There are many reasons why it may be necessary to dig up and move a lilac: be it because the current location has long since become too small and the bush is too big, or because it doesn't really like the chosen location or simply because you would rather build a terrace there. No matter what the reason: It is important that you always remove all roots, otherwise the plant will sprout again from them.
How to dig up and move a lilac?
To successfully dig up and plant a lilac, first cut the bush back by at least a third, then dig out the root ball, dig a new planting hole twice as large and plant the lilac. Make sure you take all the roots with you.
Old lilacs often do not tolerate being moved
If you want to preserve the lilac when digging it up and moving it, you should think carefully about this measure, especially if it is an old specimen. Despite its robustness and tendency to sprout numerous shoots from the roots, old trees often respond to transplanting with subsequent death. The main reason for this is that a lot of roots are destroyed in such a project and the tree that was established in its former location also has difficulty getting used to it - not to mention that the now weakened lilac is a "found target" for all sorts of pests and insects represents illnesses and has nothing left to counteract them.
Caution: Don’t just saw off the lilac trunk
If, on the other hand, you only want to dig up the old lilac for removal (and not move it!), make sure that the roots are removed as completely as possible. If you simply cut the tree and leave the rootstock in the ground, you can soon enjoy numerous root runners sprouting from the ground within a radius of several meters.
Dig up and implement lilacs – This is how it’s done
When digging up and moving the lilac, it is best to proceed as follows:
- First cut the tree or shrub down generously - at least by a third.
- Now cut off the root ball with a spade (€29.00 on Amazon).
- The radius should be approximately the same size as the crown diameter before pruning.
- Drive the spade leaf-deep into the soil.
- Now loosen the root ball by gently jerking it back and forth with a digging fork.
- Lift the ball and plant out of the ground.
- Dig a planting hole twice the size of the root ball.
- Water this with plenty of water.
- Mix the excavated material with compost and sawdust.
- Replant the lilac and water it well.
Tip
The root runners are not only a big nuisance, but can also be used for propagation.
