Growing Acer Trees... (How to grow Japanese Maple). Some maples are forest trees, and are too large to be grown in a smaller garden, however, the Japanese maple is a smaller, shrubby species that is ideal for town gardens.Many Japanese maples have finely divided leaves, which come into their own in Autumn.rowing Acer Trees... (How to grow Japanese Maple). Some maples are forest trees, and are too large to be grown in a smaller garden, however, the Japanese maple is a smaller, shrubby species that is ideal for town gardens. Many Japanese maples have finely divided leaves, which come into their own in Autumn.