Thanks again ... Did I mention that I only discovered some of these shrubs after removing the yards of ground ivy that had overtaken the property. Many of the smaller boxwoods were just mounds underneath the ivy --- lol. Anyway ... what's the best way to treat that row of holly near the cars. I read that it's best to trim them back around Christmas (since I've got friends who'd love the branches for wreaths). Do you think they can be safely trimmed to maybe half their width and 2/3 their height? That would mean there'd be almost no foliage since the inside of the bushes is quite leafless. I would be happy to 'severely' cut them back, and then let them have the year to grow out free-form, but for now they take up too much space and are getting unmanageable. I'm afraid if they are left totally alone they'd grow to the point of no return.

Lace bugs are just now becoming more common here - I didn't think we had them at all but I did find them on large leaved rhododendrons at my SIL's last year. Much easier to treat than your lower to the ground and dense azaleas. Apparently the eggs will overwinter on leaf undersides (there is more than one generation produced per year) then will hatch in early Spring. This article from OregonState.edu does say horticultural oil will help to control at the egg stage - would not be that easy to apply to your plants and get the coverage you wish. Most suggestions are to treat in Spring when the nymphs first hatch... Here is a link that might be useful: Oregon State Azalea Lace Bug

First, it's fine to prune and shape your azaleas so they are not obscuring your window, but be forewarned that these may not be the right plants for that site...they are going to grow again and eventually be back at the same height that is displeasing you now. Prune immediately after bloom so as not to spoil this years display. Is there something different about the azalea on the end that would cause it to not thrive like the others? More sun, less water? Spider mites can often be controlled, or reduced in numbers, by frequent blasts from the hose, several days in a row, dislodging them and spoiling their preference for dry conditions. Pruning congested plants would make that easier to achieve. Last, the swollen, malformed leaves - azalea leaf gall. If you have just the few you describe, hand pick and dispose of them. Heavier infections may respond to a fungicide spray just as leaves begin to unfurl, but it doesn't sound like you have enough of a problem to warrant spraying. This is common following a wet spring, your post will probably be the first of several this season. :) Here is a link that might be useful: Azalea leaf gall

DixieRose....are you anywhere near my former (and much beloved) Beaufort, SC? I expect that you've decided that these azaleas need to be cut back to the ground because they are way over grown, leggy, and just plain too big for their britches. Indicas get that way. Unfortunately, I don't think you should do any major pruning right now. One, you will lose any chance of spring bloom. Two, you would absolutely force those plants into a late season growth spurt which can be dangerous in that neck of the woods. Three....didn't the owners say that they didn't want any major pruning right now??? LOL Here's something for you to consider, too. Are these plants languishing under some old oaks? You may need to beef up the fertilizer on them next year, if so. Also, contrary to what people seem to think, these azaleas do have a finite life span. They don't live forever. Anyway, my advice is to concentrate of all of the fall tasks, and avoid any further pruning, fertilization, or other growth promoting activities. Rejuvenation pruning should be a spring event (after blooming unless you have permission to whack them beforehand.)