Hi, All:
I live in VA. When is the best time to cut back my lilacs. I think I know, but I hear different things.
Thanks
The Best time to trim lilacs is right after they flower. Prune by eliminating (in order) any diseased, any sprouts (straight up), any crossing or rubbing boughs (causing injury) and then prune to shape desired.
Be aware of what a new flowering bud looks like, for spring flowering effect.
Incidentally, Rochester NY ( the "Flower city"), at "Highland Park" (City of Rochester NY) has a springtime fair and walk-through park of over 1800 different lilacs which bloom over a 4-6 week period of time,
depending on the weather.
Gardening scissors and rooting hormone are not recommended, but have been considered in the past (Hint).