I have several azaleas along the front of my house, all planted from pots at the same time about twelve years ago. A few years later we planted a Bradford pear tree in the front yard to provide shade on the house in the afternoon hours. Now the bushes get filtered sun until the sun drops low enough below the tree, which alows late afternoon sun to reach the bushes. Two years ago we had a severe drought here in NC and I was careful to make sure that they recieved enough water. The problem started before the drought though. At one point all the bushes were so thick that it was almost impossible to see through them, but in the last two to three years two of the bushes seem to have stopped growing and are extremely bare to the point that it is very easy too see through them. I have tried azalea food and basic fertilizer, like 10-10-10, to no avail. What gives? Any help would be appreciated.
Be sure to check closely for pests, here are some other tips:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/common-azalea-problems.htm
Why would my azaleas turn black?
It is most likely either sooty mold or sooty canker. Here is more information on these diseases:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-disease-identification-sooty-canker-fungus.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
I planted 20 Azaleas last Labor Day. Winter was very cold in Atlanta area. Spring saw three plants with brown stems that expanded to the entire plant. They died. Now some of the other plants are showing signs of the same problem. Brown leaves, brown stems, and tips of other leaves brown. Help!
It sounds like you may have Phytophthora Root Rot. This article explain more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/what-is-phytophthora.htm
I'm not sure of the problem I have with a bunch of azaleas. The top of the leaves get a whitish cast, then they become reddish brown. The underside of the leaves have small black spots, but I don't see bugs, just spots. The leaves eventually turn brown, losing their green color. Is this mildew, or lace bugs, or a third issue? I'm just not sure. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
The following article should be of some help in pinpointing the likely cause: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/common-azalea-problems.htm
My azaleas have developed black deposits on the leaves.
It is probably sooty mold. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
Sooty mold normally indicates a pest issue. You should check the plants for pests as well.
My azaleas are 6' high. I would like to cut them back to about 4'. Can this be done, and if so, when is the best time?
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/pruning-azaleas.htm
I have three azaleas in my front yard next to my Japanese Elm tree. Two of the azaleas are doing great, but the third one is turning brown and the leaves are getting crunchy (like it's been burnt). They all receive the same abount of sun and water. There is a small patch of green left on the dying azalea - any suggetions? I would like to try and save it if I can.
Did you read this article yet: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/common-azalea-problems.htm
If these do not decribe any of your azalea problems, do you see anything else wrong with the plant, like discoloration?