lilacs

Question

Should I cut the seed pods off my lilacs now that the flowers are gone?

Answer 1

You can if you want to as it will tidy up the look of the tree, but it's really not necessary. In fact, if you're not careful, you might disturb next year's flowers. Lilacs need to be pruned once every fourth year just as they are in bloom. They set buds for next year almost immediately and you don't want to cut off next year's show, I'm sure. You can easily prune up to one third of the plant without killing it.