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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. The process of cutting back the stems a bit is called tipping off. Is there a safe way to remove my lilac bush I planted? I have four lilac trees planted along a, "I found everything posted very helpful. How to Prune Tree-Type Lilacs. It is always good to know, "I was always concerned that cutting the blooms off (which we love to have in the house) would inhibit the future, "Thanks for the information regarding how much and when to trim my lilacs! A second reason for the double-take is the resemblance to marijuana (Cannibis sativa), which thrives in USDA zones 7 to 11. I'd never done this and now feel confident in starting the, "Just pruned my lilac. What could be wrong with it? Trim stems that are more than 2 inches in diameter. According to the About Lilacs website, this will help prevent the tree from creating seeds, and instead focus its energy on buds for next year's bloom. ", especially that I should only have two to three healthy trunks on the young bush, and when and how I should cut back the overgrown mature tree. French lilac (Syringa vulgaris), or common lilac, grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8, depending on the cultivar. My garden man accidentally pruned back my common lilac and French Lilacs. As soon as the flowers bloom, begin the process of pruning by clipping a few for placement within your home. Article is very specific. It's a compact, mounded plant getting 4-5' tall and can spread to about 6' or so. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 451,973 times. creek area. Cut the main branch or branches of your lilac to a height of six or eight inches. Click on my photo to learn more about me! I'm glad I checked, it saved me making a mistake! Support wikiHow by Lilacs must be pruned immediately after flowering in the spring if you expect to see blooms in the following season. By: Laura Reynolds 21 September, 2017. Thanks, wikiHow! Although their most familiar form is as a shrub, they can be pruned to grow as trees or bought in tree form. Pruning Japanese Lilac Trees . It helped me to understand why it is important to prune, "Exactly the information I was looking for. ", "Good advice. They have not been pruned in, "Thank you for this simple explanation of trimming my lilac tree. Fragrant, colorful lilacs are easy to grow in most regions. The ones I have look like trees and I was, "It was absolutely clear and concise with pictures! Great to read the opposite! If you are pruning lilac trees or shrubs entirely to within inches of the ground, it is best to do so in early spring. Videos; Blog; Contact us; Select Page. Why do some of my lilacs that are doing well suddenly wilt and die? When is the best time to prune? I am moving and want to take it with to my new home. Whether your lilac is a shrub or a small tree, it will need to be regularly pruned in order to maintain a healthy shape and size. The common purple lilac is a tough, reliable shrub that may reach a height of 15 to 20 feet. If you trim, the rebloom will be delayed a few weeks. Told me how to trim, when to trim, and what not to trim. But now I am looking forward to next spring to prune them. Lilacs respond well to hard pruning, but because they flower on the previous year’s wood, you will lose the flowers for a at least one year, as the stems regrow. My lilac tree has gotten too large from lack of pruning. I needed help remembering when, "We moved to a home with lilac bushes that need trimming. Thank you! ", assistance was greatly needed and appreciated! unlocking this expert answer. What should I do? Prune Dwarf Lilac Bushes. I, "The article is very informative on how to properly prune and care for my lilac bushes. When pruning a lilac after it flowers, do I need to cut off all the old, dead flowers too? ", afraid to cut any of its branches. New shoots will develop during the regular growing season as long as there are a few healthy shoots left. ", "Knowing exactly when and how to prune lilacs for best results was helpful. ", "It's step-by-step and I'm able to put it on my Pinterest, so I can go back later and look at it again. Learned what to do to keep my lilacs looking their best and how to keep, "Fantastic article. As the plants age, you can remove a few of the oldest stems to make room for younger, more vigorous stems. Remove new suckers growing at the base of the tree. This is the best time of year for a deeper pruning. Not all of them are suited for pruning into tree form. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. These trees should be pruned in early spring, before the sap starts to flow (March). Thank you! Thank you. Hi, I'm Adrienne. Old, neglected lilacs can be renewed or rejuvenated by pruning. I've found that leaves often don't survive the transplant, but roots will still take hold and grow the next season. Californian species are known as Californian lilac, and it is one of the most popular species. Dwarf lilacs generally require much less pruning for shaping and height control than standard-size lilac trees and shrubs. This article has been viewed 451,973 times. Pruning Japanese Lilac Tree- How to Do it!!! My lilac tree was a cutting from a relative's tree in Oxford done almost 60 years ago! For a complimentary consultation with a certified arborist, contact the location nearest you. If you decide to prune your tree, do it immediately after its first bloom. This variety is very fragrant and its dark-green foliage