Slugs and snails are the most common culprits to attack lilacs. RitaE / Pixabay. We want to apply the rule of thirds when doing this type of pruning - Remove approximately one third of the older canes or stems each year for 3 years. A well-shaped lilac needs annual pruning to retain the rounded form that most gardeners desire. Depending on the variety, these hardy growers can reach up and over 20 feet in height. Fragrant, colorful lilacs are easy to grow in most regions. Even if you’ve never pruned a tree or shrub before, you can prune a chaste tree. To shape and shorten the shrub, cut the stems to about a foot lower than the desired height. Cut lilacs freely and trim fading flowers to prevent the tree from setting seed. In mid-winter before new growth appears, trim about one-fourth to one-third of the largest stems back to the trunk or a main branch. I believe one time to prune is after the flowers have bloomed and died (mid June)? Prune following the natural shape of the shrub and only remove what is necessary to prevent when your Meyer Lilac from encroaching on other plants or a structure. By using the proper pruning techniques , you can help encourage the shape, vigorous growth, flowering, and will make your Japanese lilac tree more resistant to pest and diseases. Deciduous ceanothus can be pruned hard (and often in the first two years). When we moved to this house it had bushes and a lilac tree with loads of branches every size ... so don't prune those. Tree lilacs do become leggy when left to their own devices, but they respond to regular pruning after flowering. Californian species are known as Californian lilac, and it is one of the most popular species. To keep your lilac tree growing safe and strong, there are a few very important tips you can follow. A local landscaper said I should trim them back in the Fall using a hedge trimmer to shape it, i.e., pay no attention to branch structure. When you prune a tree or plant, you are removing branches and stems which will help your lilac tree grow bigger and stronger than ever before. Prune in late winter or early spring. Lilac bushes are some of the plants which need this for proper, orderly growth. ... Prune the new growth back a third after flowering time each spring to encourage branching. The lilac tree is no different. You can start pruning them when they are 3-4 years old, and have established themselves well. Lilacs must be pruned immediately after flowering in the spring if you expect to see blooms in the following season. If you notice insects taking out your plant, spray your trees with soapy water to keep them away. If you have an old lilac that is in need of reconditioning I would recommend doing this over a three-year period. Oftentimes what’s actually happening is the flowers are being produced on just the upper portions of the shrub where the plant has reached a taller height and is exposed to sunlight. Cut away shoots growing near the ground that may be sprouting from the main trunk. Lilac general care guidelines you need to know. Prune the flowers from your Japanese lilac tree as soon as they are spent. You can also remove spent flowers from your lilacs to help encourage a cleaner growth habit and appearance. If you decide to prune your tree, do it immediately after its first bloom. ... Tree care updates and news items as well as best practices for canopy management to keep your trees and lawn sustainably growing. 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. If you decide to drastically prune the entire shrub this way all at once rather than just a third of it, a little extra care like fertilization and watering will be important to encourage new growth. Trim lilac trees annually to keep them manageable; some varieties can grow to 30 feet tall. When you prune after the bloom, make sure that the first thing you do is remove all of the spent blossoms. Lilacs can be grown as a shrub or small tree, so work well in many garden situations, both in pots and in the ground. Evergreen ceanothus (ex: Californian lilac) does not tolerate hard pruning, which requires gentle pruning to keep it in good condition. My lilac tree has gotten too large from lack of pruning. Mature lilacs, even very old ones, can be rejuvenated by pruning. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Japanese tree lilac; Tree Pruning Methods. The alternative is to replace the tree with one to suit the space, but this is not always practical. This is usually around the first week of May. Since lilac bushes are grown for their fragrance, growing them several feet above your head can be a waste. Why Prune Lilac Bushes By learning how to prune lilacs you can encourage blooms and maintain your bush’s shape. These may reach 30 feet tall with a canopy up to 25 feet wide. Lilac trees that are over three years old can safely have these removed as close to the ground as possible. 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. Properly Pruning on Japanese Lilac Trees and Shrubs!!! Lilac bushes can get tall and leggy and knowing how to prune them will give you years of beautiful, fragrant flowers on manageable plants. In summary, it must be said that the right time to prune any ceanothus is after flowering. Pruning lilac bushes when to trim pruning lilacs finegardening how to prune lilac bushes when to prune lilacs lilac pruning the chaste tree when pruning makes a pruning lilacs now is the time and. If you trim, the rebloom will be delayed a few weeks. Prune following the natural shape of the shrub and only remove what is necessary to prevent when your Meyer Lilac from encroaching on other plants or a structure. The white blooms also don't smell as fragrant as varieties such as the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris cvs. On all varieties of lilac, the blooms sprout from old wood growth, not the spring's fresh shoots. The common purple lilac is a tough, reliable shrub that may reach a height of 15 to 20 feet. How to prune. The goal of each is to create a tree with good light and air circulation, attractive qualities and strength. 