Hey Whaas, Here in Md. it takes alot of room to grow a bloodgood on. We have many old timers around here that are beautiful but huge. I would give careful consideration to site requirements when choosing. Both are nice.
AL

I hear on ya Bloodgood. Around these parts I wouldn't doubt if this plant caps out at 15'.

I went back and I just couldn't pass on this actually 10 gallon plant for $50. It even has a nice central leader. 2 year warranty to boot.

I wait for the next cloudy cool day and plant it right in the ground. I'll identify the flare now and plant at the proper level. Its a miracle it doesn't have encircling roots so at most I'll tease a few roots. In early fall I'll remove all the roots above the flare.

{{gwi:257843}}

Hey Waas, Shes a nice one! I like the fact it hasnt been limbed-up. Sweet price also! Now lets see if you can hold on to this one !!! lol
AL

Why only be relegated to bloodgood or fireglow. There are a ton of varities that look great, personally I favor the laceleaf varities.

Fireglow to me looks much nicer than bloodgood. But, and this is a huge but, is it going to be a focal point spot or an out of the corner spot. From a distance bloodgoods to me are one of those can't mess up good choice trees, especially if planted slightly under canopy. If its up close I say near the house I would go with fireglow.

I also agree with the size of the bloodgoods getting large. I would use them around the edges of a lot to keep privacy used with an evergreen.

http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/best-japanese-maple-varieties-00417000073233/

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/trees-shrubs-vines/trees/japanese-maples/

http://japanesemaple.net/

You can always get a prominent tree like your going to spend on at a larger city nursery if you don't have one at a local, get via mail order, or get the local nursery to order one.

Zone 5a in the upper portion of SE WI is my limiting factor. I was told to start with Emperor One and if that can make it through a few winters then go from there (this was after the fact and I already have one). That is supposed to be one of if not the most hardy A. palmatum.