Rhoddendron problem . . . ? Dieback of branches?

[NotSoAvidGardener]

Need a little help determining if our rhododendron has a problem, and if so, what action to take. I did tool the internet, and found this site, but it doesn't quite seem to address what we see as 'symptoms.' This rhododendron has been around for 30+ years. We had a warm spell, followed eventually by a few cold nights. Although we've had such weather in the past. Anyway, the lower portion of the bush seems uncharacteristically bare, and some of the leaves are brownish or tan. We live on the east coast, about 250 miles inland, at an elevation of around 2150 ft. I've attached pictures. It isn't lacking for buds, if one zooms in on the two pictures that include the upper part of the bush.

Thanks in advance.

 

[oneeye]

Need a little help determining if our rhododendron has a problem, and if so, what action to take. I did tool the internet, and found this site, but it doesn't quite seem to address what we see as 'symptoms.' This rhododendron has been around for 30+ years. We had a warm spell, followed eventually by a few cold nights. Although we've had such weather in the past. Anyway, the lower portion of the bush seems uncharacteristically bare, and some of the leaves are brownish or tan. We live on the east coast, about 250 miles inland, at an elevation of around 2150 ft. I've attached pictures. It isn't lacking for buds, if one zooms in on the two pictures that include the upper part of the bush.

Thanks in advance.

Remove all the hardwood mulch around the base of the plants. The hardwood is tying up the nitrogen and raising the pH.

Hardwood mulch generally tends to make the soil more alkaline (raise the pH) as it decomposes. This is because hardwood mulches break down and release alkaline substances into the soil. If you're planting acid-loving plants like azaleas and rhododendrons, you'll need to either choose a different type of mulch that releases acid, like pine straw or conifer bark, or amend the soil with sulfur or an acid fertilize.

 

[NotSoAvidGardener]

I'll check if the mulch I've been using is from pine bark or not. The puzzle is that it's the same mulch I've used ever since the landscaping was finished many years ago. In any case, I do have a fair bit of compost, a lot, actually, I can use as a substitute. If it isn't hardwood mulch, any other thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.