Roundup Drift on Lilacs: Recovery Possible

Roundup (glyphosate) drift on your 3-year-old lilacs causes wilting/browning where droplets landed. Partial exposure = partial damage.

Outlook

• Leaves hit directly → die.
• Systemic movement limited if not drenched.
• Roots may survive if uptake was low.
• Recovery possible—lilacs are tough resprouters.

Care Now

1. Water deeply weekly—support root function.
2. Do not fertilize—added stress.
3. Prune dead wood only after it's clearly dead (scratch test).
4. Wait and watch for basal sprouts.

Prevention

• Never spray glyphosate when wind >5 mph.
• Use shielded sprayer or paintbrush for spot treatment.
• Mulch rings eliminate weeds near shrubs.

Your lilacs may look bad this year but often return from the crown next spring.