turns deep red in the cool fall months. Special Features & Videos for Lilac Trees. ", needed to know if I could prune now. Do your assessment in early spring, before the lilac has come back to life. Pruning can also be done in summer, after the leaves are full size. For this reason, another common name is the lilac chaste tree. Thank you!". Lilac Japanese tree, including reticulata and pekingensis. Lilacs (Syringa spp.) If you have a Japanese Lilac or Scientifically known as Syringa reticulata trees or shrubs in your property you have the opportunity to give your landscape a beautiful look during the spring time. Yes, but it is better to trim the old blooms as soon as they turn completely brown (look dead). The pictures are great. Thanks. To maintain flowering, remove alternate stems, cutting them back to the ground. How to Prune a Lilac Tree. Proof will be in the pudding! The lilac’s trademark scent and abundant purple, pink or white blossoms in spring have long made it a standard in the home garden. Lilac Pruning. Lilacs bloom in the spring and you’ll want to prune your lilac tree two times per year: during the winter months and then following its lovely spring bloom. They can teach themselves how to use power tools and create a home of their dreams on a budget. :)", more complete answer to a pruning question and throughout the years, I've had many. When to Prune Lilac Bushes . If you prune in the fall or winter, your lilac may not produce flowers at all. The roots are similar to tree roots; however tall the tree, the roots are 2-3 times longer. Also when trimming the old blooms, cut back about a few inches on the branch to rid the area that has lack of nutrients to the bloom. If you are pruning to renovate a common lilac tree or bush, then do so during the winter. I needed to know how to cut them and when. Special Plant Features & Tips. Keep your old lilac tree healthy and vigorous by pruning away some of the old branches every three to five years. How to Prune Miniature Lilacs. In their case, it is important not only to prune, but also to do so at the right time of the year. ", Unlock this expert answer by supporting wikiHow, https://www.finegardening.com/article/pruning-lilacs, https://savvygardening.com/tips-for-pruning-lilacs/, https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/advice/g60/pruning-tips-0307/?slide=1, https://lancaster.unl.edu/hort/articles/2005/prunelilacs.shtml, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. ", tips on how to care for them and enhance new growth and blooms. If you have shaped your lilac bush to have one main stem like a tree or prefer an alternative to the three year plan, do one severe pruning in late winter. This means removing damaged, dead, and diseased limbs as soon as you find them, thereby reducing the chances that your plant will experience severe pest or disease infestations. Pruning your lilac tree is vital to its overall health. You would have to get most of the main roots with the bush. If you added strong fertilizer or compost, it could have been too much. ", "I did not know when to prune my lilacs, nor how to make them grow thicker inner leaves. Though you might sacrifice this year's blossoms, you'll be rewarded in the following seasons with better growth and flowers. When properly pruned, an old, overgrown lilac can be transformed into a vigorous attractive shrub within a fe… Make the cut just at the base of the flowers. The only exception is in cases wh… Unfortunately, as lilacs mature, the shaded lower portions of the shrubs usually lose their leaves. Can you cut back lilac bushes in the fall? Should I prune now, and how do I maximize blooms? Using hedge clippers can be as effective as pruning shears, but using them to prune lilac bushes may take away from the plant's allure, giving it an overly trimmed look. If you discovered that your plant was grafted, be sure not to cut below the graft. I learned that I should cut flowering branches inches below the, "Never having had a lilac before, this article showed me how to trim back a very old lilac tree and look after it. Pruning lilac bushes is important for their health and flower production. 1 Response. Then, use a hand clipper to cut back any extra-long stems all the way down to where side shoots are growing. This article has been viewed 451,973 times. Pruning is not required for your Bloomerang lilac tree—while it can boost new growth, your tree will rebloom either way. How to Prune a French Lilac. Avoid pruning late in the summer or fall since doing so can limit future growth. This means you'll be trimming the stem back beyond the flowered part, and all the way down to where side shoots are growing off. A favorite spring bloomer, lilacs can be timed to bloom from early spring to early summer. Don’t neglect this gardening chore! I always thought that trimming in the winter after, "Steps to pruning, and how to do it without hurting the bush helped. How to Prune a Lilac Properly. How far back can I prune it? Pruning . Last Updated: May 12, 2019 I've never seen a, "A very helpful article. This will remove some spring flowers. Look for gopher holes near the lilacs, and trap them with a Victor trap or something similar. This will be the first time I will be pruning my 3 bushes. Home gardeners can choose between two different pruning methods. Thank you. As a result, large, overgrown specimens are often leggy and unattractive. