Duneland.com > Ask Chuck > Moving and pruning lilac bushes

Moving and pruning lilac bushes

Posted on July 18, 2004

Question:
When is the best time to move and prune lilac bushes?

Answer:
The best time to move it would be fall. Early enough to let it establish some roots before winter. This may disrupt flowering for the following spring. If you had to, early spring would be the second best time. Pruning the roots this spring and summer will help the process. Dig down around the plant as if digging but don't lift up. This cuts many roots so they form a denser fibrous root system and have a better root ball during transplanting. Pruning takes place on lilacs after they bloom, so as not to disrupt the following seasons bloom. If this is not a concern, prune anytime. It is best to prune out all the heavy thick woody branches and let the new ones come up from the bottom. Do this every few years as not to get a heavy accumulation of woody trunks.

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