in case anyone is interested:
Basically, we coppiced this and cut it down to roughly 18". Probably should have gone further but didn't have the nerve. But we did a few cuts later and I'm noticing really strong pollard type growth at the ends....so I'm going to continue to play with it in different forms. It's not like it's going to up and die. It seems it's very clear on that point.
Where we live, it is very invasive....it shows up all over the place on the property. Spaces that should go to elderberries or serviceberries. But I love it, it's beautiful, it's pest-free, and if we can keep it from trying to reproduce I want to keep it.
It would be interesting to see if we could manipulate foliage size, like on a smokebush.
