Landscape Azaleas

[CWTurner]

I wouldn't just cut it down all around like that. That curvy central branch is pretty cool.
Do something like this, IMO.

Leave the big trunk, I outlined, other cuts in marked in yellow.
CW

 

[sikadelic]

So I went back out and chopped it back further. The central trunk that @CWTurner highlighted was dead but I kept it anyway for carving later on. The most bottom right branch is dead too. I included a picture of the back as well since I didn't earlier.

Everything is sealed up and I think I'm in much better shape now. Thanks for the advice folks!

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

If you're planning to chop, I'd do it now while they're still in the ground. You'll get lot's of back budding and probable some descent growth before the fall, and some descent callus formation, too. Personally, I'd wait until late winter to grab these, then bare root them and into your preferred soil mix. Have fun!

What he said, and skip trenching the roots. Azalea roots are shallow to begin with, and all you’d do is slow down any callus formation and back-budding.

 

[sikadelic]

Thanks Brian. I'll likely chop the remaining one and wait as long as it doesn't interfere with the drain. I have a lot of work on my hands! Whew!

 

[GrimLore]

I must add that in our region sealing is optional as they don't bleed sap as a Fruit would, have tried it both ways many time and actually seen better budding on non sealed MANY times... Mileage varies by location. You have a few tries to play with but honest try them all - only way to know where you and the plant lives The heavier chop though, not optional, huge year saver

Grimmy

 

[Beav13]

Any updates? Tree survive?