Question
Hi,
A friend offered to give me 2 lilic tress. standing about 5'5" or so and wants me to dig them up.  I would like to transplant them in my yard.  The weather we have been having is like falll. I live in the Seattle area.  Should I add a compost with manuare to it to transplant them? Will they take now for transplanting?  Thank you!

Answer
You can transplant them now if you are careful to water them regularly for the rest of the summer AND fall.  Water deeply (sprinkler or soaker hose - not hand watering!) every four days for the first month, then down to every 5 for the next, then once a week in the fall.  If the weather turns hot after transplanting you might have to water every other day for awhile.  Digging in manure or compost if always a good idea especially if you do it over a WIDE area not just right in the hole.  This loosens the soil as well so that the plant can easily grow roots.  Mulch around the plant after you put it in the ground to hold in moisture.

Because lilacs like a sweet soil you should work in some lime if your soil is naturally acidic.

Ask your friend to get as much of the roots as possible!

all the best,
C.L.