Acre tree. Which one?

[cushioncovers]

Hi I'm new to gardening and have a south facing garden in the new house I've moved to. I'd love to get an acer tree that has deep red leaves for as much of the year as possible but won't grow to be a monster. I've seen a beautiful one on my drive to work that is only about 8 feet high and has grown over into a sort of umbrella shape, it's gorgeous but I'm not sure if the owner has pruned it to be like that or if it's naturally grown. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks.

Following. I'd love an acer too. I actually went to the garden centre but they had different ones and I wasn't sure which to get. I'd like one in a tub that's a tree like you've described, rather than a bush. Help gratefully accepted!

I did the same I went to a few garden centres and they had a variety of acers but none could really help when I asked. I think I need to find a specialist nursery maybe. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also following. I think there is a specialist Acer nursery in Stapehill, Dorset.

@cushioncovers. This site might help, you don’t have to order from them but if you do they ate very good www.ornamental-trees.co.uk/weeping-japanese-maple-trees-acer-tree-c191

Acers are beautiful, but large ones are very expensive. The one you describe is likely to be an Acer Palmatum, there are a variety of dark red ones.
Some places sell cheaper small ones 30/40 cms high. These will take years to grow into a significant tree. It’s worth getting the largest you can afford a 50-70 cms tree could be from £30 -£70 depending on the variety.
They should be planted in ericaceous compost , which is Acid. Mine do best in planters. They grow in interesting formation without being pruned. Often the green leaved ones give the most striking colour in Autumn.

Thank you for all the info it's been really helpful.