Japanese Maples are generally very valuable trees. I can't tell from the photo if there are any problems with it. That looks like a variety that will continue to grow slowly or moderately and can be gradually elevated (pruned to remove the lower branches) and could be just fine where it is. It is also probably well worth transplanting to a more satisfactory location for you. Prime transplanting time for that tree will be pretty soon too, so that's good if you decide to go that way. If you're set on getting rid of it, I would first offer it to anyone that might wish to have it, probably a landscaper would be very willing to take it and restore the area in exchange.

Personally, I like the tree. It is a very slow grower as you observed, with no problems. My DH feels like it blocks the front of the house from the street and wants to cut it down. I'd rather transplant but I'm sure his reservation is in part due in part to the 10' vitex (balled & burlapped) he had to help me plant.

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it!

Heather

I don't see any real need to remove the tree, but I guess it is your call. Your front yard looks a tad bare as it is (at least in the picture shown). Maybe ideally the tree would be planted off the corner of your house instead of right in front. I suspect that it would cost a bit to transplant that tree. You could always pick out your favorite spot for a tree, plant one, and then think about removing (or giving away) this tree in 5 years.

Dealing with existing trees and shrubs is always a tough call. You won't buy a house with the perfect trees in the perfect locations, but I would rather work with decent trees in decent locations than an empty landscape.

I do agree that the green shutters and door should be changed!

- Brent

It does strike me as being in an annoying location, and I would move it if it were mine, maybe toward the driveway. That's assuming you can get a little digger in there to do the work; I wouldn't undertake to do it by hand. You can even rent those, can't you - you don't have to pay for labour. Cutting it down seems stupid, as trees that size aren't cheap, and shade and screening are nice.

Thanks to all for your input. I think we are going to try moving the tree, though it'll probably be next year. I've got to redo all the plantings along the front of the house so I think I'll let that take precedence right now.

Heather

Agree with Mactac...the location doesn't bother me and I feel really sad about cutting a tree down. Any replacement (size/type) would probably cost you far more than having this one moved. Perhaps find someone to move it for you if it is a problem. But I would keep it as the shape is really beautiful. Agree too, that you could trim the lower branches for opening up the front of your house. Not sure how Maples adapt to pruning.

If you are going to wait a year before transplanting the tree I would recommend that you consider doing the root pruning this year to give it time to bulk up it's feeder roots. Moving it while it is dormant would be best. Combined, both of these will give it the best chance of pulling through when it is transplanted.

When they say expensive they mean it. A Japenese Maple that size would cost a fortune. it is the most valuable planting I see there and I wouldn't cut it down.

I'm guesstimating the tree to be 10-12' with a 3" +/- caliper. If that's a Bloodgood Japanese Maple, I would say that size would cost the client 3.5-5k, supplied, planted and guaranteed for one year. Last year we were planting 7-8s at about 1-1.5k, 8-10s about 2-3k.

It's almost the perfect time for transplanting, but not good for pruning. The sap will be running and they will bleed. Late fall to early/mid-winter is the best time, although I've done moderate pruning with no apparent ill effects in early summer. Here, in zone 7 we try to avoid mid September to mid November because the new growth stimulated by pruning will likely not have enough time to harden off before the winter.

Of course, sharp tools, proper techniques, timing, and selection of cuts are very important, moreso with such a beautiful and valuable tree.

Wow mactac! You hit it on the nose as far as size. I had no clue they were going for that much (and yes, I believe it is that variety). We only have one other JM in the back but it's not nearly as nice as this one. Prior to us moving in, the yard was full of pecan trees. The previous owner cut them all and planted a few specimen trees around the perimeter and left 3 loblolly pines. We've had to remove 2 of the pines (one was hit by lightening) so we're really lacking for trees - hence the reason I didn't want to sacrifice this one.

I really wish I had the pecan trees. Our neighbor still has all his and they're beautiful.

Thanks to all for your help! If we decide to move this tree, I think we'll hire someone experienced.

Heather

I don't like how it was plopped smack in the middle of your front yard. A Japanese maple is a bee-uu-tiful tree. Some pruning in the Fall to encourage more spreading out across the top should help. It is so pretty, I would keep it, build a garden around it, perhaps with a lil' bench under the tree.

I would not get too caught up in the price of the tree...it is hard to put a price on years of growth. A recent episode of "Gardening by the Yard" showed the installation of a 32' Willow Oak. It is a pretty common tree and 32' is really not all that big, but I got the impression that it was in the $30k to $40k range to install. So in reality the replacement value of that pine tree in the foreground would be much more than the Japanese maple.

I will admit that I have a tough time cutting down trees. I have two Japanese maples in my front yard that are probably not in the ideal spot, but I would have a hard time removing them or justifying the work/cost/risk of moving them. The previous owner planted a bunch of tree in rows along the property line and I will have a hard time convincing myself to remove some of them even though I know I should.

I would work up some designs with the tree and some designs without the tree. If you find that the tree is in the perfect spot for a front yard patio, then remove it or have it moved. I would hate to see the tree removed just so it can be filled in with grass.

- Brent