A very popular small tree acer palmatum has a graceful habit with delicate layers of feathery maple leaves as autumn approaches the leaves take on glorious fiery shades for added interest as the garden winds down the japanese maple is a slow45growing tree making it perfect for low maintenance gardening and patio containers preferring some shade and shelter from strong winds acers grow well in woodland gardens and make lovely specimen trees height and spread up to 8m 402641 su