Whether your lilac is in the wrong spot, getting way too big for its britches, or you just need that garden space for something else, there are plenty of reasons to consider a move. But a word of caution: moving an older, established lilac isn’t always a walk in the park.
Think twice before moving an old lilac
If you’re dealing with a young lilac, it’ll usually handle being dug up and moved just fine. Older shrubs, however, find the whole process pretty stressful. Even though lilacs are generally tough-as-nails and great at sending up new shoots from their roots, they don’t always survive a major relocation. It makes sense when you think about it—an older lilac has a massive root system, and there’s just no way to dig it up without damaging a good chunk of those roots.
Beyond the physical damage, older shrubs can have a hard time “settling in” to a new home after spending decades in the same spot. A transplanted lilac will be significantly weakened and needs a lot of time to recover—if it recovers at all. During this transition, your shrub will be much more vulnerable to pests and issues. You can check out this article to learn more about common lilac diseases.
How to transplant your lilac: A step-by-step guide
For a younger lilac, a change of scenery is totally doable and not too complicated. (If you’re looking for tips on the perfect spot, check out our guide on lilac light and soil requirements). Of course, there’s a big difference between digging up a lilac to get rid of it and moving it so it can thrive elsewhere. If you’re just looking to clear some space, head over to how to remove a lilac. But if you want your flowering beauty to grow back stronger than ever, here’s the best way to do it:
1. Give the shrub a heavy prune. Cut it back as much as you possibly can to reduce the stress on the roots.
2. Grab a sharp spade and cut a clean circle all the way around the root ball.
3. Aim to keep as many roots intact as possible (otherwise, the lilac might just sprout back up in the old spot!). A good rule of thumb for the digging radius is to match the diameter of the shrub’s canopy before you pruned it. You’ll want to dig down at least the depth of a spade blade.
4. Treat the root ball with care. Don’t just yank it out; gently rock it back and forth until it loosens, then lift it carefully from the ground.
5. Set the root ball aside for a moment and prep the new hole. It should be at least twice as wide as the root ball. Give the hole a good soak with water until the soil is nice and muddy.
6. Before you tuck the lilac into its new home, mix some compost or aged sawdust into the backfill soil. Plant the lilac, fill in the hole, and give it a very thorough watering.
