We have a two level yard with azaleas banked along the incline. The upper "level" is all trees, red oaks. The azaleas are mature but not sure how long they've been there. We purchased the home (built in 1978) from the original owners but we don't know when they were planted. Could be 30 years old, though. The embankment is split with stairs. One side is full and beautiful, but on the other, the azaleas are starting to die. We know that there used to be a large tree on that side because the stump is still there, and we wonder if the losing the shade that tree provided has made it too sunny for them? There is no sign of lace bug or visible leaf damage, they just turn to sticks and don't rebloom.

We love the look of our yard with these azaleas, but if it's too sunny I suppose it doesn't make sense to plant new azalea bushes as the old ones die? Or could they just have gotten old and died so planting new azaleas might work? If more azaleas are a bad idea, what would you recommend to replace? I've included photos - the top is of the area that is getting sparse and dying, the bottom is from last year - the healthy portion in bloom. I don't have a photo of the dying portion during blooms.

Any advice appreciated.