Japanese Maple getting very large

12 years ago

There's a steadily-growing tree that's now touching the front window of our north-facing New Jersey house (see photo). We're guessing it's a Japanese maple (we're obviously not well-versed in gardening). We believe the tree is about 12 years old. We love the way it looks, but as it has grown closer to the house it seems to be having a negative effect on the window trim, especially in rainy weather. In addition, the front of the tree is now close to the walkway. The tree is a little over 7 feet deep and 5 feet high.

I read on another website that a Japanese maple should only have a certain percentage of its branches cut in any given year. Any thoughts on how much of this tree would be safe to cut this year? We need to cut enough in the back of the tree to allow us to replace and repaint the window trim. We're guessing that having an experienced tree service do the cutting would maximize the chance of saving the tree (if indeed it can safely be done at all).

Finally, are we fighting a losing battle in trying to keep a Japanese maple in an area that size and that close to the house? Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

alley_cat_gw_7b
12 years ago
Ive grown some like that until they were 11-12' across. I have moved a few the size of yours while the trees were dormant. You dont need a tree service to prune it back from touching the house. The tree wont mind.
My advice would be to move it this fall if you have a location for it or maybe its time to consider a little garden rehab and let her go! You are gonna start a loosing battle.
Best of luck
Al
mikebotann
12 years ago
You can always prune it. Start at the bottom inside and work up removing any branch where it begins that isn't a main support for the umbrella shaped canopy. That should narrow it down a bit and show some leg as well.
Here's what I did with one of mine. Looking south. I left a little in back to show a friend how to thin the umbrella. It has since been thinned to match the rest of the tree.
Mike
Related Professionals
Baltimore Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · New Haven Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Muncie Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Amherstburg Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Charleston Landscape Contractors · Lewiston Landscape Contractors · Lansing Landscape Contractors · Manchester Landscape Contractors · Flagstaff Landscape Contractors · Show Low Landscape Contractors · Topeka Architects & Building Designers · Green Bay Architects & Building Designers · Garden City Architects & Building Designers · Coeur d'Alene Architects & Building Designers · Evanston Architects & Building Designers
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
12 years ago
Mike - just wanted to let you know I think you do beautiful work. Not only are your trees gorgeous, but you are pretty talented with that camera as well!! :-)) Keep it up!!
mikebotann
12 years ago
Thank you Pam.
I always said you have a way with words. ;-)
Pruning weeping Japanese maples is something that is very enjoyable for me.
Heck, I like pruning anything.
Weeping Japanese maples are usually just left alone, looking like a giant blob. They have an interesting branching pattern, that if exposed, makes the tree look like so much more. If you can enhance 'the flow', better yet. The flow, to me, is a direction the prevailing wind exhibits when looking at the tree from the side. If you look closely at the picture below you can see the wind 'appears' to be coming from the left.
I'm working in the shade today, raising the canopy in some parts of the garden. It's hot! Must be 79F. ;-) There's a lot of catching up to do after being away for two weeks.
Mike