Do not cut lilac bushes!

Every year on May 18, International Lilac Day is celebrated. This is not related to blooming or other events, but is timed to coincide with the birthdays of Soviet breeder Leonid Alekseevich Kolesnikov and American breeder John Fiala, who made significant contributions to the breeding and popularization of this plant species.

Currently, it is impossible to imagine any settlement without lilac plantings. Lilacs grow in cities, villages, and in their natural environment.

It is known that flowering plants in cut form do not last long, but there are people who break off lilac branches with flowers for short-term enjoyment. Bouquets last 2-3 days. The flowers are discarded, and the shrub is harmed. The broken ends of the branches are exposed, more susceptible to pests and adverse weather conditions. In addition, the bush loses its aesthetic appearance, dries out, and may not bloom in subsequent years until fully recovered.

Environmental protection legislation, in general, is aimed at preserving all plant species in their natural state and maintaining them in a viable condition. Pruning and removal of woody and shrub vegetation are carried out by specialized landscaping organizations. Other individuals and organizations are prohibited from carrying out these activities. It is also forbidden to break off plant branches, except for those growing on private property. For illegal removal or damage to plants in a settlement, administrative liability is provided for under Part 3 of Article 16.17 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses, which entails a fine for individuals up to thirty basic units, for individual entrepreneurs – from ten to two hundred basic units, and for legal entities – from twenty to three hundred basic units.