"Rusty_Hinge" wrote in message
k...
The message
from "Nick" contains these words:

Light and better conditions are now available to the lilacs.
If I take some of the weight out of the crowns are they ever likely to do
well or succeed?
I really don't want to cut them down. My wife and I enjoy both the plants
and the blooms but there is also some sentimentality on my part.

You can cut them right down if necessary and they will regrow from the
roots. They are almost sure to sucker anyway.

You can prune to your heart's content, they will come back again, even
if it's only to spite you...

--
My sincere thanks to all for the encouraging, thoughtful and helpful
replies.
I have some decisions to make but I now have some knowledge to base any
decision on.
I liked the comment about cutting leylandii back at ground level with a
single horizontal cut.
Brought a chuckle to my wizened old vizog.
I took no pleasure in 'cutting back' the leylandii, just the wrong plants in
the wrong place and utterly out of control.
On a plus note, I plant about 80 trees every year. Mainly oak, beech, walnut
and ash.
Have done so for the last 5 years and will continue to do so whilst I am
able.

Thanks again,

Nick.