Red Maple Tree

Hi

I tried to do some air layering last year but none of it was successful, I tried to air layer my red maple but as you can see from the picture it has not taken, I need to cut this tree down now, it has not done very well mainly because it was partially under a lot of overgrowth before I cleared some of my garden.

Before I cut it down is there any way I can get a cutting from it which will work, please,

Trish

 

Must you cut it down, give the air layering one more chance.
Now would be a good time to start.

 

Thank you Pete.

I want/need to cut it down now because it cuts out my view to the end of my garden where my neighbours come in and cause damage to my property and throw their rubbish, there was also what the police called "drug paraphernalia" in that corner, when they attended, so I wanted a full view of that corner by removing the tree, whilst at the same time take cuttings somehow in the correct manner, if it is possible.

 

Would it not be easier to go and get one of those solar powered spot lights that have motion detection? Point it at that corner so that if they come in, it glares at them?

 

How about cutting some of it down and air layer a couple of shoots.

 

Can it be done by cutting the tree down and then taking cuttings using the branches? so doing two jobs at once.

 

I could be wrong, but I dont think maples take very easily from cuttings, but you can try by all means.

 

I thought about cutting it off just below where the branches are on the main trunk, that way if it was to grow I would still have this beautiful dark red Maple and I would be able to see over the top at that corner of the garden in question, do you think that might work?

 

It will either die or regrow if it dies you might as well dig it out, if it regrows you are back to where you are now.

 

If it grows I was going to keep the top low so that I could see over it.