How to prune Lilacs

Here is a site where you can read about pruning lilac bushes and  here is a site where you can learn to prune very old overgrown scraggly lilac bushes. We had the latter and after cutting them down are already agreed that they look better. We used a chain saw and it was the deciding which trunks to cut that took the most time. Here are the 2 simplified versions on how to trim lilac bushes.

1. Cut all trunks down to 6-8" of the ground in March or April or late winter. (Mindful that this is Minnesota) Really, this one is quite drastic but lilacs are heady and you won't risk losing the bush you won't have blooms for about 3 years. The second year after all is cut you will have to do an assessment of which shoots you will want to keep to form the shape of your new bushes. All others should be cut to the ground.

2. This is the one that we chose. Cut about 1/3 of the older trunks down to ground level. The second year cut another 1/2  again of the trunks and thin the new growth. Be considerate of the shape of the bushes and choose ones that will let in light into the center of the plant. Take down old (3-5 year or more) trunks. You will continue to have blooms in the spring this way.

I brought in some of the branches. They are in a large pitcher of water and already the buds are swelling and there are hints of color where I swear there was only brown this afternoon. Amazing. I will have to take pictures every day. I am sure they will love soaking up the house warmth and all that water. 

There is really nothing like spring. 

the painting is by Jim Larson