Question: The nursery tag for my Japanese maple said it could grow in full sun. However, it has really struggled and has only recently begun to put on new leaves. Should I transplant it to a shady spot this winter or leave it alone to get established? No name given, Corsicana.

Answer: That label was written for the Pacific Northwest — or somewhere else, just not for Texas. Japanese maples must have full shade against the Texas summer sun. I can still see leaf scorch on the lower green leaves that remain on the tree. Move it to the shade this winter!