The best time to prune your lilac bushes.

Question

When is the best time to prune Lilac bushes? My Lilac bushes have already started to bud. I would just like to shape them a little especially on top where they have grown too tall. They are about 4 years old.
 

Answer
The best time to prune your lilac bushes is just after the quit blooming. You can prune to shape and remove the dead blooms at the same time. If you prune now you will not have hardly any blooms this spring. If a branch is in the way of a mower or you are hitting it with your head you can remove that limb now.

Mike Stanton
Zamzows Nampa
1518 Caldwell Blvd. Nampa, Idaho
mstanton@zamzows.com