I put this Autumn Blaze in last year to provide privacy from pesky neighbors. The nursery helped choose the location.

Unfortunately it doesn’t do it’s job. The canopy is too high…all the privacy I need is actually under it.

So since it isn’t doing the job intended, is it in a bad location in the yard (from the house, etc) otherwise?

Behind the umbrella is a row of columnar Norway spruces.

I am wondering if it can be taken out and perhaps replaced with something less…big (serviceberry? Dogwood?) Something smaller that’s just for aesthetics.

I will be adding 7 more cedars right to the gate, to help with privacy.

Only other issue is just to the right of the maple is a drain pipe (small pvc for the gutters) that runs down the yard. So either I keep a tree in this spot, or have to move it at least 5’ to the right of that spot.