An issue that can arise with cuttings of deciduous trees and shrubs taken later than the beginning of the growing season (May, if not sooner) is failure to set dormant (overwintering) buds on the tips of the new shoots they make the first year. They overwinter, then die because there is no bud to continue the growth of the stem the second year.

thanks Ron, so I need to take cuttings in early spring?

Maybe. Search "maple propagation", "cuttings maple" and other combinations to see what you can find out. Somebody else who has done it will probably chime in as well.