Here's why:
* Narrative: Ballads tell a story, often with a focus on a single event or person. "Woodman, Spare That Tree" narrates a plea to save a tree filled with memories.
* Simple language: Ballads use straightforward language, often with a focus on rhyme and rhythm. The poem's language is easily understandable and emotionally engaging.
* Quatrains: "Woodman, Spare That Tree" is written in quatrains, four-line stanzas. This is a common structure in ballads.
* ABAB rhyme scheme: The poem utilizes an ABAB rhyme scheme (e.g., "tree" - "me" - "away" - "stay"). This consistent rhyme pattern is typical of ballads.
While it's considered a ballad, it's also worth noting that "Woodman, Spare That Tree" deviates from some traditional ballad elements. For example, it's relatively short and lacks the complex plots or supernatural themes that some ballads have.