Is this a maple tree?

[RunsWithScissors]

Or am I getting excited over the prospect of a maple tree, when it is actually something more mundane/invasive/horrible to deal with?

[echt]

I've not been in the UK for some years, but that looks like sycamore. Are the leaf stems red?

If they are, and you don't want such a tree, rip it out, pronto.

[Qwebec]

This is not a maple.

P.S. Maybe it is different in the UK, but in Canada maples are highly invasive. Literaly thousands come up in my yard each year (the city planted a few trees in my area).

[RunsWithScissors]

Didn't think it would be.

Right looking up sycamore to see if we'd like one ;-)

A lot have appeared in our front garden.

Qwebec I'm a displaced Canuck myself, was hoping to nurture just one tree (and dig up the rest).

Thank you!!!

[RunsWithScissors]

Sorry echt it does have red stems.

Think it is sycamore, and also think I'll be ripping it out.

Thanks again!

[Qwebec]

Oh, I understand, I can send you some some samara in the the fall if you would like.
I saw one UK site that has them but it seems really expensive. With trees I've heard the smaller the better, they will establish better and grow faster.

www.tree-shop.co.uk/products_detail.asp?productheadingID=1063#sthash.tUXVmmo4.dpbs
www.ornamental-trees.co.uk/other-maple-trees-c79#page1

[RunsWithScissors]

qwebec sorry I didn't come back.

Thanks for the link :-)

[Ferguson]

Yes, it is sycamore. For a bit of fun, you COULD bonsai it in a pot. Cut off some roots, put it in good compost, water (but not too much) when hot, and nurture it through the winter.

[RunsWithScissors]

Oooh, ferguson could be worth a try.

Nothing to lose :-)