Tree Id and help

Bullroarer · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 09 Apr 2015 Posts: 1

I have this tree which I assume is elm. The garden is small so I am torn as to whether to take it down or just leave it. Any opinions would be great..

Thanks

Blowin · Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2015 6:31 pm Post subject:

From your pic my guess is it's an Elder. If it is, it won't grow very big but see if others agree with me?

Good guy · Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2015 10:57 pm Post subject:

It does look like an Elder. Nice flowers, nice fruit, good for wildlife, supposed to keep fairies (or is it witches?) at bay. Quick growing and not too big. What's not to like?

tippben · Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 3:43 am Post subject:

It's elder (Sambucus nigra). Unless you hate them, you can easily leave it, as you can cut it back as hard as you want in winter. You can cut it at ground level (coppicing) or at any height (pollarding). It will regrow from the point at which you cut it.