Question
I recently bought a house from an elderly lady.  In the back corner, she had 3 lilac bushes and 2 small trees that fromed an L shape (the 2 trees were the short base of the L).   The 3 lilacs have not been pruned in a few years and are tall and leggy (about 15ft.).  The corner tree has been crowded out by the lilacs and the tree beside it.  It is now skinny and tall (about 17ft.) with only 1 branch.  

For the lilacs, I have heard people say cut them back about 1 or 2 ft. from the ground in early spring, and others say in the fall.  When is the best time to do a heavy rejuv. pruning?  


Also, is there any way to salvage that tall gangly tree in the corner, or should I just get rid of it?

Thank you for your advice!

Answer
Josh,
The rejuvination pruning should be done in either the early spring or the late fall.
Do not cut them to the ground, but instead leave 15-25 cm above the soil. This will encourage sucker growth and allow the plants to regrow.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen