Question
HI MIKE,
 MY NAME IS TRACIE, I HAVE READ ON HOW TO DO THIS BUT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE DIRECTIONS, & IT IS VERY IMPORTANTE TO ME TO DO THIS THING CORRECTLY, I DO NOT WANT TO DISTURB THIS TREE,I MEAN MAKE A MISTAKE THAT WOULD RESULT IN DISTURBING THE TREE, THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL & DEAR TREE TO ME, MY MOM WHO PASSED AWAY,JUNE 2008~ HAD PLANTED THIS LILAC TREE HERSELF W/ A LILHELP FROM MY DAD~~AND I DID NOT KNOW UNTILL I READ UP ON HOW TO TAKE THE BEST CARE OF A LILAC TREE THAT U COULD DO SOMETHING AS SUCH ~~~ I WANT TO DO THIS AS AN EASTER GIFT FROM ME TO MY MOM ~~COULD U EXPLAIN BETTER ON HOW TO THIS PROCESS ?? I DO NOT UNDERSTAND BY MOTHER TREE ?? OFF SHOOTERS CALLED SUCKERS ?? WHAT DOES ALL THAT MEAN PLEASE IF U COULD BE MORE SPECIFIC THAN WHAT THAT SITE DESCRIBES ON THE THIS PROCESS ?? THANK YOU VERY MUCH ~~~

Answer
Tracie, since pruning is a natural form of maintainance for all trees, you will not do damage if you propagate using cuttings.

Simply cut a tender shoot that is at least six inches long.  Remove the lower sets of leaves.  Dip the cutting in a rooting compound. You can purchase this product at any garden center.  Stick the cutting one inch into a good potting mix. Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting.  

Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic.  Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window sill or under fluorescent lighting.  After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem.  If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist.  The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.  

Good luck, and write again if you ever need assistance.

Regards,  

Mike