Containment of Elderberry Plague

Hello dear ones,
a few years ago we had to fell a good dozen spruces (about 40 years old) due to the risk of windthrow. Since then the area has become quite overgrown, as everyone in the family is working. All kinds of weeds are shooting up from the ground. Bit by bit we are trying to reclaim it. In particular, we have a real elderberry plague. On a good 50 sqm there is a small shrub, a shoot, or a stump that has already been cut back every half meter. And that is probably still an underestimate. We are aware that the only way to contain the already rampant plants is to dig them out.
In the long term we would like to have lawn and fruit trees in the area. Soil samples indicate that despite the spruces, the soil has not become excessively acidic. Roses planted two years ago (right next to the remaining spruce stumps) are thriving, as are the apple and cherry trees planted last year.

But how can we permanently push back the elderberry? Is there, for example, a plant that elderberry does not like? (We do not want to plant spruces again).

Many thanks in advance!

I like to ask such questions at pflanzmich, as there is the possibility to ask the master gardener questions for every plant. Just click through to Holunder and ask. Just from a feeling, I would say that the fruit trees will probably cast enough shade at some point so that the elderberry might not spread as much anymore. Otherwise, just spend a weekend with everyone and actually dig it up.

Elderberry keeps sprouting again and again. I don't know of any plant that could stop it. Digging it up is the best method to remove it. Or create a plantation and make juice and jelly from it. Copper nails.... don't help at all.

Elderberry is great for juice, jelly, or jam. Why bother with fruit trees? There are also plenty of birds to be found in this area. Otherwise, I would rent a mini excavator and get "aggressive."