How to Transplant Lilac Trees
There are more than one thousand varieties of lilac trees in the world. They originated in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, but we have varieties from Asia, too. Their blooms may have a single or double petal. The colors include purple, lavender, lilac, white, pink and blue. The dwarf varieties do not grow taller than three feet, while the standard varieties are generally 30 feet tall. Gardeners enjoy growing them and being rewarded with their distinctive aroma. After a few seasons of blooms, you may find yourself wanting to move your plant to a new location. Since they are hearty plants, they generally survive transplanting fairly well, as long as you follow some simple steps. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose a location that is elevated, with direct sunlight and very little shade. Ensure the spot has good drainage and will not flood.
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Do not trim your lilac prior to transplanting since this will cause the plant to focus on new blooms versus taking root.
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Dig a deep, wide hole around the base of the lilac tree. Take care to get as much of the root system as possible to ensure a better chance of survival in its new location.
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Determine the size of the existing root system you will be transplanting. Dig a hole in the new location that is two times as big as the root system. Ensure that it is the same depth as the original location.
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Mix the soil from the hole with compost.
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Move the lilac tree to the new hole. Take care not to disturb the root system. Keep as much soil as possible on the roots to avoid breaking off the smaller, feeder roots.
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Refill the hole with the soil, compost mixture.
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Press down the soil around the bush firmly.
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Add seaweed fertilizer to the plant.
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Water thoroughly, ensuring that you are penetrating deep into the ground with the water. Do not over water or flood the plant.
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Continue to provide thorough watering for the next four weeks to encourage the roots to take hold again.
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Add cooled ashes from your fireplace or a fire pit to the base of the plant to encourage fuller blooms.
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Tips & Warnings
Lilac trees are known to experience trauma from being transplanted. If this occurs, the tree will not flower the first season. Since they are such hearty plants, you will see fresh blooms the following year after the plant has had time to recover.
