This lilac bush has lost one branch and also nearly lost another. The first branch died because the bush was planted a long time ago on a steep hill in our backyard, and the bush didn't get much water the year that the branch died since we were in a drought. The second branch broke in an early spring snowstorm; I managed to bandage it up with a splint and string so that it is still alive. To be honest, this bush is not doing well because of heat and drought. I don't water it.