How should I properly prune my lilacs?
Many people are confused with how and when to prune lilacs. Often they remove all the suckers, training it into a small tree. This is unfortunate as it leaves the oldest wood, decreasing flower size and vigor in the plant. The correct method is regular renewal pruning. Renewal pruning involves the selective removal of the largest, heaviest canes at the groundline. A pruning saw or scissor-type lopper is the best tool for renewal pruning.
After the older wood is removed, new stems will be produced, renewing the lilac and creating a denser, smaller and healthier plant. In addition, vigorous new growth produces the largest flowers when compared to older wood.
The best time to prune is during the dormant season, typically March or early April. Some are often misled and told to prune lilacs after they are done flowering, so as to enjoy the flowers. After flowering, the plant has expended too much energy to produce vigorous growth of leaves and shoots. So a small sacrifice this year will reap dividends down the road.
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