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Dying lilac #944222

Asked September 03, 2026, 6:50 PM EDT

Hello! Last winter/spring one of my lilacs was girdled by rabbits and has slowly been dying. Now it finally has some new growth coming up from the rootball and I am wondering if I should leave everything as is (obviously I will be caging it as well as I can) and cut the dead trunk next spring, or if I should cut it now. I am adding pictures of the dying one, the new growth, and one of the healthy ones that was planted at the same time a few years ago. Thank you so much! I am in South Mpls, zone 5

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Remove the dying lilac now and protect the shoot over winter. 

Water well until the ground freezes.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 03, 2026, 9:20 PM EDT

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