Lilac bushes offer fragrant, lacy blossoms in the springtime but can become very invasive. Once you have a lilac in your yard, you wont get rid of it easily.
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Lilac bushes (Syringa vulgaris) are fragrant and lovely in the springtime. However, they tend to be invasive. Read on for information about removing old lilac bushes once and for all.
Lilac bushes are a popular ornamental shrub known for their beautiful spring blooms and sweet fragrance However, they can sometimes outgrow their space or need removing for other landscaping plans. Removing an established lilac bush is not always straightforward. Their extensive root systems and suckering tendencies make them difficult to eradicate This article provides a complete guide to effectively removing lilac bushes.
Why Remove Lilac Bushes?
There are several reasons you may need to remove a lilac bush
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The bush has become overgrown and unruly. Lilacs can reach 8-15 feet tall and wide. Without regular pruning, they can take over.
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You want to redesign or change your landscaping Lilacs may obstruct other plans
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The bush is diseased or pest infested. It’s better to remove it than risk spreading issues.
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You simply don’t care for lilacs anymore or the spot is unsuitable.
Whatever the reason, removing a stubborn lilac entirely is crucial to prevent regrowth.
When to Remove Lilac Bushes
The best time for removing lilacs is late fall or early spring when the bush is dormant. The ground is easier to dig and the lack of foliage aids access to the base and roots. Avoid mid-summer as sap flow is high, raising the chances of regrowth.
Removing Lilac Bushes Above Ground
Start by cutting the entire bush back to a stump. Use loppers for smaller stems and a pruning saw or chainsaw for thicker wood. Wear safety gear like gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when operating power tools.
Next, treat the freshly cut stump with a concentrated glyphosate herbicide. This is absorbed by the roots to kill the plant. Paint it directly onto the flat top surface within minutes of cutting. Results are visible in 1-2 weeks as leaves wilt and turn brown.
An alternative for a chemical-free approach is grinding down the stump with a power stump grinder. Go 4-6 inches below ground level to get below the root crown. Wear proper eye and ear protection as this creates debris.
In either case, monitor the stump for several weeks after treatment. Remove any new shoots as soon as they appear to prevent regrowth.
Removing Lilac Roots
Eliminating the roots is critical for permanent removal. Lilacs form a network of spreading lateral roots close to the soil surface. They also sucker readily, sending up new shoots. Any remnants left behind regrow into new bushes. Here are two ways to remove the roots:
Digging out
For younger bushes, manually dig out the root system. Use a spade or shovel to loosen the dirt around the stump in a 2-3 foot diameter. Then dig under and sever the lateral roots. Keep widening the hole until you can lever and lift out the main taproot. Dispose of all root pieces and disturbed soil offsite.
Mechanical removal
Mature lilac roots can extend over 10 feet away from the base. Removing them requires mechanized assistance. Options include:
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Using a tractor or truck to pull roots out with chains once exposed.
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Renting a stump grinder to chew up roots to 12 inches deep.
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Hiring an excavator to dig down and scoop out the entire root system.
No matter the method, inspect the site after to remove every last root piece. Even tiny remnants can regrow if left behind.
Follow-up Care After Removing Lilac Bushes
Be diligent about monitoring for regrowth and removing any suckers or sprouts quickly. Also amend and replenish the soil since extensive digging disturbs its health. Mix in 2-4 inches of compost or manure and replant as desired.
With some effort and persistence, you can successfully eradicate unwanted lilac bushes. The key steps are cutting back growth, treating the stump, thoroughly removing all root parts, and staying vigilant afterwards. With this complete guide, you’ll be lilac-free in no time!
Getting Rid of Lilac Bushes by Pulling Them Out
How to get rid of lilac bushes? One solution to the problem of removing old lilac bushes is pulling them out. Watering the ground around the plant thoroughly helps loosen the soil. You can try pulling out the roots by hand if the plant is young.
Use a shovel and hoe to dig down on all sides, exposing the roots. Use the shovel to remove the entire rootball. With older, established plants, you’ll do better using a tractor or truck to pull out the plant’s root system. Tie a strap around the base of the lilac, put tension on it with the vehicle, then cut the roots on the other side. Keep adding more tension and eventually the root ball will emerge from the soil.
Removing old lilac bushes completely requires that all root sections be removed. Any piece remaining in the ground can resprout.Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
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How Do I Get Rid of Lilac Bushes?
Lilac shrubs reproduce by seeds, but they also grow new plants from suckers. Shoots grow from the roots that grow parallel with the surface of the soil. As the roots grow along, they send up sucker shoots. Each one of these can grow into a new bush.
A single lilac plant easily forms an entire grove of these shrubs over time. It may be the emergence of the grove that has you asking, “How do I get rid of lilac roots?”
The big problem with getting rid of lilac bushes is that the plant regrows from any piece of root section left in the ground, so cutting down the bush at ground level is a very temporary solution. Quite quickly, you will have many lilac shoots coming up from the stump area.
How to Prune Lilacs
FAQ
How hard is it to remove lilac bushes?
Large lilac bushes have deeper roots that are more widespread, making it harder to dig them up and remove them. If you don’t dig under and around the primary roots, then you run the risk of the lilac bush growing back.
How deep are the roots of a lilac bush?
With roots typically reaching depths of 12-18 inches, these plants require consistent moisture to thrive, but be cautious—overwatering can lead to root rot. Maintaining a balance is key. Watering should be frequent enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
How to uproot a lilac bush?
You want to dig up your new lilac bush with a sharp shovel. Dig approx. 4-5 inches around the outer edges of the rooted area and bring up as much soil as possible with the propagated lilac bush. Use your pruning shears and cut the branch away from the mother plant, as close to ground level as possible.
Will lilacs grow back if cut down?
Yes, lilacs will generally grow back if cut down, especially if the cut is made during the dormant season (late winter or early spring).