Strange skunky smell

Question

I have a large tree that is surrounded by small leaf type azaleas that are about 5 feet high. Back at the 1st of May, I started smelling a skunk like smell in that area. It still smells. We have never seen a skunk and my dog doesn’t seem to go after anything in that area. What could it be? It’s almost September now?

Answer 1

Actually, some gardeners have reported that azaleas smell like skunks! This just seems to be the natural scent of some varieties.

The smell is reported to intensify when leaves fall off and decay. Check whether there is any rotting leaf matter under the shrubs. Otherwise, you'll just have to get used to the stink!

Answer 2