For Form

• You can take advantage of the compact and visually appealing form of Japanese maples to frame a space or line a walkway. Japanese maples range from medium-sized trees to dwarf shrubs. Shishigashira offers compact growth. Seiryu has lacy leaves, as does Viridis, which offers cascading branches and serves as a shrub. Several types also adapt well to container culturing. The trees require little care and maintenance if planted in a suitable location and are not considered a dirty tree. These maples require little pruning, but perform better with frequent watering, due to their relatively shallow root systems.
  
  

As Ornamentals

• Japanese maples are decorative trees and make a good specimen or ornamental tree, offering many options from which to choose. Homeowners can select among upright or weeping varieties. Sango Kaku has interesting coral bark and its young stems turn a brilliant red for winter appeal. Sumi Nagashi develops green bark. Osakazuki produces large leaves, Roseo-marginatum develops small leaves and Dissectum Atropurpureum offers finely cut leaves or leaves with thin lobes. Aconitifolium produces spring flowers in maroon and white.
  
  

For Color

• Japanese maples develop striking seasonal color. Varieties and cultivars are available that offer red spring leaves, shiny green summer foliage and purple, bronze, silver-gray, scarlet, red, maroon, gold, orange or mixed fall colors. Fireglow changes up the common color pattern, providing fiery tones in summer and purplish green shades in fall. Butterfly has variegated leaves outlined in white. The variegated leaves of Ukigumo come in pastel colors. For the best display of color, the trees should have exposure to eastern sunlight.
  
  

For Size

• To adorn an urban yard where the space is limited, Japanese maples are a good choice. Because of their relatively compact size, they often won't interfere with power lines and are less likely to outgrow their space. Many are slow growing, and even the largest varieties rarely reach more than 25 feet tall over a span of 50 years of growth.