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japanese maple in the way

snowathletesnowathlete Posts: 138
in Problem solving

I bought this about six years ago and it's grown from the tiny thing it was to what it is now:

image

I wish I had planted it more in the corner, which is more or less wasted space now. My garden is small so I want to reclaim this space, and it is prime space too because my garden is north facing and this is the most sunny position I have.

I figure it is probably at the size where it is theoretically possible to move it, but I'm disabled and couldn't do it myself. Doubt I can get anyone to do it for me. So what can I do?

Over a period of time, could I gently apply gradual pressure to the trunk to get it to change shape more over into the corner, even though the base would still remain where it is? I figure this might be possible though a pretty unusual solution.

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  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    Where about are you, anywhere near wolves and i will do it for you image
  • snowathletesnowathlete Posts: 138

    Rebecca, that is so kind of you to offer, thank you. Unfortunately, I'm down in Wiltshire, but I really appreciate the thought.

  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    No worries image

    Sorry about that, i dont drive and its a bit of a walk! image

    I dont know if you could prune it - possibly, im sure someone who has done it will post soon image
  • snowathletesnowathlete Posts: 138

    Yes, i agree it does look like it needs a good prune. I think I'll have to do that in late autumn because of the sap, but hopefully that will help somewhat.

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,058

    I'm not sure hard pruning is the way to go with Japanese maples.   Do you not have a friend or family member who could move it for you in autumn as soon as it has shed its leaves?   You'd need to water it well and let it soak for an hour or so while a new hle is prepared an dthen dig it up with as much of its rootball as possible and plant it at the same depth with plenty of well rotted garden or bought in compost and a dollop of bonemeal sprinkled in to help it make new roots over winter.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    Sorry i couldnt be of more help, ive never had an acer image
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    It is a bit big to be thinking about moving it. If it has grown that much in 6 years have you thought about getting it dug out and starting again from a young one? In my area there are lots of folk around that would do the job for a tenner or so. I have successfully transplanted a eucalyptus that height but I think they are a bit tougher. You could always grow a nice climber on the fence going into the corner.

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    Id have a go at moving it, if it dosent work, then you havent lost anything. Ive moved quite mature trees with success in the past, you really have to keep them wet, ive moved a massive fern and a nut tree today, the tree currently looks like it has a moat around it!

    I dont know how delicate acers are tho image
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 29
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  • snowathletesnowathlete Posts: 138

    Thanks everyone. I'll give it all a bit more thought. It a lovely looking tree, especially in autumn when it turns red, so it would be a shame to lose it. I hate to kill plants just cause the're in the way, so wouldn't really want to just cut it down.

    I agree that pruning the bottom half would be the way to go. I'll probably try that first in late autumn and if that's not enough then I'll have to think about removing it one way or the other.

     

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