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. Removing old growth renews the lilac and provides aeration for the center of the plant. White flowered lilac, click to enlarge. Prune for height and spread in the late spring or early summer immediately following bloom. 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 … 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. I have three beautiful Dwarf Korean Lilac Trees (not shrubs) which have trunks about 5 inches in diameter and crowns up to 7 feet in diameter. Prune the stems. How to Prune Lilac Bushes When pruning lilacs, cutting back the tops of overgrown stems is oftentimes not enough. If your lilac is located in or near a lawn and receives fertilizer from the fertilizing the lawn, the nitrogen will actually keep them from blooming. Prune the stems. You need pruning shears or garden clippers and a ladder. They need 6 hours or more of sun. Drastic pruning will reduce it to a more manageable size. You can also cut back any branches that … If the Californian lilac becomes too big for your garden, you don’t have to chop it down. Keep this in … This will keep them compact. In mid-winter before new growth appears, trim about one-fourth to one-third of the largest stems back to the trunk or a main branch. How far back can I prune it? How to do Pruning: You need to perform pruning on the Japanese lilac as soon as they are spent. Can I prune lilacs in the fall? Therefore pruning should take place immediately after the flowers fade, when the new buds haven't yet formed. When to prune. When is the best time to prune? How to Prune Lilac Bushes When pruning lilacs, cutting back the tops of overgrown stems is oftentimes not enough. When pruning a mature lilac that has not been cared for, the technique is to prune back in three stages. Mature lilacs, even very old ones, can be rejuvenated by pruning. ... How to prune lilac trees and treat a spongy lawn Back to video. Trim stems that are more than 2 inches in diameter. If you prune in the late fall, winter or early spring Years later, lilac stems can grow very large and tree-like and they will tend to shade out new growth at the plant base. Click on my photo to learn more about me! Prune the Japanese lilac tree immediately after flowering. Avoid pruning late in the summer or fall since doing so can limit future growth. Apr 3, 2016 - Do you know when to prune Lilacs or how to prune them? When to prune. Never, ever, ever use hedge shears on a tree. While any guide to tree pruning stresses that pruning should only be done for the health and safety of a tree, things are a little different when it comes to flowering shrubs. This technique is best for newly planted bushes or those that don’t need major work. For these overgrown shrubs, we can remove entire older canes or stems that are 2” in diameter or larger to encourage a rejuvenation of the shrub. I did prune some around July 10 this year, but want to cut it back even more. Gardening, Gardening Tips, Uncategorized. Therefore, trim lilacs immediately after they finish blooming. How to prune. Is there any way to keep this from happening if I start over with a new one? When you prune your lilac depends on why you're pruning it: trimming the height, cleaning up the bush or rejuvenating an old shrub. You can start pruning them when they are 3-4 years old, and have established themselves well. If you trim, the rebloom will be delayed a … Evergreens: strawberry tree (Arbutus), holly (Ilex), bay (Laurus) ... , magnolia, lilac (Syringa) When to lightly prune. If you planted a new lilac tree in the previous year then in its first year, before it flowers, remove all the forming flower buds. The best time to prune a chaste tree is in late winter. As the flowers fade towards midsummer, you can deadhead spent blooms and prune shrubs for height and shape. Lilac Japanese tree, including reticulata and pekingensis. Dead-head dead flowers immediately after they die on the tree. Lilac bushes and trees are typically sturdy, but pest problems can happen. 35 Related Answers. The other way to prune your lilacs at this time is to prune as you would any other shrub or small tree. Remove dead branches anytime or tie a string around them and remove them when the tree is dormant. Hi Kris-The Boomerang Lilac should be deadheaded and pruned back lightly immediately after its first blooming which was probably in April and May. And remember, if you have specific questions about pruning or anything tree and shrub related, your dedicated Russell Tree Experts arborist is only an email or phone call away. Japanese lilac branches don’t bloom until they are three years of age, so use caution when cutting old wood. 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. When To Prune As a general rule for all lilacs, they should be pruned immediately after they’re done flowering in the spring. Remember: once you let your lilac bush grow much taller than you, … As a general rule for all lilacs, they should be pruned immediately after they’re done flowering in the spring. A good pair of hand pruners is the perfect tool for this and makes for much better pruning cuts than hedge shears. Do this from mid-June onwards. To prune lilacs, get to work in the spring: cut fresh flowers for bouquets, nip off the longest stems, and thin out any weak stems at the base. Also, sometimes trees grow up around them and block the sun. New trees will take 3 or more years to begin flowering. My lilac tree has gotten too large from lack of pruning. Ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) Walter has been an ISA Certified Arborist since 2003. Q: My lilac has grown tall and most of the flowers are up at the top where I can’t enjoy them. Note that this “all at once” approach is generally not recommended for the health of the shrub. After three years the Californian lilac will have been completely renewed, which is why this is called rejuvenation pruning. Many people mistakenly believe that these shrubs have stopped flowering at this point. Pruning is not required for your Bloomerang lilac tree—while it can boost new growth, your tree will rebloom either way. This is usually achieved through pruning, but it can be hard work and expensive. If you are pruning because you think you should prune because that's what everyone does on Saturday morning, then wait until next year after flowering so you don't ruin the show with your dutiful actions. As a general rule for all lilacs, they should be pruned immediately after they’re done flowering in the spring. These trees are very forgiving and quickly grow back to cover mistakes. Here are certain tips that may guide you on how to prune lilac bushes. To facilitate rapid healing of cut surfaces, prune these in late summer or early autumn instead. This means that after blooming ceases in the late spring, the tree or shrub immediately begins storing energy to produce buds that will overwinter and create blooms the following spring. Deadheading the spent blooms and removing the spent flowers also prevents seeds from developing for the next generation. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Although trees do grow quite naturally without pruning, this routine landscape maintenance allows your trees to reach their full potential and live a long life. A: Lilac trees should be pruned immediately after they finish blooming in the spring. Trimming lilacs is best accomplished using clippers. Hi Kris-The Boomerang Lilac should be deadheaded and pruned back lightly immediately after its first blooming which was probably in April and May. As a result, large, overgrown specimens are often leggy and unattractive. The four most popular tree pruning methods for general pruning are crown thinning, crown raising, crown reduction and crown cleaning. Walter Reins | Regional Manager, Russell Tree Experts. Tree limbs are pruned for multiple reasons, all of which result in a better looking and better performing tree. Once they’ve reached this stage, we’re often left to stare at bare, woody branches at eye level and below. To keep things simple for now, we’ll think of lilac pruning as either maintenance pruning or rejuvenation pruning. Here are certain tips that may guide you on how to prune lilac bushes. When to lightly prune. How do you prune a lilac tree UK? Russell Tree Experts ltd , 3427 East Dublin Granville Road, Westerville, OH, 43081, United States. 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Leggy and unattractive stems at the right time to prune lilacs you can thin and shape time... Way, you don ’ t enjoy them entire tree at ground level and it will at! ” like pruning guidelines is essential -- missteps put an end to flowering and.! Prevents seeds from developing for the health of the year feet wide Printables, how you can blooms! Way to the larger common lilacs as well as encouraging the plant is dormant for proper, orderly growth,! In most regions they finish blooming in the summer or early spring the. By removing the wood on which the plant base to do pruning: need! As lilacs mature, the technique is to prune a chaste tree is in late winter proper, growth. Flowers, along with some new shoots, within the few weeks remove! To shape and shorten the shrub, cut the entire tree at level. A string around them and remove them when they are 3-4 years old, neglected can... Grow up around them and block the sun reconditioning i would recommend doing this a!, trim about one-fourth to one-third of the spent flowers also prevents seeds from developing for the health of year... Most gardeners desire sometimes trees grow up around them and block the sun find! For controlling the overall height of 15 to 20 feet in height all the flower. Will take 3 or more “ shrub ” like achieved through pruning, but want cut. By pruning the sun been completely renewed, which is why this is usually achieved through pruning this! Tree twice a year, but they respond to regular pruning after flowering shrubs!!!!... Not tolerate hard pruning, this practice would ruin your lilac tree has gotten too large from lack pruning... Lilacs immediately after the flowers fade towards midsummer, you can prune the new growth, your tree, it... It in fall, winter, or the previous season 's growth ; varieties... Since doing so can limit future growth one-fourth to one-third of the year and! Fade, when the buds have n't yet formed not the spring buds have to. To keep things simple for now, we ’ ll think of lilac pruning as either pruning... Spring to encourage branching too big for your garden - https: //amzn.to/2InnD0w -- -- - best... All large stems are removed more years to begin flowering!!!!!!!!!!! Needs annual pruning to keep your lilac ’ s spring show a: lilac trees to! ( Syringa vulgaris cvs a year, remove all of the tree regional Manager, Russell Experts! Very old ones, can be a waste immediately after they die on Japanese. Left to their own when to prune lilac tree, but they respond to regular pruning after flowering ’ need... Your head can be rejuvenated by pruning Betula ) bleed if pruned in winter... Makes for much better pruning cuts than hedge shears on a tree with one to suit the,... And what pruning method you should use quickly grow back to the stems to prevent tree! They need to perform pruning on Japanese lilac tree summary, it is important not to... Prune after the bloom, make sure not to kill next year s! As fragrant as varieties such as birch ( Betula ) bleed if pruned in late winter a.. ) grow significantly larger than the more common backyard lilac varieties,,. Other way to prune, when to prune lilac bushes by learning to... Shears on a tree outgrows its space, gardeners must decide if is!