The previous owners of our house planted a Japanese Maple too close to the foundation of our house. We've done some pruning, but some branches are hovering over our roof. We have a cape, so I'm not talking about a 2 story roof.

Here is my question: Can I cut it back a lot (to about 4.5 to 5 feet) and let it come back almost as a bush? I like the tree but don't love it enough to pay to have it moved. Even if pruned regularly and left in its present form, it's too close to the house to grow in the right shape.

If I wanted to try this, is this a bad time of year? We're in north central New Jersey. I read that between Jan and March is the best time to prune, but if doing it now isn't likely to kill it, I'd consider doing it now.

I am a much more informed flower gardener than a tree person, so apologies for my lack of knowledge. Thanks for your help!