When and how can I move my three year old lilacs?

Cecile Lowrey
by Cecile Lowrey
My lilacs are currently in a garden bed and I would like to move them into the yard. I don't know when Or how to do this.
  2 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 16, 2017

    Transplanting should be done in the fall right before the shrub goes dormant. Dig a very wide area around the lilac so this is not any root damage. Have your new hole ready for planting and make sure it is two times the size of the rootball width and depth with a little peat moss in the bottom.Transplant and place all the soil back in being careful to get any air out,by tapping the soil.Next make sure this gets watered to aid in the transplant.

  • C.B. C.B. on May 20, 2017

    The best time is AFTER they have bloomed, there is less stress on the bush/tree then. The 'ideal time' is in the Fall when the Fall rains will 'water it in' & you won't have to worry about it during the summer months. IF the bush/tree is fairly tall, you may want to consider pruning the plant before you move it, so there is less stress on the outer reaches of the plant [there is a chemical that can be added to the new soil when you move the bush/tree that will help reduce stress-check with your local garden center].