moving a 10 yr old lilac bush/tree

[angela rice]

my lilac was the first shrub I planted when I built my house 10 yrs ago. I now have to trim it in third each year because of poor placement. I really need to dig it up and move it should I do this before it leafs out or wait until it is done flowering. It will be much happier when it can spread out.

[The Helpful Gardener]

Angela if you read my lilac article you'll see I recommend pruning out a third of the oldest (biggest) wood every year. If that is all it takes to keep the lilac the right size, then it sounds like you have a good spot already. Letting the shrub do its own thing will cause it to get larger, yes, but it will not rejuvenate and will eventually peter out. Keeping that lilac at a more manageable size is the best thing you could do for it (and you; moving them when they get big is a task best left to YOUNG professionals)

OLD Professional