Not sure why you lost your maple but just in case it was due to a soil fungus you may not want to replace it with another maple tree. If you live in an area with cool summers then a Forest Pansy red bud tree would work but otherwise if you want a "tree" that will not cast shade consider a Pee Gee hydrangea pruned into a standard or tree shape. You can purchase these sun tolerant white blooming hydrangeas at garden centers already trained as small trees. They eventually grow to 10 feet tall but do not cast much shade. The fall color is spectacular as the white blooms change to pink then russet. If you live in a hot dry climate consider the more drought resistant smoke tree or Cotinus coggygria. These come in forms with both deep purple and bright gold foliage. What a lovely decision you have to make. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti