How to Transplant Sick Rhododendrons

Dig the planting hole in the new location before you dig up the rhododendron. Select a location that gets partial to full sun, which is four to eight hours daily. Dig a planting hole that is twice the width of the azalea, and at least 12 inches deep.

Add a 1-inch layer of organic compost to the bottom of the hole and mix it in with the shovel, if your soil is not fertile or has drainage issues. Place a tarp next to the sick rhododendron.

Dig a trench around the rhododendron that is 12 inches deep. The trench should be at the plant's drip line, which is the widest reach of its foliage.

Dig out the root ball, starting at the trench and digging under the shrub at a 45-degree angle. The roots of a rhododendron are usually within the top 8 inches of the soil, so you should get up as many as you can when digging this way.

Pull the plant out of the hole once you have dug out the root ball. Lower it onto the tarp and pull the tarp over to the new planting site.

Lower the plant into the new hole. Firm the soil around the roots until the shrub is at the same depth it was in the original hole. Water until the soil settles.