Japanese Maples

Many people long for just the right spot to plant a Japanese Maple. Before you rush out and buy one, there are a few things to know about the knockout.
Most Japanese Maples are burgundy but not all. Many are green (Virdis) or have green leaves, red stems (Coralbark). Most turn amazing fall colors: orange, gold, yellow, scarlet, plum, etc. As well, there are two distinct classes: acer palmatum (regular shaped maple leaves) and acer dissectum (laceleaf or a smaller, more divided leaf). Usually the laceleaf varieties stay a bit smaller.
Japanese Maples, while really maples, behave more like a Hydrangea or another shade loving tree. They are a great focal point near your house, due to their smaller scale and lovely detail, but they require at least partial shade everyday. Morning sun and afternoon shade is a perfect setup for these beauties! Protection from the elements is essential as well. Early spring frosts and winds from the south can really hurt these trees but plant them close to the house, in a protected noon and you'll be pleased at the results.

Mike at the tree farm has this to say:

Image courtesy of Bucholz Nursery

Bloodgood is the standard of the purple leaved tree form Japanese Maples. They will eventually grow to be 18' high and wide. The foliage comes out reddish purple and hold the color well until a heat wave hits! The color will then get a bit more green but go back to red as soon as the cool weather comes back.
Emperor I is very similar to the Bloodgood in shape, height and width. However, it holds its color better in hot weather and leaves out a bit later than the Bloodgood. Thus avoiding those late freezes that can kill a tender Japanese Maple. 
Tameukeyama is one of the best weeping lace-leaf varieties for our area. The leaves hold their deep purple color through the heat. They stay small, usually hitting 8' H x 12' W at maturity.

Mike's Site Selection advice: Drainage is key to the happiness of these trees. They don't like wet feet so make sure water doesn't stand in the area you've chosen.  When you plant your tree, make sure the root ball is2-3" above grade. (In other words, find the root flare- where the trunk connects to the root- and don't bury that). Slope the soil up to the root ball- this way water will not pool around the plant and you won't be burying your tree in mulch. Always keep in mind the final mature size (especially with Bloodgoods and that type)- you cannot prune these forever and keep them 6' tall. They want to grow- plant them where their mature size will be an asset!

Here is a cool site that explains about finding the root flare! Also, if you love to look at the ever-expanding world of Japanese Maples, go to the Bucholz Nursery library online.