Good morning........

My very old lilacs have become very tall and leggy and need pruning. I have read that the three years cycle of pruning might be the best but these lilacs are very visible to traffic and I don't want lopsided lilacs for the next three years.

I am willing to cut them down to within 6-8 inches of the ground after their present blooming cycle. OR, can I loop off all the all branches and cut in a oval shaped pattern, knowing that I won't get blooms for three years. I am not as concerned about blooms for a couple of years as I am trimming the plants back and getting them into a shape that is eye level and will be pleasing for the next ten years or so.

I live in Redmond, Washington. I have been giving them lime as an additive for the soil and they produce good blooms. But, they do need to be trimmed back because the snow here will usually split the long branches and I would like the eventual blooms to be nearer an eye level. Any suggestions out there from folks who live around Redmond? One of the plants is over 100 years old and I sure don't want to mess it up with my cutting and shaping. Please reply with advice and thank you so very much............Salmonlady4