Question
How susceptable are lilacs to wind damage? I live on a ridge and we have wind all year. I plan to plant some in a location that is quite exposed to wind and sun. Would they be suitable as a windbreak?

Answer
Ken,

Unless you live in an area with hurricane gusts 24/7 lilacs should be fine.  

Lilacs would not be suitable for use as a windbreak because they are deciduous, dropping their leaves in the winter during a time when blocking the wind would be very beneficial.  Lilacs could be interplanted as a component of the windbreak, to take advantage of their spring/summer color, but not as the dominant plant.

Good luck.

Gary