When To Transplant Azaleas

Q: I have six azalea bushes which I need to transport. What time of year is best to transplant azaleas? 

A: In my experience, October and November are the very best months to move shrubs of any kind. The ground is still warm enough to promote root growth but there are no high air temperatures to stress the plant for water. The key to successful transplanting is to get a big root system to go along with the shrub to its new home. Roots usually fan out under a shrub, like a pancake, they won’t be very deep. Be sure to water thoroughly the day before to keep roots hydrated.