I believe you're talking about Miss Kim. Li'l Kim is a hiphop artist. And she's in prison...or did she get out of prison? We have some Miss Kim's just off our screened porch. They're wonderful and fragrant when they bloom in spring. In late summer's heat, the leaves get crispy no matter how much we water. I'm glad when the leaves finally fall. Shrubs all have their season, and fall isn't a season for lilacs. As Ian said, look at viburnums -- you get at least three seasons of interest from them. The downside for a small property though is, they all get pretty large.

One can prune lilacs. I know that there are some leaves on mine which look suspicious. I aim to cut them off today or tomorrow. Also I will cut off the remains of the flowers. They say it is best to prune just after flowering, but we know there are some late flowering lilacs, like the Ivory Silk. They also say not to prune too heavily, but if you are considering removing the tree, surely a good pruning would be a better alternative. You know the situation better though. It would be nice to see photos, so one could see precisely what you are talking about.

Add hostas to that list too. Today, I saw hosta plants still not effected by any frost / freeze in full bloom. Black eyed susans just the same. About half of the trees are still fully leafed and green to boot. It seems every fall, our leaves stay on at least a few days/weeks longer. Without fail!

never heard of a L needing any kind of chemicals .. [they dont even need treatment for PM] and i wonder if you are doing more damage slathering on remedies ... than good ... its a recent transplant.. that has not gotten fully established.. probably still suffering transplant shock [yes only one of the 3 for whatever reason] and you may be loving it to death trying to save it ... how about.. for august.. you get rid of the grass... properly mulch it.. and get it properly watered ... dig a small hole and find out if it needs more a less water ... i have slipped from too much rain to near drought in the last two weeks just over the MI border ... dont let your presumptions about long past rain.. cloud your future ... ken BTW: do you have that famous OH clay ... and did you amend the planting hole??? .. were the plants severely pot bound .. etc ..