How big is the root ball of a lilac bush?
A lilac tree with a diameter of 1 1/2 inches produces a rootball 22 inches in diameter; a 6.3 inch diameter lilac tree had a rootball 83 inches in diameter.
How big are lilac roots?
Lilac roots generally spread one and one-half times the width of the shrub. A distance of 12 feet (4 m.) from the foundation is generally enough to prevent foundation damage.
How much room do lilac roots need?
Lilac roots need their space as they will spread to about 1 ½ times the width of the shrub. Their roots are not considered invasive, but a shrub that’s 10′ wide will probably have roots extending out about 15′ in all directions. Be sure you leave enough space between the shrub and the next plant or structure.
Do lilac trees have invasive roots?
Lilac bushes (Syringa vulgaris) offer fragrant, lacy blossoms in the springtime. However, they can be very invasive plants. And once you have a lilac in your yard, you will not get rid of it easily.
Is it difficult to dig up a lilac tree?
If you are transplanting a lilac that is mature and large, expect to work hard at digging out the rootball. You still need to take out as large a rootball as possible, and you may need help to lift the mature plant’s rootball onto a tarp to move it. Plant the rootball in a prepared hole twice as large as the rootball.
How do you keep a lilac bush from spreading?
Prune the roots in a circle, using deep plunges of a sharp shovel, and then treat the suckers outside the circle with an herbicide such as Roundup®. Avoid spraying herbicide on any suckers still connected to the parent plant.
How do you dig up a large lilac bush?
How to Transplant Lilac Bushes
- Select a sunny location.
- Lilacs need elevated, well-draining soil.
- Decide if you are going to trim the bush.
- To remove the plant from its current location, dig deep and wide.
- Dig a hole in the new location.
- Mix in plenty of compost into the hole.
Where’s the best place to plant a lilac bush?
full sun
The ideal spot to plant lilacs is in an area with full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours per day)—give them too much shade and they may not bloom. Lilacs also like slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained soil.
How do you stop lilacs from spreading?
French lilacs send out their runners in order to increase their overall size. You can install barriers that go down 6 inches or more into the ground that should keep the lilacs from spreading through to your landscape beds. The barrier could be a poly-based material with steel or metal edging.
How long do lilac cuttings take to root?
6 to 8 weeks
Firm the moist potting soil around the base of the cutting after it is inserted. Repeat this process with many cuttings so that there is a chance that one or a few will succeed in forming roots. It may take 6 to 8 weeks for roots to form.