How to Kill Rhododendron in the Winter

Rhododendrons are poisonous and can kill animals and even people if the plants are eaten. Whatever the reason, if you have rhododendron bushes and want to kill them, there are many methods to do so, including drowning, starving and poisoning them. However, in the winter, rhododendrons are not actively growing, and your choices are limited. Digging them up and discarding them is then the best method to get rid of them. Do this before the ground freezes or wait until it thaws and is workable again to kill your rhododendron bushes during the winter months.

Rhododendron Trees

There is a great deal of variety between the different rhododendron species. Piedmont azalea blossoms range in color from deep rose to white. Some produce pale lavender or deep purple blossoms, while others have blue, salmon, deep red, yellow, white or cream-colored blooms. The McCabe Rhododendron (Rhododendron macabeanum) is an evergreen variety that can grow as tall as 50 feet. Rhododendrons that are planted in areas with poor drainage tend to develop root rot diseases because they do not get the necessary amounts of oxygen. Remove the plant from its root sack or container and gently loosen the roots with your hand. Create a soil mixture using about half of the original soil and approximately half organic material such as deteriorated, dead leaves or compost. Water thoroughly but slowly, giving the soil time to absorb the moisture. The University of Georgia recommends against fertilizing during the planting process, since fertilizer can damage the roots. Rhododendrons occasionally suffer from leaf chlorosis. The bark may split, and sometimes the leaves turn brown or fall from the plant.