Is it possible to move a Lilac?

As the title states, really!

We're having our back garden *whisper* landscaped *whisper*, and the only thing I half want to keep is a lilac (tree? bush?) which is about 5ft high and has just started getting leafy again a couple of weeks ago. I would like to try and dig it up and move it into the front garden, do you think this might work, or would it be a wasted effort? It can't stay where it is with the new design, and the blokes are starting to clear the site on Thursday!

 

I've moved shrubs this tall in the past and the ideal time is winter time during its dormant phase.

However sometimes like you you need to move things out of season. Lilacs are pretty tough and if you minimise the stress of the move you should be ok.

I would cut the growth hard back but leave some lower shoots if there are any and then dig it up. Give its lots of water and a good feed to during its first year and it shouldn't sulk too much.

 

I wouldn't think it's the best time as this is just when the tree is putting all its energy into new leaves and flowers. However, they are pretty hardy and they do also produce suckers so you may be lucky. What do you have to lose by trying?

 

NO, NO, NO..... STOP.....


only kidding, carry on!...!

 

.

 

that dot uses a lot of space

 

Hi

Are you digging up or the "blokes" as I dont think they will take as much care as you will

if me I would measure a two feet/60.96 circle and dig out a trench right around a good spade and a half spade depth and any large roots cut through with loppers then under cut with a sharp spade (under the bush) , and when all cut underneath get some strong plastic and slide that under and them tie it all together to make a root ball (will need two of you if possible as one can rock the bush so you can slide the plastic under).

Once positioned in its new spot cut and pull the plastic out.

Make sure you plant at the same depth and water water water all through the summer .

And give the soil a good mulch with compost

Spruce

 

Thanks all! Unfortunately the guys got to it before I did - it grew at an angle anyway, and digging it up hasn't really helped. It's currently hanging out in a wheelbarrow looking sorry for itself, while I ready a hole, but I'm pretty sure it'll break at the base when I try to replant it. Ah well, worth a try, right?!

 

Always worth a try and don't be too impatient, look after it until this time next year and look for new growth then. Good luck!

 

I am as far from being green fingered as you can get. However since Feb half term I have become very passionate about GYO. This passion is now starting to spill over into 'regular' gardening.

Whilst pottering around the garden I came across a lilac tree/bush that is in a pot - thinks it been there for circa 7 - 8 years. Its a very strange shape as it has fought to get sunlight - I feel really bad about this by the way . From bottom on pot to the top of the bush is about 4ft.

Anyway - I have pulled the pot out and placed it on the patio and watered it regularly and its looking much better.

I wonder should I re-pot it or plant it somewhere. If replanting it - what would its preference be as far as sun, shade, etc? Is there anything I can feed it to help it along. Are there any GYO things it should or should not be near?

I hope your lilac makes it. I have a new found respect for all things 'horticulture' - its weird how fast I have become immersed in the GYO way of life!

(this is the only pic i have at the mo - can post a better one tonight)

 

Slightly better pics. I think it looks ok - but would like to make up for years of neglect.

 

@GYO newbie
plant it in sunny spot and so it has space to grow no shading out by other large bushes trees etc , mix in bone meal with some fresh compost into the planting hole , plus give it a good soak for a hour in a bucket so you will know its wet all through .

Plant at the same level as the pot

Make sure you keep well watered over the summer , leave the pruning for the next year and let it get going, if you do decide its always best to prune just as it finishes flowering, as it sets its flowers straight after for the following year flowers and pruning later in the year you will lose flowers buds.

 

Thanks. Will follow your advice. Need to find somewhere for him to go first. How big - height and width, could it get?

 

it will be a while but 4 meters high and could be the same across , but saying that careful pruning can reduce both the height and width but that will be in two or three years , and once that height you can ask how to prune properly and with Lilacs you take 1/3 of old branches every year to create fresh new growth and keep the plant vigorous with flower's all over not just sitting on the top, but would need feeding to maintain that .....

Spruce