Question
Hi,
I am trying to identify what looks like a maple (it has redish tinged key clusters)and used as a hedge.
The individual trees apparently grow 10 - 12' high, with sparse leafing below about 4'. The trunks are rather thin and bush-like.
The leaves are dark green, and typical maple-like in shape, but with rather shallow serrations.
I have a picture of a leaf cluster that I would be glad to send if provided with an email address.
This hedge is located in Burlington, Ontario which is at the western end of Lake Ontario in Canada.
 Thanks,
   Mike

Answer
Mike, sounds like one of two plants.
it is most likley a Amur Maple. you can find these in many of your local garden centers, as both a compact, or Dwarf form, as well as a standard plant. the Amur Maple commanly grows to 12-15' high, and the compact varieties are very simular, but stay 4'-6' high. the seed clusters are smaller and have a reddish tinge to them, and usually stay in clusters, not falling seperatly.
The only other plant that has Maple type leaves is a Box Elder tree, however, they have lighter colored leaves, also, they can grow to over 30' tall. If the plant that you are looking at has been there more than 5 years, and hasnt gotten over 10' high, then it is not the Box Elder, they are very fast growing, and in 5 years would be over 15' tall.
Mike, check out the following web site, it is the MN DNR, they have a picture of the leaves, as well as the whole shrub. Let me know if I was able to help.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/woodyplants/amurmaple.html

Good luck

Mark