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lilac tree

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From: Lydia Norton City: Walbridge, OH
I have an 8 yr old lilac tree. I have never fed it. It usually does well with the leaves, but the last 3 years hardly no blooms. There are always lots of birds on the branches. This year, it is very slow in blooming with leaves. just very tiny buds. To look from a distance, it looks dead. I thought I would try to treat it or spray it. Not sure if the birds are causing the tree to be stunted. There are many dead branches. I have scratched the bark of the ones that do have a tiny bud and they are green. Any suggestions on what to use (spray or a fertilizer stake? Please advise.
	Extension Message From: Richard Hentschel Extension Educator, Horticulture DuPage/Kane/Kendall Unit hentsche@illinois.edu
I doubt the birds are impacting your lilac. your Lilac could have borers or scale insects that are preventing good growth. It would be stressed if your winters have been harsh or summers hot and dry. Tiny buds, sparse leaves are signs of stress and decline. Be sure to water during the summer, feed the Lilac now to encourage new growth. It may come from the crown of the plant and not the existing branches
From: Lydia Norton City: Wakbridge, OH
From your explanation above, I would say my lilac tree is stressed. What should I buy to feed the lilac to encourage growth?
	Extension Message From: Richard Hentschel Extension Educator, Horticulture DuPage/Kane/Kendall Unit hentsche@illinois.edu
You could use a general purpose fertilizer. follow label for amounts to be used. work it into the soil surface and water it in.. If over mulch, use enough water to rinse it through the mulch layer and into the soil.
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