Full Moon Japanese Maple

About this plant

Acer Shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' is a show-stopping Japanese Maple, celebrated for its unique and ethereal foliage. Initially, leaves emerge in a captivating chartreuse, gradually transitioning to brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red in the autumn, creating a spectacular display that lives up to its 'Autumn Moon' name. Its delicate, fan-shaped leaves and elegant branching structure make it a focal point in any landscape. This cultivar offers a refined, upright, and somewhat vase-shaped form, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, courtyards, or as a specimen plant. Its moderate growth rate allows it to develop into a mature, yet manageable, ornamental tree. Ideal for adding year-round interest, the Full Moon Japanese Maple brings a touch of sophisticated beauty to woodland gardens, shaded borders, or even larger container plantings. Its distinctive color and texture provide a striking contrast against evergreens or darker foliage.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Prefers well-drained, organically rich soil. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates and strong winds. Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring if growth is slow. Pruning is generally not required, beyond removing dead or crossing branches in late winter to early spring.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.