Advice on an Elder tree

[Kallie]

Don't know if this is the right place,but as Elder Berries is a fruit, I'd try here. Otherwise if anyone can point me in the right direction. please. North, south east or west. LOL

I have an elder tree growing through the hitch of an old caravan. I really don't want to lose either, as it's the only place when it's hot gives good shade to sit under.

The trunk which is about 6 incles has imbedded into the piece of plywood siiting on the hitch. I have managed to saw through part of the plywood near to the trunk realising the plywood. There is now about 1 1/2 inch cut in the trunk. Will it survive, and do I need to seal it with anything for avoiding infection?.

Any help appreciated thanks.

[veggiechicken]

I find it impossible to kill elder - not that I really try to - but I'm always hacking branches off it and it sprouts back with new vigour.

[Kallie]

Yes I've been told that on many occasions. I was just concerned about the cut in the trunk, I should have said 6 inches across, not the circumference. Ooh that's a big word for me.

I like to collect the berries, but this year they have been demolished by the pidgeons, must be all this dry weather we are having in the south. We musn't moan though as the warmer weather, has been good for the veggies tis year.

[rustylady]

Kallie, my elder is still flowering - won't be any berries for a good while yet.

As VC says, you can hack elder back really hard and it will re-grow. Have you managed to release the caravan yet?

[WendyC]

Had a vision of the caravan being towed through narrow country lanes with the Elder still attached!

[Kallie]

Thanks for all the messages, including the funny one, from WendyC.

The elder tree, like I said was embedded in the plywood, and the old delapidated caravan, is embedded in the ground. Well the wheels and types,are all rotten. Plus brambles growing round it. Yes you've guessed it's a wildlife garden, well a lot of it is anyway.

The actual hitch is a triangular metal part, and the elder is growing in the middle of it. It was covered in blossom for quite a while, but sadly most have been picked off so very little sign of the small green berries compared to last year. I saved some of the blossom to dry to make a herbal drink, which is good for colds. Sadly I have never made Elder cordial, but might give it a go next year. Or might be adventuresome and make some wine, another thing I've never done, but would like to try.

MY neighbour boight me over some Heal and Seal, so will have ago at that , when it cools down.

[rustylady]

Can't you use a hacksaw and cut through the metal hitch to remove it?

[Kallie]

Can't you use a hacksaw and cut through the metal hitch to remove it?

Well for the time being I have managed to remove the piece of plywood so there's plenty of room now for the tree to grow, but in future it might be the answer.