Is A Lilac Bush Dead If There Are Leaves Sprouting From Bottom?

Question

3/4’s of the busy looks dead, no leaves, just branches. Bottom 1/4 is sprouting leaves. Should I cut down upper limbs or will they revive next spring? Thank you.

Answer 1

Go ahead and prune following the instructions below. It is important for the health of lilacs to prune regularly after flowering. This prevents the shrub from getting overgrown. Was there an environmental event that precipitated the loss of leaves? Drought? Powdery mildew? If the regular pruning doesn't help, you may need to do a drastic pruning, which is cutting the whole shrub down to about 8 inches. This, however, will prevent blooms for about three years.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/pruning-lilac-bushes-when-to-trim-lilac-bushes.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/lilac-care-growing-and-planting-lilac-bush-plants.htm