Lilacs are suckering plants and the roots are now sending up shoots. Is there new shoots on the remaining stumps? If there is, then I'd remove the suckers growing away from the base of the plant. For future reference, it's usually best to prune things in increments rather than all at once as it can be quite a shock to the plant.

Yes the old stumps have new shoots so I will remove the suckers emerging elsewhere.. although on one lilac, there appears to be little new growth if any on the old stumps. As for the severe pruning, I did some research, including here on this blog, that suggested a total rejuvenation of some plants that have been neglected for a long time, which is the case at my home where the previous owner neglected the yard.

thanks

there are at least 3 types of Ls ... each will react differently ... i mean ... they should all react similarly ... but perhaps on different schedules ...

lol.. its so easy what i am trying to say ... but the words just arent coming out .. lol ...

i hope you can figure it out... lol

ken