Will my container Japanese maples get enough light in a city alley?

[suchsweetthunder]

Hi All,

The thread title pretty much says it all. I purchased two Japanese Maples last year: acer palmatum dissectum viridis and acer palmatum dissectum red dragon. (Actually only purchase the viridis but was sent the red dragon too!)

Has anybody tried growing one of these in a city alley? I know these can thrive in shade but the lighting seems tight. My alley is about 5 1/2 feet wide and three stories up.

 

[cpp gardener]

Does any direct sun reach the trees? If so, they definitely will grow. If not, as long as you can see clearly with sunglasses on, they will grow. The 'Red Dragon' may not be as red as it could be but it should still do okay. More light would definitely be better, though.

 

[Sheal]

With the alley only 5 1/2 feet wide the trees will fill that space when they mature. Would that be a problem?

 

[Clint62]

I think they about 10' tall when mature but not that wide..I think youre good with the width