Is a elderflower tree/bush a weed ? And would it both you if your neighbours overhang your garden ?

[Lardlizard]

In some ways I don’t mind it as it’s nicer seeing a bit of green where it is
But I’m wondering if A it’s a weed and b will it frow our of control and 30ft high

I know we can cut down the bits that over hang, but I’m wondering should I ask him to trim it or remove it

And I have even thought about putting some weed killer on it, I’ve only thought about this though not done it

[InMySpareTime]

Pick the flowers and make elderflower cordial.

[picklemewalnuts]

It's a nice tree. Elderflower cordials/wine/champagne are lovely, and elderberry syrup is really immune boosting. It's good for wildlife.

What's wrong with it?

[Gilead]

I’d love it, I’d make cordial and all sorts!

[enjoyingSun]

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/05/how-to-identify-elder/

Say it grows 5-10 m it's a native plant and the flowers and berries can be used in many recipies - my DGD used to make elderberry wine which was nice and FIL had made elderberry and other thing I can't remember jam which was really nice.

[Crabbo]

We have one overhanging the end of our garden from the neighbours behind - we love it, it looks really pretty at the moment with the flowers and is popular with the birds. They’ve said they might cut it down and we’re gutted.

[Abbccc]

No of course it's not a weed. It's a native tree.

[OchonAgusOchonO]

A weed is simply a plant growing where it's not wanted. I have hazels, sycamore and ash all growing in my garden, none of which I have planted. If they appear somewhere they might cause a problem (like the patio!), then I pull them. Otherwise, I leave them alone.

[TheNoodlesIncident]

No, it's not a weed, it's a valuable indigenous species that is presumably liked where it is. It doesn't belong to you and you have no right to consider applying weedkiller to it. That would be criminal damage.

If you want to, speak to your neighbour and ask if it's okay if you trim overhanging bits off. If it creates shade on your side you could ask if they could keep it to certain height so it doesn't get too much. That would be reasonable.

I personally loathe sycamores as they are not a native species, seed everywhere, block out a lot of light with their huge dense canopies and don't provide the same range of wildlife opportunities as a native species like oak does. Elder are not like this at all and do not get outrageously large, do not spread everywhere and are a rich supply of nectar for pollinators and berries for birds, etc.

[Tavannach]

You can cut off the overhanging branches as long as you return them to your neighbour. Probably better to just pick the flowers to make tea. Elder is good for respiratory problems.
It's a criminal act to poison a neighbour's tree and I think you're liable for replacement costs which would be hundreds.

[TheLittleToothMouse]

The druids considered it one of the sacred trees. The flowers are good for insects.

[QuestionableMouse]

I was gutted when they cut the old elder trees down to build houses that no one actually wants

The cut 30+ year old hawthorn hedges and a massive oak tree too. Bastards.

Look after your tree. Elders are lovely and a native species!

[Giggorata]

I have a lovely black leafed elder tree, which produces pink flowers, absolutely beautiful. But it pisses me off the way it seeds itself. If I don't watch it, it's popping up in other beds and even pots.
So I could understand if my neighbour found it annoying, if it overhung them (they haven't mentioned it).
I hope they enjoy the glorious sight of it in full bloom.

[AdaColeman]

It's not a weed, it's a native species.

Make Beignets á La Fleur De Sureau, delicious fritters made from the flower heads. Serve one or two as a garnish to dishes of strawberries & cream, the very essence of Summer!

Later in the year you will be able to make a lovely country wine from the berries.

[Lessstressedhemum]

Elder trees are wonderful. Cordial, tea and wine with the flowers, immune helping syrup, jam, fruit pies, jelly sweeties with the berries. And they are great for wildlife.

I wish we had an elder tree.

[Bufferingkisses]

Why would you have thought about putting weed killer on it? What a very odd thing to think.

Why would you ask them to remove it if it's nice seeing green where it is?

[Ninkanink]

Definitely pick the flowers and make elderflower cordial!

[ScreamingKid]

Well, that a totally normal thought process going onto here.

[TitianaTitsling]

Have been out on the hunt for elderflower but don't think it's out in Scotland yet- Def make cordial, or elderflower champagne!

[StarShapedWindow]

It’s a tree and I’d be delighted.

[lottiegarbanzo]

What does the word 'weed' mean to you OP? You seem to regard it as having very important moral properties. Why?

[Moondust001]

A weed is a plant in the wrong place. Sometimes "native plants" are also weeds. Sometimes imported plants are weeds. Weeds are in the eye of the beholder. But no, whatever you think, what is in your neighbors garden is neither a weed nor, in fact, your weed. If you want to trim it back, then be polite enough to tell your neighbour, but you don't get to tell him to remove it.

Gosh, nightmare neighbours have moved in next door....

[Thecazelets]

Elderflowers are a beautiful native tree. They're fast growing though, and you have the right to trim bits on your side of the fence if they bother you.

[AdaColeman]

Another good thing to do with the flower heads is to put a few in with the fruit when making gooseberry jam. It completely alters the flavour, making it much deeper and richer.

[heartsonacake]

Of course it’s not a weed And no, you cannot do criminal damage by putting weedkiller on it (for which you would be liable to pay damages for).

[Lardlizard]

It does look a bit Weedy though it’s certainly nicer than a plain brick wall though
I’ll just trim it up a bit then, if I stick the branches back over, will it make it spread more?