• If these are evergreen azaleas, pruning them back extensively will not harm them even though it will take some time for them to regrow. Rooting out the kind of aggressive vines you have will, however, be very difficult. If at all possible, I'd suggest digging up the azaleas after pruning and placing them temporarily someplace else. This will allow you to deal with the vines more easily even over a period of more than one year. Eliminating the vines will still be a major project with no guarantee of success, but should work better than trying to work around the azaleas where they are.

I was afraid that would be the case. I live in South Carolina. Do you know when is a good time to transplant? They finished blooming about a week ago. Thanks very much for your help!

Evergreen azaleas can be transplanted just about any time as long as you are able to keep them watered. A partly shady temporary location would be best even though best regrowth after pruning will take place in a sunny location. If you are in a particularly hot area of SC, I'd do it now before really hot weather sets in. If that's not possible, wait until fall when things cool down a bit.