Sunburn or lack of water

[Heartagramtc]

I noticed today that there is browning occurring from the center of the leaves. I didn't get to water them yesterday due to the beehive under my eaves, but I also moved them onto the ground per Smokes advice. However by moving them they get more sun. Any ideas?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Lack of water usually affects leaves distal to proximal; edges wither and curl first. This looks like sunburn.

 

[rockm]

Looks like sunburn to me too. Japanese maples tend to be understory trees in their native habitats. A lot of direct sun turns them crispy.

 

[Heartagramtc]

Ugh, will a shade cloth help? This is getting morning to about 12pm sun. There's nowhere else I can place them on the ground without getting more sun. I have options of green, beige, and black shade cloth. I don't care for asthetics just what works.