Question
Dear Expert,

I have an old Lilac, tree like.  Right now it has 3 leaders and is at top 12'tall.  These leaders are guessing 10 plus yrs old.  I'd like new growth, less tree like look.  Right now there are about 10-12 new shoots coming up from the ground and some from the lower part of trunks.  What do I need to do to get rid of older trunks and new growth to replace?  When can I cut old trunk/s down to where the new growth takes over?  If I cut out several of the new shooters does that concentrate the energy with the remaining shooters?
THanks

Answer
Hi Dave,
Thanx for your question.  I would cut all of the the old wood back down to the ground.  Allow the new shoots to grow.  You cannot get rid of the older trunks entirely.  My mother lived on 9 acres in Kansas with very, very, old lilacs, probably planted at the turn of the last century.  The lilacs had turned into small trees but someone had cut them back and still the stumps would sucker send out new growth not to mention the other new growth coming from around the old growth.  By cutting back the old growth and nurturing the new growth, you should be able to restore your lilacs but it will take several years to do this.  You probably won't get any blooms for at least 2-3 years.  I hope this helps.
Tom