Whether planting in the Lawn, Border or Rock Garden, a spot that is out of sweeping wind and severe afternoon heat should be found for your maple.
Most cultivars benefit from full morning sun and appreciate some afternoon shade.
A spot on the north or east side of a house is ideal in most situations, since it affords some wind protection and also blocks the afternoon heat. Maples are widely adaptable and hardy in most parts of the country. You must provide your maple with constant moisture and good drainage. The addition of sand, fir bark, peat moss or compost to the native soil for tilth may be advisable in heavy or poor soils. Mounding maybe advisable in heavy clay soils.