10 Best Tree Insecticides to Protect Your Plants From Pests

I’ve tested numerous tree insecticides and consistently recommend Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub Control for year-long systemic protection, BioAdvanced’s 12 Month Protect and Feed granules for dual pest control and fertilization, and their 3-in-1 spray for extensive coverage against insects, diseases, and mites. Contact killers like Sevin provide immediate results, while systemic options offer lasting defense. Consider your target pests, application preferences, and protection duration needs when selecting products. Below, you’ll discover detailed comparisons and application strategies for each recommended insecticide.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. Last update on 11th September 2025 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

Notable Insights

• Systemic insecticides like BioAdvanced 12 Month Protect and Feed provide year-long protection with single application convenience.
• Contact sprays such as BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Insect Killer deliver immediate pest control for urgent infestations.
• Multi-purpose solutions like BioAdvanced 3-in-1 control insects, diseases, and mites simultaneously for comprehensive plant protection.
• Granular formulations offer mess-free application without mixing requirements, ideal for homeowners seeking low-maintenance pest control.
• Consider active ingredient safety and plant compatibility when selecting insecticides to protect beneficial pollinators and sensitive species.

Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control with Systemaxx (128 oz Concentrate)

When you need thorough protection against destructive insects like borers and miners that threaten your valuable trees and shrubs, Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control with Systemaxx delivers year-long defense in a convenient 128-ounce concentrate. This systemic insecticide contains 1.47% Imidacloprid, which dissolves in water and penetrates the root zone, moving upward through your plants to protect new growth. You can apply it as either a spray or drench on fruit trees like apple, peach, and cherry, as well as ornamental plants and roses. The rainproof formula becomes weather-resistant within hours of application, ensuring consistent protection throughout the growing season.

Best For: Homeowners and gardeners who need long-lasting, systemic protection for fruit trees, ornamental plants, and shrubs against destructive insects like borers and miners.

Pros:

• Provides year-long protection with a single application, making it convenient and cost-effective
• Systemic action penetrates through roots to protect new growth and hard-to-reach areas
• Rainproof formula becomes weather-resistant within hours, ensuring consistent effectiveness

Cons:

• Contains Imidacloprid, which may pose risks to beneficial pollinators like bees
• Large 128 oz concentrate size may be excessive for homeowners with smaller gardens
• Systemic insecticides can take time to show results compared to contact sprays

BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Insect Killer Spray, Concentrate, 32 oz

BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Insect Killer Spray stands out as the ideal solution for gardeners who need immediate, weather-resistant pest control across multiple plant types. This concentrated formula delivers fast-acting results, killing harmful insects like aphids, adult Japanese beetles, caterpillars, and whiteflies upon contact. You’ll appreciate its extensive protection system, which safeguards both trees and shrubs from various destructive pests that can damage your landscape investments. The spray becomes rainproof within just one hour of application, ensuring your pest control efforts remain effective even when unexpected weather arrives, making it perfect for unpredictable seasonal conditions.

Best For: Gardeners who need immediate, weather-resistant pest control for trees and shrubs against a variety of harmful insects including aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, and whiteflies.

Pros:

• Fast-acting formula that kills insects on contact for immediate results
• Becomes rainproof within one hour, ensuring effectiveness despite weather conditions
• Broad spectrum protection against multiple pest types including aphids, adult Japanese beetles, caterpillars, and whiteflies

Cons:

• Concentrated formula requires proper mixing which may be inconvenient for some users
• Contact-based killing action means it may not provide long-term residual protection
• Limited to trees and shrubs, not suitable for other garden plants or indoor use

BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed (4 lb Granules)

Tree care enthusiasts seeking an extensive, long-lasting solution will find this dual-purpose granular formula particularly valuable for simplifying their maintenance routine. This 4-pound container delivers both targeted insect control and essential plant nutrition through convenient granules that require no mixing or spraying equipment. You’ll appreciate the year-long protection against destructive pests like Japanese beetles, emerald ash borers, and aphids, eliminating the need for frequent reapplications that other products demand. The slow-release fertilizer component guarantees your trees and shrubs receive consistent nutrients throughout the growing season, promoting healthier growth while defending against infestations. Whether you’re treating established landscape plants or container specimens, this granular approach integrates seamlessly into standard gardening practices.

