Triming Lilac bushes - Ask Extension
My new home has lilacs that are very tall so I am cutting down to the ground 1/3 of the bushes for 3 years. I did the first cutting a few weeks ago. ...
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Triming Lilac bushes #872783
Asked June 12, 2024, 11:45 AM EDT
My new home has lilacs that are very tall so I am cutting down to the ground 1/3 of the bushes for 3 years. I did the first cutting a few weeks ago. When does the new growth start? This year or next? The previous owner installed weed barrier fabric with rock mulch. Will the new growth be on the existing branch's which I cut or will the come from around the bush. If the come from the ground around the bush should I cut back the fabric?
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
New growth will come from the ground. Your timing is good. New bloom buds are formed shortly after the current year bloom is done, which is now.
Landscape fabric is not the best thing to use. Dust blows in and sits on top of the fabric. Weed seeds blow in and germinate on top of the fabric. Removing it from around the bushes is a good idea. See these web pages https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/lilacs
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/syringa-vulgaris/
Landscape fabric is not the best thing to use. Dust blows in and sits on top of the fabric. Weed seeds blow in and germinate on top of the fabric. Removing it from around the bushes is a good idea. See these web pages https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/lilacs
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/syringa-vulgaris/
Thank you for the information. When will the new shoots come up. Yet this Year or will it be next spring?
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 12:07 PM
To: Carole Gaskell <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Triming Lilac bushes (#0142701)
Should be next spring.
