i am seeing mature heights given of about 20' rather than 40' from most websites. i don't grow this one but do have several other cultivars and i have seen growth of less than 1' max./year on a couple of mine. this doesn't mean they will maintain this pace, though. many sources will tell you that some japanese maples grow rapidly like that when young then settle in and begin to slow down.
'glowing embers' was selected by michael dirr for heat tolerance and consistently good fall color in the southeast u.s.
this link provided some information about the cultivar.
try a web search using the botanical name acer palmatum 'glowing embers'.
at any rate, i doubt you will have to get out of the way of this tree any time soon! ;-)

Here is a link that might be useful: 'glowing embers'

Thank you so much - that is exactly what I was hoping to hear! I am the proud owner of a newly built home so I am little by little replacing the "builder grade landscape" with my own. Do you have any favorite trees (fall interest or flowering or berries) you'd recommend. I 'm pretty good with perrenials but trees ---I have to study!
Kathy

Amelanchier 'Autumn Brilliance' (Serviceberry) is one of my favorites. Nice spring flowers, birds love the berries and the fall color is good too.

i like all of the japanese maples for their growth habit, spring foliage and fall colors. most of them are easy to place into the landscape where a smallish tree is needed.
'butterfly' is a beautiful variegated cultivar that needs afternoon shade (most of them appreciate a site providing that but some can take more sun).

this is 'viridis'(a green laceleaf form) in spring and in fall

one of my favorite natives is chionanthus virginicus( fringetree or grancy greybeard). i have posted this photo quite a few times on the forums because i am so fond of it. it's at peak bloom right now. the fragrance is fantastic -it wafts all over the yard on a warm evening.
full sun will give you a better floral display though it can grow as an understory tree.
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have fun with your tree selection!

Great advice, I love the serviceberry. As for the Fringe tree - that is the second time I'm come across it and love it! How long will it take to look as beautiful as yours, jeff!?

Kathy

the fringetree is was one of the first trees i planted when i moved into my house; thinking i planted it in 1983-84.
i would estimate the height to be about 20' or so.