Best For: Tree care enthusiasts and homeowners who want a convenient, long-lasting solution that combines pest control and fertilization in one easy-to-apply granular product for their outdoor trees, shrubs, and container plants.

Pros:

• Provides 12 months of protection with a single application, eliminating the need for frequent reapplications
• Combines insect control and slow-release fertilizer in one product, simplifying maintenance routines
• Easy-to-use granules require no mixing or spraying equipment, making application convenient

Cons:

• Limited to granular application method, which may not be suitable for all tree and shrub care preferences
• Only targets specific insects (Japanese beetles, emerald ash borers, adelgids, leafminers, and aphids), potentially missing other pest problems
• 4-pound container size may not be sufficient for larger properties with extensive tree and shrub coverage

BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Insect and Mite Plant Bug Spray (32 oz)

Gardeners who need extensive protection against multiple threats will find BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Insect and Mite Plant Bug Spray particularly valuable, since it tackles insects, diseases, and mites in one convenient formula. You’ll effectively control aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and caterpillars while preventing black spot and powdery mildew on your roses, flowers, shrubs, and trees. The ready-to-spray formula contains tebuconazole and tau-fluvalinate, providing rainproof protection for up to 14 days after application. You can treat up to 192 roses with one 32-ounce bottle, making it cost-effective for larger gardens. Apply every 2-3 weeks during early morning or evening hours for best results.

Best For: Gardeners with larger properties who need comprehensive protection against insects, diseases, and mites on roses, flowers, shrubs, and trees.

Pros:

• 3-in-1 formula controls multiple garden threats (insects, diseases, and mites) in one application
• Rainproof protection lasts up to 14 days, reducing frequency of reapplication
• Cost-effective coverage treating up to 192 roses with one 32-ounce bottle

Cons:

• Heavy infestations may require multiple follow-up applications for complete control
• Not available for purchase in New York state
• Requires regular reapplication every 2-3 weeks during active growing season

BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed II Granules (4 lb)

Long-term protection seekers will find exceptional value in this dual-purpose granular treatment that combines systemic insect control with nutritional support. You’ll appreciate the convenient granular format, which eliminates messy spraying while delivering thorough protection from root to leaf through systemic absorption. This formula targets destructive pests like Japanese beetles, Emerald Ash Borers, and aphids, providing year-long defense with a single application. The slow-release fertilizer component simultaneously nourishes your trees and shrubs, promoting vigorous growth while maintaining pest resistance. You can confidently protect valuable landscape investments knowing this treatment prevents new infestations for twelve months.

Best For: Homeowners seeking long-term, low-maintenance protection for valuable trees and shrubs against destructive pests while simultaneously providing nutritional support.

Pros:

• Provides 12 months of continuous protection with just one application, offering excellent convenience and value
• Dual-action formula combines systemic pest control with slow-release fertilizer for comprehensive plant care
• Easy granular application eliminates the need for messy spraying while ensuring complete coverage from roots to leaves

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost compared to shorter-duration treatments or single-purpose products
• Granular format may be less precise for targeting specific areas compared to spray applications
• 4-pound package size may be excessive for homeowners with only a few small trees or shrubs

Bonide Captain Jacks Neem Oil, 32 oz Ready-to-Use Spray for Organic Gardening

Organic gardeners who prioritize natural pest control will find Bonide Captain Jack’s Neem Oil an exceptional multi-purpose solution for their tree care needs. This ready-to-use spray targets insects, mites, and fungal diseases simultaneously, eliminating eggs, larvae, and adults across all pest life stages. You’ll appreciate its convenience since it requires no mixing, and you can apply it safely up to harvest day on fruit trees. The neem seed-derived formula effectively combats aphids, mites, and powdery mildew while maintaining organic certification standards. Though you’ll notice a strong odor and may need frequent reapplications for severe infestations, this versatile treatment promotes healthier, more vibrant trees.

Best For: Organic gardeners seeking a convenient, multi-purpose pest control solution that can safely treat insects, mites, and fungal diseases on edible plants without compromising organic certification standards.