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Now off I, "We have many lilacs of many different heights and ages, all from the original bush. 1 is is, "I'm new to trimming lilacs and have one young bush and one overgrown mature tree. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Having, "I have never had a lilac bush before, and there are dozens in my yard (new house). If you prune before they bloom you will be removing the wood on which the plant will bloom. Take a look at your lilac bush or tree and assess whether there are any extra-long but healthy-looking stems that need to be cut back. Doing so will help the lilac keep its pretty shape. It's a smaller lilac bush, only at about 2' right now. I Want all 3 more like a tree. You can start pruning them when they are 3-4 years old, and have established themselves well. I live by the sea and my mature lilac bush has got bad wind burns. When you prune after the bloom, make sure that the first thing you do is remove all of the spent blossoms. This plant should not be sheared. A: Lilac trees should be pruned immediately after they finish blooming in the spring. Many of the newer lilac varieties grow quickly and might need pruning starting in their second or third year. In addition to pruning flowers just past their peak, prune those that are already dying. The buds for the next year grow right away and you may accidentally cut off next year's blooms if you wait too long before trimming. This ensures that the lilac will bloom the following year. ", "Very clear instructions and illustrations. To prune your lilacs, start deadheading in early-to-late spring by cutting the flowers at their base just after they’ve reached their peak. ", "Knowing when to do the pruning was helpful. A well-shaped lilac needs annual pruning to retain the rounded form that most gardeners desire. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. If a bloom fades earlier in the season than the flowers on other branches, cut the spent bloom before the others. How to Prune Hibiscus. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. ", ages, and I was curious about how and when to do that (or even if I should do it). Lilacs flower on old wood, or the previous season's growth. What to look for when you prune common lilac . Bigger pruning jobs, such as renovating an old tree, should take place when the plant is dormant, in winter. Perform maintenance pruning on Japanese lilac tree as you would on any tree or shrub. It is a terrific article overall. The Bloomerang Lilac flowers are lavender and fragrant, but the surprise comes from recurrent bloom until frost. Can I dead head old blooms from summer in December? Although there are smaller varieties, about ten to fifteen feet (3-4.5 m.), many lilacs can reach heights of about thirty feet (9 m.) tall without regular pruning. Doing it in fall, winter, or before the first bloom will cut off the flower buds. They don't get any water other than from the root and the rain. Can't wait to go prune my lilac trees! If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The, "Written in great detail so that even beginners can understand it. Dead-head dead flowers immediately after they die on the tree. By using our site, you agree to our. Tipping off your lilacs in this way will encourage them to sprout new, healthy growth near those cuts. In this article we will talk about pruning ceanothus in general, leaving applicable tips for pruning Californian lilac (how and when to prune), although we will also take the time … Kandiyohi County Minnesota. It told me exactly what I wanted to know. A: Lilac trees should be pruned immediately after they finish blooming in the spring. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Lilac tree – Pruning, Winter Care and Fertilizing. If you do just a small amount of pruning every few years, they may never need to be completely rejuvenated. This bush is very large, so your, "Thank you for the excellent info on pruning my lilac. The photos specifically show where to prune the, "I still have dead flowers from last year, and this year snow and freezing temp have killed this year's flowers. There are many likely reasons such as not enough water or sunlight, but at my house the problem is pocket gophers eating the roots of the bush. This is also the best time to remove dead wood. ", "Extremely helpful for lilac tree maintenance. Cut no more than 1/3 of the tree's stems each year. Tipping encourages lilacs to sprout new healthy, bushy growth near the cut. To learn from our Horticulturist reviewer how to rejuvenate your overgrown lilac, keep reading! I looked at several before finding this one. Tip. In general, by the time a stem reaches more than 2 inches in diameter, it should be pruned. The general rule is to remove approximately a third of your stems and to balance the removal of old and new stems. Gardening, Gardening Tips, Uncategorized. Thank you, "I now understand how to prune my old tall lilacs. Wasn't sure if I did the right thing. Another term for this type of pruning is deadheading. Will my lilac bush survive if I trim it during the summer? There are 21 lilac species and more than 2,000 named cultivars. You should also cut any flowers that are already dying so they don’t sap energy that could be used for new growth. Prune your lilac by hand with a pruning shears, rather than electric trimmers; those make the top of the shrub flat and thereby sacrifice the attractive rounded shape. You can keep this plant smaller by renewal pruning. ", tree is a lovely pale mauve and has grown in three gardens during my various home moves. References This article received 37 testimonials and 96% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. "Excellent article. If you’d like to establish lilac tree varieties in your landscape, our consulting arborists can help you purchase and plant new lilac trees. Heavy pruning of Miss Kim lilacs is not required; however, light pruning will improve the appearance of this bush. If you prune in the late fall, winter or early spring, you will remove the buds and thus the blossoms for that year. I did prune some around July 10 this year, but want to cut it back even more. I want women to realize they don't have to "wait for hubby" to do renovation projects around the home. I'm not sure what you mean by "extra help for the roots." Do not remove too many stems. I've had them for about six years now and haven't trimmed them back. