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Fertilizer application after treatment for HWA #871287

Asked June 03, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT

Our association in Oceana County has experienced an infestation of hemlock wooly adelgids.  Two years ago the association treated the hemlocks along its roadway with imidacloprid and most seem to be recovering.  Many property owners in the association have also treated their hemlocks with imidacloprid, dinotefuran, or both.  This spring has seen substantial new growth on most treated hemlocks with no signs of new infestation.


Here is my question:  Would fertilizing our recovering treated hemlocks encourage their recovery?  (I understand that fertilizing untreated already stressed trees could further stress them--but I am specifically referring to treated and visibly recovering trees.)

Oceana County Michigan

Expert Response

If the trees are otherwise recovering well, I would probably play it safe and avoid fertilizing this year. If they appear to be struggling, but there are no signs of the adelgid, you could apply a low rate of fertilizer to give them a boost.

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension! Replied June 03, 2024, 1:20 PM EDT

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