You should inspect the trunk and near the root flare closely to be sure there is no damage (or very little). I would hope that the nursery wouldn't sell you a tree with a disease (such as one infected with ambrosia...you may want to read up on this as it is becoming more of a problem in the trade).

I would say that choosing a tree with a central leader is always a good idea, especially since this is a cross between red and silver maples. A silver maple would be of much more concern here, but it definetely wouldn't hurt to avoid narrow crotches.

Other than that, just pick a nice looking tree with a good shape and you should be fine.

Thanks for the help!

Like I said, I'm a big time noob, can you help me with "central leader" and narrow crotches?

I think I may kinda sorta understand the terms but I'm really not sure....

Thanks again!

central leader = one branch at the top, taller than the ones at the sides. A tree that has a top in a "Y" does not have a central leader. (Although you can stake one of the sides of the Y up and snip off the end of the other form to help it form one)

Narrow crotches are when branches are at an acute angle to the main trunk. You want side branches that spread outwards, rather than multiple branches going upwards sort of parallel to the trunk, which would be "competing leaders".

Unless you are in Colorado or one of those tough climates I'd recommend October Glory Red maple over the Autumn Blaze silver maple hybrids. They are normally the same price and are more desirable.