Lilac Tree

[Ngaire]

I have a very immature lilac tree and unfortunately over the last few months or so it's leaves which were lush green have now gone brown. I took a leaf to my local garden centre and was told that it has "thirps" and was told that they would die off over the winter period and would not return if I sprayed the bush with insectide in Spring.

Has anyone any experience with lilac trees or any further advice for me.

Thanks

Ngaire

[Palustris]

I cannot say I have ever heard of thrips damaging a lilac so badly, but if so then the advice is good. Lilacs are very easy, all they need is an occasional feed with something like bonemeal every spring and a bit of pruning after flowering. Pruning is easy, just cut off the dead flower spikes back to just above some nice new buds and away it will go.
Only other problem is a virus which has become a bit of a problem over the last few years. The symptoms of this are easy to see. The flower buds and new leaves look as if they have been burnt, crisp and brown and very unhealthy. Sadly there is no cure, one can only dig out the plant and replace with something else entirely.

[Ngaire]

Thanks for the advice.

My lilac tree is immature and I grew it from bud last year therefore it has yet to flower.

The virus you mention - the leaves are crisp and brown - are you certain that there is nothing I can do to kill off the virus??

[Palustris]

The leaves at this time of year should be crisp and brown. You will not see any signs of virus until next time it is due to flower. The virus does not kill the tree, it just ruins the flowers. Sorry but there is no cure for viruses. Do nothing until Spring then see what the flowers are like.

[Ngaire]

Many thanks for the advice.