Prune azaleas right after they finish blooming
Use clean, sharp pruning shears
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first
Cut back long, leggy stems to encourage bushier growth
Thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation
Trim spent flower clusters carefully without cutting new buds
Shape the plant lightly to maintain its natural form
Avoid heavy pruning late in the season
Do not remove more than one-third of the plant at a time
Cut stems just above a leaf node or side branch
Remove any suckers or weak growth from the base
Clean up all clippings after pruning