This is the best time of year for a deeper pruning.

Jun 26, Seriously, drastically cut it back to the ground and get almost all new shoots! Then those new shoots will have blooms and we are back to blooms at the level we can Estimated Reading Time: 4 mins. Apr 02, How to Prune Lilac Bushes. When pruning lilacs, cutting back the tops of overgrown stems is oftentimes not enough. It is generally better to cut the entire stem. Trimming lilacs is best accomplished using clippers.

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Remove spent blooms all the way to the stems to prevent seeding and encourage more blooms later on. Cut back about a third of the branches. Jul 08, If you can't stand the look of your old lilac or you just want a quicker approach, you can take the drastic measure of cutting back the entire plant to about 6 to 8 inches above the ground in the early spring. Fertilize the plant with compost or a balanced fertilizer to prompt new growth.

Remove the Old Wood: Remove the old wood every year. As the plant grows, the amount of wood increases. The wood, if not removed, creates a visible hole in the center of the lilac bush.

Allow the new shoots to cover this hole, and replace the old wood.

If the plant is new, light pruning will be stumpcut.barted Reading Time: 4 mins. Jul 08, Its important to know when to cut back your Lilacs, prune to late in the fall and you will loose the flower buds for next year. For new videos like this ever. Mar 24, Tips on how to rejuvenate an old Lilac with heavy pruning.

Tools to help your project along include loppers, a folding saw and hand pruners. See a follow-up. Apr 12, Or can I cut it back now? Is it too late in the season to trim back my lilac bush? Yes, it is too late.

You can always prune dead or diseased wood at any time, but it%26#;s too late for any severe pruning of healthy wood now. Pinch back your lilac to establish its shape, and remove old blossoms as promptly as you stumpcut.bar: Abbot.