Old lilacs often do not tolerate repositioning
If the lilac is to be preserved when digging up and moving, you should carefully consider this measure, especially with an old specimen. Despite its robustness and the tendency to let numerous saplings sprout from the roots, old trees often acknowledge repositioning with the subsequent death. This is mainly due to the fact that a lot of roots are destroyed in such a project and, moreover, the tree established at its former location has difficulties to get used to - quite apart from the fact that the now weakened lilac is a "found food" for all kinds of pests and Represents diseases and has nothing to counteract them.
also read
- Planting lilacs in autumn - instructions and tips
- Here's How To Keep Lilacs Small - Instructions and Tips
- How often should you water lilacs?
Caution: do not just saw off the lilac trunk!
If, on the other hand, you only want to dig up the old lilac to remove it (and not move it!), You should still ensure that the roots are removed as completely as possible. If you only cut the tree and leave the rootstock in the ground, you can soon look forward to numerous root runners sprouting from the ground for a range of several meters.
Dig up and move lilacs - that's how it's done
The best way to dig up and move the lilac is as follows:
- First cut the tree or shrub down generously - by at least a third.
- Now cut off the root ball with a spade.
- The radius should be about as large as the crown diameter before the cut back.
- Drive the spade deep into the ground.
- Now loosen the root ball by gently shaking it back and forth with a digging fork.
- Lift the root ball with the plant out of the earth.
- Dig a planting hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
- Sludge this with plenty of water.
- Mix the excavated material with compost and sawdust.
- Plant the lilac back in and water it well.
Tips
The root runners are not only a big nuisance, they can also be used for propagation.
