If you plant Hydrangea paniculata Annabelle there, you can cut them all the way to the ground in winter, which alieviates the bare winter stem syndrome. Plus they bloom reliably on new growth of the season from Spring - Fall so no winter protection is needed....yg

Emma, hydrangea and a maple tree are different enough in size and habit that they aren't exactly interchangeable.

So do a little more thinking before you decide if hydrangea is the right replacement. What was the purpose of the tree? Was it needed for a little shade when it matures, or to provide summer privacy from the street? Did the landscaper plan for the height of the maple to eventually offset or enhance something about the shape of the house in front?

thanks for the responses!
As far as the maple tree, there was really no reason. This landscaper was no help at all. My husband happen to like it so he put it there. I am now looking into different shrubs, trees, etc,. Something I should have done a long time ago, but always too busy with work, and 2 small children. Now im stuck with a front yard I dont like. Everyone thinks i need to replace that maple as it doesnt look right there, but i have no idea what to put. I would like something that looks nice all four seasons, something that blooms as well. I love hydrangeas but just realized that come winter I would have an empty space right?

Yes, the hydrangea will lose it's leaves in the winter and you'll have a bare spot. It sounds like the landscaper used the maple tree for height, or privacy or shade as mentioned above. Why do you think he planted it? Why do you think it doesn't belong there? Once you figure out what is needed there, you can better answer the question. You might consider an evergreen tree - that doesn't lose it's leaves in winter. Perhaps a holly would be nice with winter berries.

Oooops, I should have said H. Arborescens "Annabelle" but a Paniculata would work nicely too....yg