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Landscape Design Trees

Should I remove the tree?

last month

I really dislike this Japanese maple in front of our house. I have no idea how long it's been there but we've had it since we bought the house. It's a little close to the sidewalk and typically overgrows over the walkway into the house. It feels wrong to remove a Japanese maple, but what else can I do? Is there anything else I can replace it with? Or what should I do with that space? Thank you!

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

last month

If it hadn't been mangled by some really poor pruning over the years, I'd be inclined to relocate and keep it as I am a JM lover and good ones add considerable value to a landscape. But it is not the right tree for that spot nor is it worth the time and effort to attempt to move.

Personally, I'd opt for more evergreen structure for your foundation plantings.

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Comments (17)

callirhoe123
last month
If you really dislike it, get rid of it. If you just dislike its position, perhaps move it to a different spot.
littlebug Zone 5 Missouri
last month
I’d remove it in a heartbeat. For the reasons you mentioned, plus it’s ugly.

One of my favorite gardener friends says it’s perfectly ok to move or REmove plants that don’t make you happy.
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Lauren Onthecoast
last month
What about adding some shrubs and landscaping around it. I think the problem is it's the only thing there to look at.
Design Fan
last month
Consider removing. The bad pruning job is so sad.
0
Sigrid
last month
It's very hard to comment when the tree is bare. One poster said it was ugly. It might be really pretty when it's leafed out. I'd keep it, because it seems to be the star of that garden bed. But, of course, the garden might be full of other pretty stuff when Spring actually comes.
0
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last month
"It might be really pretty when it's leafed out."

Not after the whack job it's received over the years!! There is nothing 'pretty' about that tree, out of leaf or in leaf.

And the OP has already explained it is too large for that location, encroaching on the walkway.
indianagardengirl
last month
“I really dislike this Japanese maple in front of our house. “

There’s your answer right in front of you. Listen to it, and get rid of the tree.
cecily 7A
last month
Is there another place for the kids to store their bikes? It would be nice to do something aesthetic with that spot.
BillMN-z-2-3-4
last month
last modified: last month
According to what we can see of the sun angle, it doesn't look like it's on the sunny side of the house. Or at least in a location where the sun is too limited.

That could be why it never developed properly and whoever did the pruning, kept raising the crown trying to make it look descent, to no avail.

I agree that the location would be good for some low shrubs and perennials, even evergreens possibly.

If you want a JM, pick a spot where it gets more of a partial shade setting by afternoon but more sun during the morning and daytime. :-)

eta: but start with a new tree.
0
davidrt28 (zone 7)
last month
Even if it weren't horribly mis-pruned, it would be the wrong place to put it. Just get rid of it!

And if you feel the need for 'foundation' plantings, make them much smaller ones.
Sherry8aNorthAL
last month
Yes, put it out of it’s misery. RIP!
littlemissdena
last month
Remove :)
S L
last month
I'd keep it but figure out how to prune it so it's in a better shape. Figure out a way to build a garden around it so it's not the only focal point. Japanese maples are expensive and beautiful if taken care of properly.
0
BillMN-z-2-3-4
last month
Oh, remove the tree?

YES!! ;-)
0
Daniel Shea
Original Author
28 days ago
The tree was rehomed. It is now a blank slate. Any ideas?
cecily 7A
27 days ago
For useful plant suggestions please give us your location (nearest big city & state). Would you be amenable to pruning or replacing shrubs on the other side of the front door to create a cohesive landscape design?
0

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