Your azaleas look like they are struggling and we notice reduced growth. Some reasons include  poor soils, poor site conditions, insect issues such as lacebugs, etc.

You did not mention where the azaleas are located and how you care for them. In general, azaleas grow best in morning sun and afternoon shade in an acidic, well drained soil. If they are located in full sun they will require more moisture during dry periods and be susceptible to possible lace bug damage, a sucking insect. Avoid planting these shrubs in poorly drained compacted soils, low areas that collect water runoff, and locations near downspouts. These sites will often cause root rot issues. Here is more on growing azaleas, problems, lace bug damage and what to look for. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/azaleas-and-rhododendrons-identify-and-manage-problems

 You can prune the shrub back in early spring before new growth appears.  However there will no blooms possibly for several years.   Here is more on renewal pruning. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges  

Even if you renovated the shrubs, they will continue to struggle if they are located in the sun in poor growing conditions. They will be also be susceptible to lacebugs. 

Depending upon your site and growing conditions we recommend replacing the shrubs with other species adapted to the site, sun or shade and mature height and width of the plants.

For example, if you have full sun consider glossy abelia (dwarf cultivars), chamaecyparis, etc. 

Marian

Thank you so much for your response.

We don't recommend specific businesses but we can provide you with several resources that list landscape management businesses. You can contact them for more information and a site visit. 

Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professionals. Perhaps you can arrange a site visit for more information on native plants, installation, more options, etc. Native plants are beneficial for our native pollinators, birds, and wildlife.  https://cblpro.org/https://extension.umd.edu/resource/what-native-plant

Landscape Contractors Association- https://www.lcamddcva.org/page/ConsumerResources

Maryland Nursery, Landscapers, and Greenhouse Association- https://www.mnlga.org/consumer

Marian

Thank you.

I work in our Church garden and we have many Native Pollinators

We are glad to hear that you are interested in landscaping with native plants for pollinators and that one of our MD Extension trained Master Gardeners is helping.

For your azalea situation, morning sun is ideal. Check to make sure that your mulch is no deeper than 2-4 inches and is pulled away from the trunk/stems of the plants. Too much mulch can smother roots of trees, shrubs and other plants.

Christine

You're welcome.