Steven R.

Jul 08, Many of the newer lilac varieties grow quickly and might need pruning starting in their second or third year.

In general, by the time a stem reaches more than 2 inches in diameter, it should be pruned. If you are diligent with annual pruning of your lilac, the shrub will grow to about 8 feet tall with flowers throughout the branches. May 26, Don’t neglect pruning your lilac tree. You will want to prune your lilac at the ideal times: in winter and then also right after spring when the most lilacs have bloomed.

While some consider pruning a simple gardening chore that takes up their time, you are actually helping the tree’s growth and long-term health.5/5(1). Apr 02, How to Prune Lilac Bushes. When pruning lilacs, cutting back the tops of overgrown stems is oftentimes not enough. It is generally better to cut the entire stem. Trimming lilacs is best accomplished using clippers. Remove spent blooms all the way to the stems to prevent seeding and encourage more blooms later on.

Cut back about a third of the branches. Jul 19, Pruning your lilacs is essential for healthy growth and ample blooming. For tree-type varieties, including Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata) and Peking lilac.

Aug 21, If you want to prune your lilac to reshape it or to reduce its height, you could do it now, but it would be better to wait until spring. Jun 17, Your lilac should be fine though it's odd that a couple of branches just died like that.

You did the right thing and that is how you prune an overgrown lilac. Just be sure to clean your pruning saw or lopper blades with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water before using it again just in case. Rinse well and wipe dry.