• Ask Mark
    • Search the Library
    • Mark’s Blog
    • eNewsletter / Subscribe
    • Books
    • Links
  • Home Hardware Mark’s Choice
    • New Products
    • Hand Tools
    • Cutting Tools
    • Boots and Gloves
    • Hose and Watering Accessories
    • Bird Feeders and Bird Seed
    • Container Gardening
    • Seeds and Bulbs
    • Plant Supports
    • Gardening Accessories
  • CIL Iron Plus
    • C-I-L Iron Plus Lawn Fertilizers
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Gardening Communities
  • About Mark
    • Mark and Ben’s Bio
    • Book Mark as a Speaker
    • Mark in the Media
    • Contact Us
October 23, 2013

When to Prune Lilacs

The number of outdoor tasks is quickly shrinking. As I look out my kitchen window these days, there isn’t much left, at least not what there was just a month ago. From one gardener to another, don’t fret. Everything will come back: that’s the beauty of gardening.

There have been a few questions about lilac trees and what to do with them in the fall. Here’s a quick guide.

Lilac Biology

A little bit of biology background never hurt and in the case of the lilac, is extremely important. A lilac tree produces flowers in the spring – usually late May but this will depend on the type of lilac and your specific area.

The flowers of the lilac are short-lived, lasting approximately 2 weeks. Once the flowers have finished, next year’s buds set in soon after.

When to Prune

Because lilacs set next year’s blooms on this year’s wood, you must prune right after the flowers have died back. That way the summer growth will continue and the buds can set uninterrupted.

How to Prune

If you have an old tree: you can do some pretty heavy pruning and it will explode back in 1-2 years as if you did nothing to it. Alternatively, you cut it back by about a third. The result will be pretty much the same but this option is a little more work.

If you have a younger tree: one that just needs a bit of trimming to keep a certain shape or to keep it from producing too much shade where you don’t want it, simply prune out the branches you don’t want. Remove the suckers that grow low to the ground. Don’t prune too soon – wait until it is well established.

Remove dead branches and thin, spindly growth. Keep the tree fairly open to allow good light and air flow through. Some suggest that removing stems thicker than 2″ is the best way to choose which branches stay and which will go.

As with anything, use discretion. Regular pruning (after blooms are spent) will keep your tree healthy and blooming year after year.

 

 

← Previous post
Dahlias: Digging, Dividing, Storing

Next post →
Leaf it or Love it

Search

Recent Posts

  • Around the Acres This Week January 11, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week December 9, 2020
  • Around the Acres this Week November 2, 2020
  • Around the Acres This Week October 23, 2020

Mark’s Blog by Month

Ask Mark

  • eNewsletter
  • Radio/Podcast
  • Magazine article
  • Newspaper column
  • TV

Recent Tweets

Mark CullenFollow

Mark Cullen
12 Jan

A review of @suestuartsmith new book - great winter reading! https://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2021/01/12/new-book-cultivates-hope-through-both-the-physical-and-passive-acts-of-gardening.html

Reply on Twitter 1349023794342621191Retweet on Twitter 13490237943426211913Like on Twitter 13490237943426211916
3 Jan

Probably the most important house plant advice that can be given! So many plants die from overwatering! Stick your finger in the dirt. Don’t be afraid 😁 If it’s cool and moist leave it alone! Thanks @MarkCullen4! And thanks @ABurbidge! https://twitter.com/ABurbidge/status/1345484646075740160

Reply on Twitter 1345680506915074049Retweet on Twitter 13456805069150740495Like on Twitter 134568050691507404914
3 Jan

Stone more great coverage. A good news story to start off the year

Reply on Twitter 1345731171905380353Retweet on Twitter 1345731171905380353Like on Twitter 13457311719053803537
2 Jan

Winter (indoor) #gardening Pro tip from @MarkCullen4 in TorStar Homefinder section~ “Resist watering indoor plants until they need it.” Leaves drooping suggest adding water, touch soil to test for dryness. Great read, thx. 🌿🌸

Reply on Twitter 1345484646075740160Retweet on Twitter 13454846460757401601Like on Twitter 13454846460757401603

Comments are closed.

About Mark and Ben


Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, author & broadcaster and holds the Order of Canada. His son Ben is a fourth-generation urban gardener and graduate of Guelph and Dalhousie University.
More

Find Mark On

Sponsored Links

Highway of Heroes cullensfoods
© Mark Cullen. Go to top ↑