The downsides are the typical Norway maple negatives: clogged gutters from seeds and leaves, seedlings sprouting everywhere, noting really grows underneath it which makes mowing the struggling lawn a dusty mess, half of the year the soil underneath the tree is either bone dry or muddy. Throughout the year the tree drops smaller branches, but to be fair, so do the Red maples and the sugar maples to an extend on my property. Also, to be fair, this side of the house doesn't get much foot traffic, I like to stroll past the tree on my walks around the yard, but it's not a main access route to my backyard. The tree is on my property about 6 feet from the property line to my neighbor. He has never complained and doesn't seem bothered by the leaves (he has about four more Norway maples in his backyard), so the tree is not a nuisance to him.

In short, the tree is healthy and older and large, but it is becoming a hassle for me and I don't get much pleasure out of it. I mean, it's nice to look at when the yellowish-green blossoms are breaking out in early spring, and than again in late fall when the leaves turn pure yellow. Other than that there is not much that excites me about it. But are those reasons enough to cut down a mature tree? I hate cutting trees down because they take a long time to grow and they are living things after all, but I am just not sure what the right thing is to do in this case. Maybe I'm over-sentimental when it comes to trees, but I see to many homeowners carelessly and thoughtlessly cut down trees because they are in the way, or they tire of the leave removal, or whatever. What would you do? Am I contemplating to do the right thing?

I would kill to have a mature shade tree on my west side, it gets so dang hot in the living room in the summer.

If you don't care that much about that shade, then take it down.

Personally I would NOT take it down unless it was diseased or posing a threat to a structure.

I've seen posts on this forum asking for advice for a fast growing shade tree because they cut down a tree for nuisance reasons such as of too many leaves, seedlings etc. and then realized their house got really hot without the shade.

Any tree that close to the house will clog the gutters with debris.

The dry, dusty grass issue under the tree can be dealt with. There are plenty of plants that will perform fine in under the shade of a maple.

If you cut it down, your AC bills will jump substantially, so make sure your windows and insulation is up to snuff before cutting down. But I don't blame you a bit for wanting to cut it down, and spend the time and money to work the soil so the new tree has a nice environment to flourish.

Dan (not a NM fan)

I just don't know what the right thing to do is... do I take one invasive non-native tree out and replace it with two or three mid-size native trees? Or do I let it grow and adjust to it's maintenance requirements and the lack of undergrowth? I don't mind the cleanup parts, it is work, but so are many other chores, I just don't get much joy out of the tree, I guess that's my main issue... hmmm, maybe I need to talk to a therapist instead..lol

Thanks again everyone, it helps to talk it out, get other tree-lovers input and especially some "devil's advocates" ...:-) Thanks!!!

I don't know where you are in zone 5 but in the Milwaukee / Chicago area they live up to 100 years...and that is not atyypical for the tree.

I have to say I am not a fan of Norways but they aren't the worst tree (at least in my area). And they do rank in the top 5 for Fall color around here.

frankly ... though i hate maples in general ... BECAUSE I GROW HOSTA UNDER TREES ... the norway maple is the absolute worst.. horrible.. hated tree ever ...

IMHO ... grass is the most invasive weed on the face of the earth ... growing everywhere you dont want it.. multiplying like rabbits.. i mean really... it can grow in cracks in the middle of a blacktop in august ...

if a tree can kill the grass under it.. of what use is that tree ...

you can do so much better once you exercise your option of removal ... besides.. it makes good firewood.. and awesome woodchips for the rest of the garden ...

be done with it.. and dont 'worry' about it ....

ken

I mean, come on, Norway Maple the worst, horrible hated tree ever?...I actually chuckled at that.

But he makes a good point, if you don't really get much out of it (and you don't value the shade to a high degree), take it down. It can't be more than $300 depending on its size. I've taken down 25' trees down myself with a bow saw.

I had a 15 yr old Silver Maple in my front yard that I didn't care for (not to mention its inherit problems). My wife has shocked that I'd want to take down a nice 30' shade tree. I knew better, cut it down, didn't look back. I now have a much better looking Gingko in its place....and some roses, mums and junipers until it matures!

Dan

guilt should not be part of the equation ...

you will plant other things.. and mother earth will rejoice .... its not like you are going to clear cut the area.. and leave it turn into a dust bowl from the 30's

ken

Resin

Therefor, thanks a lot to everyone for your thoughts, it really helped me come to a conclusion. Now, what trees should I plant...? LOL don't worry I already have a few in mind, it's the narrowing it down that will be the hard part... :-)

Glad you made a decision you are happy with. Just take your time with choosing a new tree.

By the way, Norway Maple is not an invasive in all areas. There are many cultivars still planted in my area. It just needs to be used properly...for example not being planted 10ft from a house!

2 years ago, I spent $2,000 removing 4 large Norway maples(30-50 years old) on my lot and now there is only one huge tree left. I'd love to remove that one too, but don't know if it's in the budget. I now have more sun in the back yard and have been able to grow some lovely gardens in the former root zones of these trees.

Removing the Norway means you will have the opportunity to create something nice with the landscape, since it is difficult to grow other plants under or around these trees. Planting some native woody plants in its place will contribute to the local ecology instead of damaging it.

Ok, I am off to enjoy the weather outside, 70F and sunny, not bad for November 8. Have a great weekend everyone!

I can't wait to plant a two-winged silverbell (Halesia diptera 'Magniflora') in its place. I almost bought a Japanese styrax (Styrax obassia)last week, on sale at a nursery that is moving down the street, $40 for a 5' tall tree, all nicely burlapped...man that was hard to walk by it and not get it..

Anyways, I made up my mind, it is going to be a silverbell, and with the additional available space I will also plant a Jim Wilson (Moonglow) magnolia. It will be fantastic, but it will also be a looong winter...lol