How do I know when the time is right to transplant a lilac bush?

Jesse
by Jesse

The lilac bush is a leftover from a neighbor's planting. There are three total and they are definitely in too shady of a spot to amount to much. They're about three years old so not too developed. Any advice would be appreciated. Found a faded tag and they are Miss Kim's which according to a friend are quite fragrant.

  3 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Sep 19, 2019

    You have two choices autumn or spring but most experts suggest spring.


    Prepare the new planting location before you dig up the lilac bush. Dig a hole that will be two times as deep and wide as the current root ball of the lilac bush. Estimate this hole size until you see the actual size of the root ball.


    Add one part compost to the soil you removed from the hole and mix the compost in well.

    Dig up the lilac bush. Position the shovel approximately 1 foot outside of the outer perimeter of the shrub, and dig a circular perimeter around the entire shrub. Continue digging down until you can dig under the root ball without disturbing roots.


    Lift the lilac bush up from the soil and carefully transfer it to the wheelbarrow. Have someone help if the lilac bush is too big to handle alone.


    Move the lilac bush to the new planting location, and carefully set it into the hole. Fill soil and compost in around the bush, making sure the lilac bush will be at the same depth as it was previously growing. Finish adding soil and compost around the lilac bush until the added soil is even with the surrounding soil.


    Firm the soil gently around the lilac bush with your hands.

    Water the lilac bush generously with the garden hose.

    Mix the fertilizer with water according to the package's instructions for the size of your lilac bush. Pour the fertilizer around the base of the lilac bush.


    Keep the lilac bush evenly moist at all times for the first month after transplanting. Do not allow the soil to dry out.




  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Oct 01, 2019

    Hello. I moved my lilacs last fall after doing an entry porch renovation. The transplanted shrubs X 2 did flower this spring so try to collect a good rootball and good luck —enjoy the lovely blossoms and fragrance next spring!