To revive a lilac bush that has become leggy and overgrown , a thoroughgoing rejuvenation through pruning is often necessary . This summons involves cutting the bush back to within 12 in of the ground . Late winter , when the bush is dormant , is the idealistic time to execute this greening .
1 . Assess the Lilac Bush : Before get the pruning mental process , take a close facial expression at the lilac bush . place sphere where there is slight foliage or where the growing appears leggy and overgrown . This will help you determine the extent of pruning demand .
2 . Gather the Right Tools : To decently prune a lilac bush , you ’ll necessitate a few all-important cock . These include sharp bypass trimmer , loppers , and a pruning see for thicker branches . Ensure that your peter are uncontaminating and sharp to make clean gash and minimize hurt to the industrial plant .
3 . Prune in Late Winter : Late winter , when the lilac bush is inactive , is the best time to prune . This check that the industrial plant has a prospect to recover and grow new growth in the upcoming spring . Avoid pruning in the fall or early winter when new growth may be stimulated , only to be damaged by frost .
4 . Start Pruning : commence by take away any dead or diseased branch . contract them back to the root word of the shrub or to a healthy lateral branch that is at least half the diameter of the distant branch . This will help improve the overall wellness of the lilac bush .
5 . thin out the Height : Next , dress the lilac bush to subdue its height . begin at the top and work your way down , cut back each stem to about 12 inches from the land . This grievous pruning may seem drastic , but it will advance new growth from the radix of the plant .
6 . Thin Out Overcrowded Stems : If the lilac bush has many overcrowded base , selectively thin them out . Remove any weaker or crossing branch to improve air circulation and take into account sun to reach the interior of the bush . This will promote honest foliage growth and overall health .
7 . Clean Up and Dispose of Pruned Material : After pruning , gather and dispose of the pruned material right . Cut branches into manageable sizes for administration or debate using them for compost if they are disease - free .
8 . Provide Post - Pruning Care : After pruning , give the lilac bush some post - pruning attention to aid in its revival . Apply a balanced dim - release fertilizer around the base of the plant to provide substantive food . water system the bush deeply to control it receive adequate moisture .
9 . longanimity and Monitoring : revive a lilac bush take time , so be patient . Monitor the plant closely throughout the natural spring and summertime for any signs of young growth . render unconstipated care , let in lacrimation and fertilizing as postulate .
Remember that life-threatening pruning may result in a want of flowers for a time of year or two as the lilac bush regains its strength and energy . However , the greening process will help make a healthier , more compact , and attractively blooming lilac bush in the long run .
Caroline Bates
