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Questions and Answers: 2017

Question: Is there a way to tell how old a lilac copse is? Since pruning recommendations are to remove entire stems, …

• Question

  Is there a way to tell how old a lilac copse is? Since pruning recommendations are to remove entire stems, the true age of the plant would be only seen in the roots, right? I've read that lilacs were often brought from Europe and popular planted in gardens in the 18th century - I have a well established (and in need of pruning) stretch of both purple and white lilac along the stone wall along the road in from of a 325+ year old house in E.MA... Would love to know if the lilac are just as old!

  Answer

  Kamereone, there really isn't a good way without knowing the site history. Even cutting some of the older stems to count growth rings wouldn't work well because some of the original stems may have died (even though the plant itself has been living for perhaps centuries). Looking into the original homestead construction may provide one of the best clues for your question. Best wishes.