Trim or Rip Out

[whitepd]

We bought a new home a couple of years ago. There is a huge lilac bush in the front yard. It's old, and has approximately a quarter of the blossoms on it that there should be. It's never been taken care of. Should I try to cut it back? Of should I just pull it out of the ground and plant a brand new one in its place?

 

[Tetters]

Hello and welcome to the forums I have cut down many Lilac trees to the base, and they always grow back and behave better - not only that they are quite fast growers and you should get a good start on new growth at this time of year.
The big problem is that birds will be nesting now, and you shouldn`t disturb them, or damage their nests and babies.

 

[Logan]

Hello and welcome to the forums, you could leave it till next spring before the birds Start to nest or just before it starts growing next year.

 

[Tetters]

The birds around here are already nesting and we have seen fledglings with parents.

 

[Logan]

Yes it's too late now, some birds here started nesting in march.
@Tetters would it be alright in the autumn?

 

[Tetters]

In autumn (fall) prune Lilac back by about a third. Early spring is the time to cut back really hard. Now it would be better to wait.
There is no time for impatience in the garden.

 

[Logan]

In autumn (fall) prune Lilac back by about a third. Early spring is the time to cut back really hard. Now it would be better to wait.
There is no time for impatience in the garden.

That's great thanks

 

[whitepd]

Thanks so much for your input guys...it makes my heart happy that this bush will be healthy again. I'll trim it up some this fall really get into it next April. Thanks so much!

 

[Logan]

Your welcome

 

[LouisFerdinand]

I would suggest cutting back the lilac. However, do not trim it so severe that it would not have a chance to regrow well.