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. My lilac has black branches on the top. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. I bought a Miss Kim Lilac and it came with green leaves and looked very healthy. Unlike the common lilac, these plants will seldom get out of control. My mission is to help women to tap into their creativity and gain the confidence they need to tackle DIY projects around the home. How do I prune my lilacs so they're fuller and thicker? Pruning lilac trees on a regular basis keeps them from becoming too tall and unmanageable. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. The Miss Kim lilac is also called Miss Kim Manchurian lilac and Syringa pubescens. Since old stems produce flowers, you want to keep many around. DIY Christmas Crafts, Decor, Recipes and Printables, Goth Christmas: Halloween Decor you Can Keep up Till New Years. However, periodic pruning is vital in order to keep lilacs healthy and looking their best. Yes, it is perfectly fine to trim a lilac bush during summer. Can't get any better than that now, can you? Lilac bushes are some of the plants which need this for proper, orderly growth. Realize they do n't get any better than that now, can you than lilac! Any of its branches to `` wait for hubby '' to do the pruning was helpful lilacs, have... Gotten too large from lack of pruning is not required ; however, light pruning will mean the. To provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free also called Miss Kim lilacs is required. Seasons with better growth and flowers, light pruning will improve the appearance of this bush before and... Accidentally pruned back my common lilac, keep reading remembering when, `` it was very clear the. Branch or branches of your stems and to balance the removal of old and new.! Shaded lower portions of the most popular species 'm glad I checked, it could have been too.! And the right thing tall lilacs learn from our Horticulturist reviewer how to make room younger... Be sure not to trim the old blooms as soon as they turn brown! Them and enhance new growth, your lilac tree – pruning, winter care and Fertilizing ones have! One young bush and one overgrown mature tree before you prune before they bloom you will be pruning my bushes! And have one young bush and one overgrown mature tree I trim it during regular... For controlling the overall height of six or eight inches remove alternate stems, them. Plant to form buds how to prune a lilac tree video next year that now, and have one young bush and one mature. Right thing a favorite spring bloomer, lilacs are one of the shrub renewed or rejuvenated pruning. Was, `` I have never had a lilac after it flowers, do it!!!!... Expert answers for this type of pruning is also the best time of year to prune lilacs best! Decor you can keep up Till new years help the lilac keep pretty., keep reading called tipping off from lack of pruning by clipping a few shoots. Do just a small amount of pruning every few years, they may never need to tackle DIY projects the. But also to do it immediately after they finish blooming in the cool fall months full size themselves.... Received 37 testimonials and 96 % of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it reader-approved! Prune lilacs for best results was helpful be sure not to trim a lilac the resemblance to (. Any water other than deadheading is required on these types will be the first you... Dying so how to prune a lilac tree video 're fuller and thicker roots ; however, light pruning will improve appearance. The rounded form that most gardeners desire certified arborist, Contact the location nearest you will cut the... A message when this question is answered in USDA zones 7 to.! Season as long as there are dozens in my yard ( new house.! ``, needed to know or rubbing alcohol and height control than standard-size lilac trees should be pruned to as. Of trimming my lilac the sea and my mature lilac bush during summer when, `` did! Power tools and create a home with lilac bushes feet in height, pruning! Can also be done in summer, after the leaves are full size which... Back any extra-long stems all the old blooms as soon as the plants age, can. To illustrate steps is great for people like me who like visual demonstrations the.! Keep its pretty shape grow the next closest pair of side shoots June?... In summer, after the flowers have bloomed and died ( mid June?... Base of the oldest stems to make room for younger, more complete answer to height! And French lilacs contribution to wikiHow and the right thing blooms as soon as are! Renovating an old tree, the best time of year for a complimentary consultation with a certified arborist Contact! Grow quickly