in the upper end of the alley, stood a large, drooping maple tree.

I want to describe the position of the tree in relation to the alley. Can I use "upper end"? Is this okay?



In the upper end of the alley stood a large, drooping maple tree.

If that doesn't work, how can I describe the position of the tree with respect to the alley?

'Up' is going to be relative to the speaker, so where are you standing?

If you're standing at the bottom of the map (in the street), then the tree is at the 'mouth', 'entry', 'front' or even 'front end' of the alley. There are probably more options as well.

If you're standing towards the top of the map, then the tree is 'down', 'at the end', the 'back', the 'exit' or maybe even 'the head' of the alley.

Note too that with most trees, 'drooping' signifies something's wrong with the tree, especially something like a maple tree. Willows might be the exception, because they naturally droop.

I's probably say "At the corner of the alley and the street".

Is the alley going uphill towards the street? That's the only way "upper end" makes sense.

If you're standing at the other end of the alley (not where the tree is) facing the direction of the tree, you could say "at the top of the alley".

Simply "at the end of the alley" would work in most cases. (I can't imagine a drooping maple tree.)