Rhododendron Root Ball Pulled Out Of Ground

Question

Is there a resource to submit a rhododendron question? A rhododendron on our property, about 35 years old 8 to 10 feet high and 15 to feet wide, has a root ball that appears to have completely been pulled, by nature, from out of the ground and is now tipped over above ground. What next steps should be taken to preserve the root ball without harming it? Is this a common occurrence? Thank you.

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Answer 1

Frost heave causes this problem often. Replant the rhododendron as if you were transplanting it. The formation of ice under the rhododendron makes conditions favorable so try controlling the amount of moisture when winter approaches. Insulate with 3-4” of mulch and monitor plants during winter.