Help identify bush-tree?

[coldnorth]

The property I purchased a few years ago has these planted on the property line.  LOTS of them, but many do not seem to be doing so well.  They are about 15-20 feet tall now, some more.



Just wonder if I should leave them for the birds, etc.
Thanks

[bitternut]

Looks like Autum Olive to me. Its very invasive and was planted quite widely for a time. It is still touted by some extension districts as a conservation planting ( including my own ) but has been deemed invasive by many others. The birds eat the berries and spread them everywhere. Some seem to die on their own but there is no shortage of seed sources in most places so I am sure it will not become extinct.

[Mike_Barcaskey]

once again bitternut is right and beaten me to the punch
oh what a bitter nut I must swallow 

[coldnorth]

okay!
Thanks alot
I really appreciate all the help here.
coldnorth

[Pullinchips]

Any invasive that redily spreads in the wild by dropping its own berries or w/birds help deserves a quick and hearty dose of roundup in my book.  Around here it is chineese privit, many years ago people planted because it was hearty and fast growing, and places still sell it why don't they learn. It grows every where and chokes out the native woods.

-Nate

[Phorester]

Turn the leaves over and look at the underside.  If it has a light aluminum color, it's autumn olive.  If it's as green as the top of the leaf, it's russian olive.  Russian is not as invasive as autumn olive.  Autumn is better for wildlife.  Which is why it spreads so readily. By the way, they do make a nice tasting jelly.

15-20 foot tall is big for either of these olive species.  They might not be doing good because of over-maturity.

[bitternut]

I had a russian olive hege a few years ago. It got quite large and I finally took it out. The fruit on russian olive does not turn red. I never saw anything eat the fruit on my russian olive. They actually kind of look like olive pits and are kind of hard. Autumn olive fruit is soft and is cherished by many birds and chipmunks.