Maple Tree With Lime Green Leaves . It’s stayed basically the same size over the last 10 years, growing a little more stocky and full. The major maples have leaves that are divided into three to five lobes. Fresh Green Japanese Maple Acer Palmatum Leaves Stock Photo Image of from www.dreamstime.com Always pull mulch back away from the trunk. Growing at a moderate rate, red maple makes a sturdy, beautiful shade tree. I would first recommend evaluating the light exposure the plant currently receives.