Severe pruning of lilacs?

[Splaker]

Hey folks, in my ongoing quest to revamp the garden of my recently moved-into home, I have determined that at least 2 (possibly 4) lilacs are in desperate need of a severe pruning - as in right to the ground. Since it's May and the plants are just about to bloom, should i wait until next March to do this or can I go at it in June after flowers fade? In at least two of these plants, there aren't even any buds in the lower half of the shrub... they are a mess... one of the trunks is over 7" and it'll take a chainsaw to get to it. I'm sure these things were never pruned.

Thoughts?

Merci!

 

[Pat]

I did a quick search, if the plant seems to be overgrown you may want to prune it as soon as the blooms fade away to aout 1/3 the size of the plant. It can take a year or two for the plant to really give you an abundance of blooms. Very informative article here http://www.helpfulgardener.com/lilacs/03/pruning.html

 

[Splaker]

Thanks for the reply... But I think these plants need more than 1/3 lopped off... From what I've read this morning, it seems like a "severe" amputation is required...

 

[IcyBC]

Since there are no buds, I think you might just take a shear to it now. My mom has a lilac bush in the back yard, and my brother prune it when the blooms were gone. It has such amazing scent and I often clip a few to bring that gorgeous flowers and scent inside

 

[Splaker]

I just read your article, Pat, and one of the two options is to give it a complete overhaul... this is what i think I need to do due to the condition of some of my lilacs. Question is, do I have to wait til next March or can I take chainsaw to it after the flowers fade in June (assuming it even flowers)?

 

[Splaker]

Since there are no buds, I think you might just take a shear to it now. My mom has a lilac bush in the back yard, and my brother prune it when the blooms were gone. It has such amazing scent and I often clip a few to bring that gorgeous flowers and scent inside

It has buds, just not on the lower half.. classic case of light not getting down to the lower reaches of the plant... plus dozens of spindly shoots

 

[Everbrown]

Right after bloom to whack them

 

[Splaker]

Right after bloom to whack them

gracias