Pros:

• Multi-purpose formula acts as insecticide, miticide, and fungicide, targeting all pest life stages from eggs to adults
• Ready-to-use spray requires no mixing and can be applied safely up to harvest day on fruits and vegetables
• Organic neem seed-derived formula is approved for organic gardening and promotes healthier, more vibrant plants

Cons:

• Strong, unpleasant odor that many users find objectionable during application
• Requires frequent reapplication, especially for persistent or severe pest infestations
• May be less effective as a treatment for established infestations compared to preventive use

Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Concentrate (Ready-To-Spray), 32 fl Ounce

Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Concentrate delivers broad-spectrum protection that makes it an excellent choice for homeowners managing diverse pest problems across multiple plant types. You’ll appreciate its ability to control over 260 insects, including grubs, ants, fleas, ticks, and Japanese beetles that commonly threaten fruit trees, ornamentals, and landscape plants. The gamma-cyhalothrin active ingredient provides long-lasting contact control, with many users reporting 3-4 months of effectiveness from a single application. You can easily apply this ready-to-spray concentrate using your garden hose attachment, ensuring thorough coverage of leaves and branches for peak pest elimination across your entire property.

Best For: Homeowners with diverse pest problems across lawns, gardens, fruit trees, and ornamental plants who need long-lasting, broad-spectrum insect control that’s easy to apply.

Pros:

• Controls over 260 different insects including grubs, ants, fleas, ticks, and Japanese beetles with a single product
• Long-lasting effectiveness with 3-4 months of protection from one application
• Ready-to-spray concentrate with hose attachment makes application quick and convenient

Cons:

• Mixed customer feedback with variable results depending on specific pests and concentration used
• Requires adjusting dilution for certain insects like ants to achieve optimal effectiveness
• Safety precautions needed during application including wearing a face mask and following specific treatment intervals for vegetables

Sevin 100547234 Insect Killer Ready to use 1 Gallon, White Label

Sevin 100547234 Insect Killer emerges as the extensive solution for gardeners who demand broad-spectrum protection against destructive tree pests. This ready-to-use formula targets over 700 listed insects, including Japanese beetles, aphids, and whiteflies that commonly damage trees. You’ll appreciate its lambda-cyhalothrin active ingredient, which delivers contact killing power within minutes of application. The one-gallon size provides excellent value for treating multiple trees, shrubs, and other landscape plants throughout your property. Simply shake well and spray from one foot away using the narrow fan nozzle for ideal coverage and results.

Best For: Gardeners and homeowners who need comprehensive protection against a wide variety of insect pests on trees, shrubs, vegetables, roses, and flowers with a fast-acting, ready-to-use solution.

Pros:

• Kills over 700 listed insect pests on contact with visible results within minutes
• Ready-to-use formula requires no mixing and comes in a convenient 1-gallon size for treating large areas
• Safe for use on a wide variety of plants including vegetables, roses, trees, shrubs, and flowers without harming the plants

Cons:

• Cannot be sprayed on open blooms as it may harm beneficial pollinating insects
• Requires a 24-hour waiting period before watering treated areas for optimal effectiveness
• At 8.4 pounds, the gallon size may be heavy and cumbersome for some users to handle during application

BioAdvanced 3-In-1 Insect, Disease and Mite Control Concentrate (32 oz)

Anyone seeking extensive protection for their trees will find BioAdvanced 3-In-1 Insect, Disease and Mite Control Concentrate delivers exceptional versatility in a single solution. This powerful fungicide concentrate targets multiple threats simultaneously, controlling harmful insects like aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and caterpillars while preventing diseases such as powdery mildew and black spot. You’ll appreciate the rainproof protection that lasts up to 30 days, ensuring consistent defense against pests and pathogens. The 32-ounce concentrate creates up to 12 gallons of treatment spray, making it cost-effective for large properties with roses, flowers, shrubs, and trees requiring thorough care.

Best For: Gardeners and property owners with large areas of roses, flowers, shrubs, and trees who need comprehensive protection against multiple pests and diseases in a single, cost-effective treatment.

Pros:

• 3-in-1 formula provides comprehensive control of insects, diseases, and mites in one application
• Rainproof protection lasts up to 30 days for long-lasting defense
• Cost-effective concentrate makes up to 12 gallons of spray from a 32-ounce bottle

Cons:

• Chemical concentrate may not be suitable for organic gardening practices
• Requires mixing and proper application equipment for use
• May affect beneficial insects along with harmful pests

BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub Insect Killer, Ready-to-Use, 32Oz

BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub Insect Killer delivers extensive pest control for homeowners who need reliable, long-lasting protection across large outdoor areas. This ready-to-use spray targets over 30 common pests, including mosquitoes, ants, ticks, grubs, and armyworms, eliminating surface insects within 24 hours of application. You’ll appreciate the impressive coverage area, as one 32-ounce bottle treats up to 5,334 square feet of lawn and soil around trees and shrubs. The formula provides three months of protection against soil-dwelling insects, while rainproof technology maintains effectiveness for 30 days after application, ensuring your investment withstands weather challenges throughout the growing season.

