Q.Cut Back Lilac
We just moved into our home in December. The woman we bought from said the lilac bush in front of the house was cut back a year ago and would come back this spring or next spring. It has one thin branch of new growth now and about 10 thick woody branches with no growth at all. It also looks like mushrooms of some sort are growing on these branches. My question is, should I cut these branches with no growth even more? Is the bush dying? Not sure what to do but would love to save it if possible.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Because you mention mushroom-like growth, I would suspect a fungus is the issue, possibly one affecting the roots of the plant. Treat the lilac with a fungicide and then water the ground around the bush with fungicide laced water. Make sure that the drainage around the roots is good and that the plant is not in standing water. Then, give the plant some bone meal to provide phosphorous. This will help the plant regrow its roots if there was damage from a fungus. Also, cut off any dead or infected growth.
