Hi
I found Lilac Agincourt and the label says its height will be 2-3 meters but did not say what its width will be? Anyway I google it and it says the width can be also 2-3 meters. I like the height 2-3m but I want the width to be much less since I do not have space. I do not like bushy plant. Can I make the Lilac look like the one below in the link by burning it? If yes, would that be tedious job or easy and less frequent?
How long it take for a small plant to look like the one in the link below.
I appreciate your help in advance. Thank you.
Attaching the picture as well and the link is below
https://m.espacepourlavie.ca/sites/espacepourlavie.ca/files/styles/gal-photo-large/public/0400_syr_0757_0.jpg?itok=YEOSYu_i
Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners.
The tree you attached is certainly a beautiful specimen. It looks like quite a mature tree and has probably been growing many years with a very skilled owner who is excellent at pruning.
When choosing a tree it is important to first consider your site and make sure you are setting the tree up for success. The trees need to have sunlight and well drained soil. There needs to be enough space to accommodate the tree when it reaches its full size, both height and width. When you plant the tree make sure it is not planted too deep ( no deeper than where the first roots extend for the trunk). Water it deeply over a couple of hours whenever the soil dries out.
The best way to choose the lilac is to visit your local nursery. Go through the inventory and check for plants whose requirements and mature size match your setting.
There are regular bush lilacs. These can be pruned to eventually create a tree. This is a bit more complicated a procedure and is more labour intensive. You can also buy standards. This is when the main lilac is grafted onto a root stock so you already have the form of a tree. The trunk is actually a different plant from the top. This would be the most direct method to get the look you describe.
Another option to look at is a Japanese lilac, Syringa reticulata. This is a taller specimen and from your description I am not sure if it would be too tall. I have included a link below for you. It is a very tolerant tree and easy to care for.
https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/japanese-tree-lilac
I am including our Gardeners Guide to planting trees. For success it is important to give your tree the best start possible.
Good luck and I hope you find the perfect Lilac.