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K · 19-09-2007, 12:30 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

writes

In answer to Kay's question, there are actually 5 trees within a
narrow strip (approximately 15ft x 2ft). Firstly a mature walnut tree
which is thriving. Adjacent to them are the three elder trees, and
finally the cherry tree. Unfortunately, I'm not experienced, and have
not lived at our home long enough, to tell how old these trees are,
but it looks like the elder trees are much younger than the cherry and
the walnut. When I first moved in a few years ago, I can't say I
remember the elder, but I certainly do remember the walnut and the
cherry. Now that my neighbour has pointed out the issue, I do realise
that the cherry is bearing significantly less fruit than when I first
moved in. Is it also possible that the walnut tree is having a
detrimental affect on the cherry? In terms of size and stature, the
walnut and cherry certainly overshadow the elder.

In that case, I wouldn't have thought the elder was interfering much
with the cherry (and, conversely, that removing it will do much to
improve the situation). But I may be wrong.

How big is the cherry? - ie what diameter is its trunk? If its trunk is
more than 12 inches diameter, it may well be starting its terminal
decline.

I think that the preference to remove the elder rather than the cherry
is probably due to the precendence it takes in maturity and
establishment. My neighbour has lived at our location much longer
than me, and is probably more attached to the cherry, so the request
to remove the elder is not necessarily based on which type of tree is
more likeable. We do get on well with our neighbours, and I am happy
to comply.

Are you two the only neighbours involved, or are there other opinions to
canvass?

Could anyone advise me about how I find out whether there is a
preservation order?

Look on your local council website, and, if that doesn't throw up
anything, contact the council tree preservation officer.

If the elder is able to rejuvenate so well, even if I cut down to the
stumps, then does this mean that if I do remove the main trunks
without further using a killer, and the elder was not actually
responsible for the cherry's demise, then we would still be in a
position where the elder would grow back, and the damage would not be
irrevocable?

Probably but not definitely.

You could of course replace it with something else, eg one of the
ornamental elders (purple leaved, or cut-leaved)

--
Kay