Moving Mature Azaleas? (growing, manure, spring, plant)

[Moth]

I have a surplus of mature azalea bushes and would like to move some to different locations. Obviously a formidable job, but is it possible to dig them up and replant them without killing them?

[alleycat]

I'm not sure where you're located, but in most areas it's best to wait until fall to move things. However, azaleas are relatively easy to move since they have a shallow root system. Be sure you mulch and keep them nicely watered after moving them. I would be extra careful with them if you're moving them to a sunnier location.

[Rudbeckia]

Azalea do have shallow roots, so they are easy to dig up but they do not transplant well, especially large ones. Wait until fall or winter, and cut back at least 1/3-1/2 of the plant. You will sacrifice the blooms for the following Spring, but cutting the plant back will give it a much better chance to live.

[paperhouse]

If you move them now, you'll stunt their growth if they don't die. They're growing right now. If you can, leave them til fall. Moving them then will make it a lot easier on the plants.

[goodbyehollywood]

I tried to transplant a dozen mature azaleas this spring after they bloomed. Not the best time, I know, but I was redoing my front beds and they were planted too close together. Every single one died, despite extra TLC. Maybe you'll have better luck!

[Rudbeckia]

Look at the bright side, Azaleas are cheap so you can go buy more if they die

[Ira500]

Like others have said, wait til the fall if you can. Then amend the soil you're going to transplant into with compost or cow manure mixed in with the existing soil. I think there's also a product out there from some nurseries called Transplantone.

[Moth]

Thanks for the responses everyone. Looks like Fall is the time.

[FLPL75]

moth
6 to 8 weeks before you want to move them "root prune " them
take a sharp shovel and cut a ring about 6 to 8 inches from the trunk
leave them be but give them extra water this will force out a new system of roots so when your ready to move them just dig up what is basically a new root ball
once you have moved them to their new homes water every other day for the first few weeks

one thing to keep in mind is how old are they ?
azaleas that are 20+ years old are getting near the end of their life span so might not be able to handle the transplant even with root pruning

[Moth]

Thanks Karla. I am not sure how old they are. They are fairly large. The problem is that there are so many out front and we have plans for that area. But I hate to cut down a perfectly healthy shrub. Hence moving them.