No lilacs

[ArtB]

33 YO lilac bush,

no lilacs the last 2 years, was trimmed back 5 years ago, great lilacs for 3 years as wife researched how to trim (way down)

lilac now just too old, or ? Not enough sun?

No new trees or buildings or lawn revisions near it or anything, but there are a number of 160 ft plus tall DF within 40 feet to the north and east of it, some 100 f d fir 120 ft south. Couple of old 5 ft dia DFir stumps within 10 feet south but they have been there 65 years before the lilac was planted.

 

[redlawn 78]

lilac should be pruned somewhat regularly to encourage new growth and to clean out dead or diseased branches. get out there quick if you hope to have flowers next year. the most ideal time for pruning would be just after peak bloom- when u see more brown flowers than fresh/new flowers. if everything else about the plant appear normal pruning should solve your problem.

 

[TNTreeHugger]

lilac should be pruned somewhat regularly to encourage new growth and to clean out dead or diseased branches. get out there quick if you hope to have flowers next year. the most ideal time for pruning would be just after peak bloom- when u see more brown flowers than fresh/new flowers. if everything else about the plant appear normal pruning should solve your problem.

Is lilac one of those that bloom on next-years growth?

 

[redlawn 78]

next years flowers are bourne on this years growth. Thats generally the rule o thumb on spring blooming tree and shrubs. so the best time for heavier pruning Is just passed peak bloom.

 

[TNTreeHugger]

next years flowers are bourne on this years growth. Thats generally the rule o thumb on spring blooming tree and shrubs. so the best time for heavier pruning Is just passed peak bloom.

So, you definitely wouldn't want to prune in fall or winter... which explains why mine didn't bloom! I usually cut everything back in the fall.

 

[Oldman47]

I think you got it TreeHugger.

 

[2lungs]

I have lilacs for 30+ years and have never trimmed back and have flowers every year. I do cut out the dead wood once in awhile.

 

[ArtB]

when u see more brown flowers than fresh/new flowers

but, ;but, not even any brown blooms, not even a hint of a bloom bud.
Am suspecting all the other trees around have gotten too large such that the lilac only get 3-4 hours of direct sun a day. ??