Roots will be encouraged to spread into the soil and water can penetrate into the root ball. The burlap can be left around the root ball but should be pulled away 6 to 8 inches from the top. Check to be sure there is no plastic inside the burlap. Remove any plastic before planting. Before planting have the soil tested and adjust the pH according to soil test results.
Azaleas are shallow-rooted plants that are easily damaged by excessive soil moisture.
When planted in poorly drained soils, azaleas do not receive the oxygen required for healthy growth and often develop root rot diseases. Organic matter added to the soil improves drainage in clay soils and will increase a sandy soil s ability to retain water and nutrients. Current research has determined, however, that organic amendments should not be added just to the planting hole, but to as large a planting area as possible. Azaleas do not tolerate wet soils, so it is important to avoid this problem by digging and amending a large area when planting them. The area of the bed should be large enough to accommodate the plants at maturity and space for the plants on the outside to spread their roots.