I have a lilac tree/bush as tall as my house. How and when do I go about cutting it back?
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Answers:
My elderly Neighbor lady has one about the same size. I usually trim hers back in the fall about half way, been coming back strong every year!
You should usually cut them back mid to late summer, after all the blooms have died. this way it has a chance to close any open cuts and prepare itself for the winter. It should come back full and more blooms next yr. Good luck!
cut back after bloom to keep it in control and the size you wish to have.
Usually you will get an inch or two growing on old wood every spring depending on the growth speed.
keep cutting just short of the new wood or you may have problems growing the flowers.
As the other poster suggested, you should cut back the lilac come mid-summer after the blooming is done and before the onset of cold weather.
One thing my local landscape professional told me about lilacs is that they actually thrive when you give them a hard pruning every 3-4 years. He suggested cutting back 1/2 of the shrub even.
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