Question
We are having a problem with a green, bulbous growth on our fancy azaleas.  A few years ago this same growth appeared on our Wegiela.  We disposed of that shrub at the dumb for fear of spreading this stuff.  Now it's back again.  I have been carefully cutting off the diseased branches, but it's still coming back.  What is it and what do I do about it?

Answer
The problem is a fungal disease called Azalea and Camellia Leaf Gall.  There is not much that can be done at this time of the year.  The best control is to pick off the affected leaves and discard in the trash.  Any and all fallen leaves need to be raked up and disposed of.  This is the source for the fungus each year.  You can treat with any all purpose fungicide starting at bud break next spring and that should greatly minimize the gall formation.  I hope you dont have to pick off too many.  The other option is to severely prune the plants back to remove all the infected leaves.  They are usually at the tips only.  I hope this helps solve your problem.  Thanks.