Lilacs are easily some of the most beautiful and beloved flowering shrubs out there—most of us gardeners absolutely adore them. But sometimes, a lilac bush has to go, and that’s when you realize it can behave exactly like a stubborn weed. If you don’t get every last bit of the root system out, it’ll just keep coming back to haunt you.
Lilacs are “Root Weeds”
Simply sawing off the main trunk is never going to be enough. Most lilac varieties produce tons of root suckers, which allow the plant to sprout anew whenever it feels threatened. These runners can pop up in a radius of up to 300 feet! This is how the plant ensures its survival, making the lilac incredibly hardy and resilient. Basically, you can’t kill a lilac just by cutting it down; it’s a true survival artist.
Some gardeners think they can finish off a lilac with chemical weed killers like Roundup, only to be shocked when green shoots appear again anyway. Honestly, I’d recommend staying away from the chemicals regardless. It’s never a great idea to dump poison into your soil where it can harm other plants, local wildlife, or seep into the groundwater. Plus, those products aren’t exactly great for your own health, either.
How to Get Rid of Lilacs for Good
Instead, your best bet is to dig out the entire root ball. It definitely takes more elbow grease and time than a spray bottle, but it’s the only way to ensure you’re actually done with the job. Here is how to tackle the root removal step-by-step:
- Step One: Saw down the main trunk, but leave about 5 feet (150 cm) of it standing. This gives you a “lever” to help wiggle the roots later.
- Step Two: Grab a sharp spade and dig deep around the root zone. A good rule of thumb is to dig in a circle that matches the diameter of the old branch canopy.
- Step Three: Now, use a garden fork to loosen the root ball. You can do this by prying and rocking the ball back and forth.
- Step Four: Pull the root stump out. If it’s still stuck, repeat step three until it gives way. Once the main stump is gone, cover the area with landscape fabric (weed fleece) and leave it there for several weeks. This blocks out the light, preventing any remaining runners from sprouting back up.
