How do you prune a lilac tree?

June 14, 2023 Ask the Expert, Garden Design and Maintenance

Question:

I have a white lilac that is needing to be pruned/trimmed and don’t know who to call to do it. It is healthy and blooms all over but some of the branches are growing up into wires that go from corner of my house across street to pole. I would like to have it taken care of before the branches get into wires especially as we have had quite a bit of wind.

Answer:

Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant

Lilacs are such beautiful shrubs, but they can get big and burly sometimes.

Unfortunately, the Extension does not have the resources or personnel to handle the pruning for you, but the good news is that pruning a lilac bush isn’t as difficult or intimidating as it may seem, and can easily be done by the average homeowner.

UMaine Extension Video on How to Prune a Lilac

UMaine Extension Bulletin #2169, Pruning Woody Landscape Plants

If you have mobility issues or don’t have the proper tools for the job, you can also reach out to local landscape outfits that will be happy to do it for you, and the above resources will put you in the confidently educated position of knowing what you want them to do with your lilac.