area to plant a tree (grow, trees, back yard, planting)

[citydweller]

So, I have an area in my back yard that is canopied by tree shade but all around it receives pretty much full sun. Meaning, the area in question receives very strong but indirect light. About 5pm each day the sun does shine directly there but only for a couple of hours. Would this area be a good one for a japanese maple? I really want to plant one somewhere in my yard. Here is a picture of the area in question. I want to plant a tree between the 2 large trees.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v428/guynvb/Picture-1.jpg (broken link)

[si33]

...it all depends on which size of a japanese maple you would want as there are many different varities to choose from...
..judging from the picture you included,..id probabaly stay away from any which get especially large...since the space available seems to be a bit small for any thing too big...with the two larger trees fairly close together,..you don't want to plant anything which will compete with them for space...and since im sure those trees have extensive root systems,..introducing something which will also develop one as well won't be good for any of the trees..
...among the many variants of japanese maples,..there are several which stay small and would look really good in such a spot...especially with the overhead protection from the larger two trees...as japanese maples don't always appreciate hot,full sun exposures...
..in any case,..if you do install one,..make sure that your sprinklers don't hit the trunk...i reciently watched a huge specimen die from this...the arborist who looked over the tree told me that over the years,..the tree suffered damage from recieving water to the trunk...via the sprinklers..
...the bark on them is thin..and cracks when directly watered..thus allowing fungus pathogens into the tree...this is also why some people white wash the trunks of larger specimens exposed to full sun..as the bark is sensitive to sunburn...
..besides those two points to consider,..your area should fit an appropriate
sized specimen nicely...hope this helps..

[wit-nit]

Japanese maples can grow to 30 feet. They will do fine where you want to plant it. Pick one size for the area you're planting. Check with your local Garden Center. Proper pruning will help maintain it's size for the area. Main thing to remember when you plant the tree that the water drains toward the drip line/outer canopy rea.