Question
Last year we had two Princeton elms planted in our back yard (Central Pa). Insects were a problem and I sprayed the trees often with limited success. I have found an online site that sells fertilizer for these elms that is supposed to help them maintain their vigor. Is this special fertilizer a good thing for the elms? And my other question is whether the bayer insecticides that work by the tree absorbing them through the root system is a good idea for these elm trees or even my spruce and cedar trees? Insects have been bad around here for a few years. Thanks for the consideration.

Joe Marinak

Answer
It will depend on what type insects are infesting your elm. Those that eat leaves or suck the plant juices will be killed by the Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect control product. It also should protect the elm for the season. Here is a web link to this product that will give you more information.
http://www.bayeradvanced.com/product/Tree-Shrub-Insect-Control/concentrate.html

As far as the fertilizer you can use any general fertilizer like 10-10-10 at the rate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good.