Much larger, wide-spreading plants can be moved with balls of soil held by burlap. Young, rooted sprouts around bushes can also be transplanted. It is best to grow them in a nursery or garden for two or three years before transplanting them to a permanent location. Transplant lilacs after the leaves fall in autumn until the ground freezes, and in spring before the buds start to unfold. Autumn transplanting is best in that new roots start growth before buds become active, but spring planting may be best where winters are severe.
Space plants six or seven feet apart.
Holes should be large enough to accommodate all the roots without bending or breaking. Set the plant two or three inches deeper than it grew before and work fresh topsoil around the roots. Allow it to soak in water, then add more rich loam to fill the hole. A mulch of leaves or straw three to four inches in depth during the first year is helpful in conserving moisture. Maintenance Lilacs require only moderate moisture and endure dry weather better than most shrubs.