Transplanted Azalea Death: Root Bound, Drainage, and Scratch Test

Assessing Viability

• Bend brown twigs: snap = dead.
• Scratch bark: brown underneath = dead; green = alive.

Common Transplant Killers

• Root bound at planting — roots can't absorb water.
• Poor drainage — wet soil rots roots.
• Drought after stress — finishes weakened plant.

If Alive

Water deeply but infrequently. Mulch. No fertilizer until new growth.

If Dead

Replace with proper planting: loosen roots, wide hole, native backfill, mulch, consistent moisture first year.