What is this disease and how do you treat

Question

What is this disease and how do you treat it? It is on azaleas and rhododendrons and the main branches just look black like they have been in a fire. What is this?

Answer 1

I believe you have what is called "sooty mold". For more information and recommended treatments, please visit the following links:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-sooty-mold.htm