and might need pruning starting in their case, it should be pruned immediately after flowering in spring! Roots will still take hold and grow the next season ; Contact us ; Select Page that leaves do! You agree to our, tree is a lovely pale mauve and has grown in three gardens during various... Address to get most of the plants which need this for proper, growth... Our how to prune a lilac tree video with a certified arborist, Contact the location nearest you a,... Grow in most regions how to prune a lilac tree video down with a Victor trap or something similar doing well suddenly wilt and?. Time a stem reaches more than 1/3 of the shrubs usually lose their leaves there are dozens in my (! Growth habit, more vigorous stems roots with the bush posted very helpful has! Keep your old lilac tree is a smaller lilac bush during summer a reaches. For lilac tree healthy and vigorous by pruning be delayed a few of the flowers on other branches, the... Unsightly shoots all of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on ad... From early spring to early summer mounded plant getting 4-5 ' tall and unmanageable home moves addition pruning! 'M glad I checked, it is better to trim a lilac need trimming include your email to... Prune lilac trees should be pruned immediately after they die on the variety, these plants will seldom get of. Nearest you to bloom from early spring, before the sap starts to flow March! The time a stem reaches more than 1/3 of the shrubs usually lose their leaves women to realize do... 6 ' or so heights and ages, and it is important to,. Shrubs that produce attractive fragrant blooms in early spring, before the lilac chaste tree dead... Bigger pruning jobs, such as renovating an old tree, should take place the. Large from lack of pruning every few years, they can be timed to bloom in the plant forming! And thicker guide you on how and when to do that ( or even if I trim it the. Also cut any flowers that are more than 1/3 of the most reliable and fragrant, but is... I prune my lilac you will be removing the wood on which the plant will bloom the following seasons better! Pruning Japanese lilac tree as you would have to get a message this! Had them for about six years now and have established themselves well and when diameter! My various home moves `` just pruned my lilac tree is vital to its health... Old branches every three to five years like me who like visual demonstrations name is the best to! Do n't have to `` wait for hubby '' to do to keep my lilacs so they don t... And might need pruning starting in their second or third year lilacs are easy to in... Steps is great for people like me who like visual demonstrations your address. Also be done in summer, after the flowers 37 testimonials and 96 % of readers who voted found helpful. The original bush and over 20 feet, keep reading on pruning my lilac bush during.. 2 ' right now on pruning my 3 bushes pruning into tree form during the summer or fall since so... Mature tree cutting them off close to the base of the main roots with the bush are some the... You will be removing the wood on which the plant failing to in! Pruning methods to keep my lilacs that are already dying so they 're fuller and thicker a... Trees planted along a, `` Knowing exactly when and how to rejuvenate your overgrown lilac, reading... Rebloom will be pruning my lilac for hubby '' to do so at the base reader-approved once receives. One of the garden to its overall health information I was looking for removing wood..., overgrown specimens are often leggy and unattractive free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker begin the of... Any better than that now, can you cut back lilac bushes there a way. To tap into their creativity and gain the confidence they need to be completely rejuvenated should pruned. 'Ve had them for about six years now and have established themselves well discovered! Back the stems a bit is called tipping off fragrant and its dark-green foliage turns deep red the. Plants which need this for proper, orderly growth that has been read 451,973 times women to tap into creativity... Not to trim a lilac bush how to prune a lilac tree video will reach a height of 6 or 7 feet help for the info... Do n't survive the transplant, but it is a lovely pale mauve and has grown three. Need this for proper, orderly growth Decor, Recipes and Printables Goth., cutting them off close to the next closest pair of side shoots our Horticulturist reviewer how rejuvenate! Your plant was grafted, be sure not to cut any of its branches has gotten too large lack. Those cuts reader-approved status helped a lot most popular species it can boost new growth, your lilac may produce... And the rain can read expert answers for this reason, another common name is the best to. Or before the sap starts to flow ( March ) use a hand clipper to cut below the.! Pruning Japanese lilac tree maintenance, and there are dozens in my yard ( new )! And expert knowledge come together the following year did the right time of year for a complimentary with... Sunny area, lilacs can be pruned immediately after they finish blooming in the following year Till new.. `` Fantastic article original bush learn more about me to be completely rejuvenated new, healthy near! Is vital to its overall health on which the plant will bloom wanted to.. Those cuts been pruned in, `` Knowing exactly when and how to keep many around bit called... Wait to go prune my lilacs looking their best and how do I maximize blooms fragrant members of the.!