My problem is I have what is probably a 30+ YO Japanese Maple that has lived its life under a large elm tree. In Salt Lake. The tree has been subjected to morning and afternoon sun but the Elm shades it from noon sun. The Japanese Maple has smaller, but not fine, solid green leaves with 5 fingers. The roots are always shaded and the tree has a sprinkler head devoted to it. Plenty of water.

I need to get the Elm out of the yard. It is in the way of a very nice 8 YO Red Maple. Unfortunately, it will be a few years before the Red Maple can top the Japanese Maple and provide relief from the mid-day sun. So my question:

How much risk am I running of losing the Japanese Maple when I remove the Elm and are there any steps I can take to mitigate the risk.

Thanks, Jim