Can you trim a lilac bush every year?

Question

My mother in law told me that if you trim a lilac bush it wont bloom for seven years. I have some lilac bushes at my new house that are huge. They really need to be trimmed but, I'm afraid to do so now. Anybody know anything about this?

Answer 1

u can trim them but only after they have flowered already! don't wait too long after this has occured or u will destroy next years buds!

Answer 2

Right after this years bloom is the best time to trim lilacs. They don't set next years bloom until late summer into fall. If you cut it WAY back you may have limited bloom next year but if you just reshape it will be fine. Even if you cut WAY back it will be just fine in the 2nd year. Sometimes you just have to do it.

Answer 3

We have one right at the front corner of the house that we must keep trimmed or it would infringe on the walkway. We trim it every year, and that hasn't kept it from blooming very nicely. Don't trim it now, though - spring or fall.

Answer 4

I prune and trim mine every year and no problem. Check the internet on how to prune lilacs. They have very good points and advice

Answer 5

trim it -this keeps it tidy and prevents it from being overgrown. it will also encourage more flowers. dead head during the flowering season and cut the plant down at the end of the season. mulch well and fertilize.

Answer 6

problematic stuff. look in a search engine. that will can help!