Hi, I just planted two lilac trees in a very small garden (surrounded by concrete). I am concerned that eventually they will shade the garden too much to grow vegies. So I am wondering if it will hurt them if I keep them pruned down to a small size - rather than letting them grow big. Thanks!
If you follow the pruning techniques I outline in the website, your lilacs shouldn't get a lot taller than 6-8 feet; that'll keep them fromn throwing a lot of shade and will keep them bushy and full of flowers for decades...
While 'Tinkerbelle' will maintain a small stature on it's own, 'Madame Lemoine' will need constant vigilance to maintain a 6-8 foot height. Perhaps you might want to peruse the listing of lilacs on the site to find more diminuative shrubs; Tink has kin, such as 'Sugar Plum Fairy' or 'Fairydust', and the Korean types are small but smelly and would give you a different bloom time...
If I understand you correctly, the answer is yes. If I keep vigilant I can keep both plants to a 4-5 foot height without hurting them. That's a relief. I already have them and would hate to do anything to cause them harm. Thanks for your input. All the best.[/b]