Saving My Azaleas From Sewer Work

Q: The county is going to repair the sewer line in my back yard soon. In the way are some seven-foot-tall azaleas. What’s the best way to save them? 

A: Grab some buddies or hire a small landscaping crew and put them on the calendar to come work for you. Thoroughly soak the soil under your azaleas at least twice before the workers come help you dig. If you plan to put the azaleas back in place after the sewer work is done, you can situate them side-by-side in a shady spot after being dug. Cover the roots with soil and keep it moist. Spray the foliage with water at least once per day. When the county work is done, reinstall the azaleas and water regularly for the rest of this year and through next summer.