In the ground, no issue for you at all :-) However, growing a plant in a container poses entirely different issues. Because containered plants do not benefit from the insulating properties of that large soil mass surrounding their roots, they are much more vulnerable to winter cold. Above ground growth is actually more cold tolerant than the roots so you will want to protect your maple if the temperatures significantly drop below freezing for any length of time. Root damage can occur around 26F.

Either sink the container into the ground or store somewhere cold (but at or just above freezing) during cold spells. It certainly won't hurt the tree to remain in the garage (as long as you can monitor temps and assure it doesn't get TOO cold) throughout winter. Just keep the soil barely moist. Light is not a concern while dormant.

Gardengal, I thought I had posted a thank-you for your recommendation a couple of days ago, but it doesn't seem to have gone through. Thanks for your thoughts--the pot is now sunken into the ground, which is a good thing, as Mother Earth has decided to get really cold here over the past couple days. Thanks again.