If My Azaleas Were Cut Back Will It Affect Future Blooms?

Q: I have (had) beautiful azaleas around my house. However, I hired a new yard man who cut them way back! Will this affect blooms this year?

A: I am sad to say the answer is very likely yes, you won’t have many blooms this year. On the other hand, when I cut back a severely overgrown azalea a few years ago, I didn’t have any blooms the first year but the year after that it was magnificent.