Lilac bushes are popular flowering shrubs that are loved for their floral displays and sweet fragrance. However they can become overgrown and invasive over time. Removing an old lilac bush completely can be challenging since any roots left behind may resprout. Here are some effective methods for getting rid of lilac bushes.
Why Remove Lilac Bushes?
There are a few main reasons you may need to remove an existing lilac bush:
-
The bush has become overgrown, damaged, or diseased.
-
You want to redesign or rearrange your landscape.
-
The bush was planted too close to a home’s foundation or HVAC unit.
-
The bush is crowding or shading other plants.
-
You simply no longer want the bush in that location.
Whatever the reason, removing a mature lilac bush takes effort The key is extracting as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
Removing Lilac Bushes Manually
Hand digging is an eco-friendly way to remove lilac bushes, though it requires time and labor. Here are some tips:
-
Water the soil 1-2 days before digging to loosen the ground.
-
Use a sharp shovel or spade to dig a trench around the bush about 1 foot away from the stem. Dig down at least 1 foot.
-
Once the main roots are exposed, use loppers or a saw to cut the largest roots away from the bush.
-
Work your way around the plant, severing all the lateral roots leading away from the main stem.
-
Rock or tilt the root ball back and forth to loosen it, then lift the entire bush out of the hole.
-
Inspect the hole and remove any remaining roots using a trowel or shovel.
-
Refill the hole with fresh soil and pack down firmly.
Using Equipment to Remove Lilac Roots
For large lilac bushes with extensive root systems, mechanical equipment can make removal easier.
-
A bobcat or mini excavator is ideal for removing thick lilac stumps and roots.
-
A truck or tractor can be used to pull lilac bushes out by the roots once they are loosened.
-
A stump grinder can be used to grind down remaining stumps and surface roots after initial bush removal.
Chemical Root Killer Method
If unable to remove all the roots manually, you can kill the remaining roots with herbicide.
-
Cut the bush stems down to ground level.
-
Drill holes into the stump and exposed roots.
-
Apply a concentrated glyphosate herbicide into the holes.
-
Monitor for resprouting and apply again to any new shoots.
-
Once roots are dead, dig out the stump.
This chemical technique may take weeks or months but prevents regrowth without digging.
Tips for Removing Lilac Bushes
-
Time removal in early spring or fall when the ground is moistened.
-
Wear protective gear like goggles, gloves, long sleeves and pants.
-
Remove any suckers as soon as you see them to prevent spreading.
-
Plan for disposal since lilac stems can be bulky.
-
Solarize the area after stump removal to sanitize the soil.
-
Be prepared for the project to take several days for large bushes.
What to Expect After Removal
-
Some sprouting from leftover roots is likely. Persist with digging these out.
-
The area will be bare until replanting. Cover with mulch to prevent weeds.
-
Some settling is normal after digging up root balls. Refill any dips.
-
Don’t replant immediately. Wait several weeks for the soil to recover.
Removing established lilac bushes is difficult but worthwhile to reclaim the space. With persistence and vigilant follow-up, you can get rid of unwanted lilac shrubs for good.
100% Absolutely The EASIEST WAY to Remove Bushes & Shrubs | With What Tool? You’ll Never Guess !
FAQ
How hard is it to remove a lilac bush?
Are lilacs hard to dig up?
How do you uproot a lilac bush?
How deep are the roots of a lilac bush?
How do you remove a lilac bush?
Make sure the lilac bush you are removing is in an area that is easily accessible. The best time to remove a lilac bush is late winter or early spring. You will need a shovel, loppers, and a saw. Wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles when using tools near the bush. Cut the bush back to the ground using loppers or a saw.
How do you remove a lilac tree root?
Use the shovel to remove the entire rootball. With older, established plants, you’ll do better using a tractor or truck to pull out the plant’s root system. Tie a strap around the base of the lilac, put tension on it with the vehicle, then cut the roots on the other side.
Do lilac bush roots need to be removed?
When it comes to the question of whether it is necessary to remove the roots of a lilac bush after it has been killed, the answer is yes. Removing the roots of a dead lilac bush is an important task for gardeners, as it helps to prevent the spread of disease and potential damage to nearby plants.
How do you kill a lilac bush?
Apply an herbicide to the lilac bush and its roots. Ensure the chemical agent includes Glyphosate, which blocks an enzyme essential for plant growth. Monitor the lilac bush until it is dead, typically taking a few days. Properly dispose of the dead plant according to your local municipality’s guidelines.