The little Japanese maples might be a bit fragile for your climate. Another pretty understory tree that might look nice is a red-twig dogwood. Much less pricey than the maples, and very pretty flowers in Spring. I believe they are native to your area too. Cheryl

As much as I love natives, I really think the Japanese maple would do well in your area. 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is an upright dwarf which grows 3-5 ft. high and wide and has densely overlapping green leaves that turn yellow orange in autumn.

There's also 'Waterfall', which forms a weeping mound 4-6 ft. high and twice as wide, has green leaves finely cut, fernlike, flowing, and elegant, with brilliant yellow and gold fall color.

We just purchased an 'Orangeola' yesterday. It has a weeping, compact form to approx. 6 ft. high, not quite as wide. It'll be our first attempt at growing one, and our main concern is the wind, so we'll pot it up and move it, as necessary.

We only paid $19.95 for it. It's in a gallon pot, but the tree is at least 2 ft. tall. We got ours at local place called Flora Tropicana, which specializes in everything growing in and around ponds. Maybe check your area for such a place. I know Acers can be pretty pricey sometimes.

Brenda