Nov, 2008