Best For: Homeowners with large outdoor areas who need comprehensive, long-lasting protection against a wide variety of pests including surface and soil-dwelling insects around trees, shrubs, and lawn areas.

Pros:

• Covers an impressive 5,334 square feet with just one 32-ounce bottle, making it cost-effective for large properties
• Provides extended protection with up to 3 months of soil insect control and 30 days of rainproof effectiveness
• Targets over 30 different pest types with fast-acting results, killing surface insects within 24 hours

Cons:

• Limited customer feedback with only one review available, making it difficult to assess real-world performance
• May be overkill for smaller properties or homeowners with minimal pest issues
• Ready-to-use format may be less economical than concentrate options for frequent or large-scale applications

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tree Insecticide

When I help you select the right tree insecticide, I focus on five critical factors that determine your treatment’s success and safety. First, you’ll need to identify your specific target pest species, whether you’re dealing with aphids, scale insects, or boring beetles, since different active ingredients work better against particular threats. Additionally, I consider your preferred application method, the duration of protection you need, ingredient safety for your family and pets, and whether the product is compatible with your specific tree varieties.

Target Pest Species

One fundamental step determines your success in tree pest management: accurately identifying the specific insect species that’s threatening your trees. Different insecticides target different pests, so knowing whether you’re dealing with aphids, beetles, or caterpillars directly influences your product selection. I recommend examining your trees closely for visible signs like holes, discoloration, or actual insects to make proper identification.

Understanding your target pest’s life cycle gives you a strategic advantage in timing applications effectively. Some insects are most vulnerable during specific developmental stages, making your treatment more impactful. Additionally, certain pests like borers and leaf miners require specialized formulations that penetrate plant tissues, while surface feeders respond well to contact insecticides that eliminate them immediately upon application.

Application Method Preferences

Your choice of application method greatly impacts both the effectiveness of your insecticide treatment and the overall convenience of your pest management routine. Sprays offer immediate contact with pests and provide rainproof protection for extended periods, making them ideal for quick-acting solutions. I recommend drench applications when you need systemic protection, as the active ingredients absorb through soil to reach roots and emerging growth throughout your tree. Granular insecticides eliminate mixing and spraying hassles while delivering slow-release pest control directly to the soil around your trees. Consider your treatment frequency preferences too, since some products protect for up to a full year, while others require reapplication every few weeks depending on pest pressure and environmental conditions.

Protection Duration Needs

Understanding protection duration helps you match your insecticide choice to both pest lifecycles and your maintenance preferences. I recommend considering whether you need quick, short-term relief or extended protection lasting up to 12 months. Systemic insecticides, which plants absorb internally, typically provide longer-lasting defense by targeting pests throughout the entire tree structure. Contact insecticides deliver immediate results but require more frequent reapplication, sometimes every few weeks during active pest seasons. You’ll want to align your selection with peak infestation periods in your region, ensuring coverage during critical times when pest populations surge. Consider the specific insects you’re targeting, as their lifecycle stages determine best treatment timing. Choosing products that match both pest activity patterns and your desired maintenance schedule creates the most effective, sustainable protection strategy.

Active Ingredient Safety

Beyond timing your applications effectively, the specific active ingredients in your chosen insecticide directly impact safety for your family, pets, and the broader ecosystem around your trees. I recommend carefully examining each product’s label to understand the toxicity levels and potential risks associated with different compounds. For instance, while Imidacloprid effectively targets specific pests, it can harm beneficial pollinators like bees if you don’t apply it properly. The EPA rigorously tests these ingredients to establish safe exposure levels, which helps guide your selection process. I often suggest considering organic options like neem oil, as these natural compounds typically pose fewer risks to beneficial insects and the environment. Always prioritize products with clear safety guidelines for protecting children, pets, and desirable wildlife.

Plant Compatibility Requirements

When selecting tree insecticides, matching the product to your specific plant species becomes absolutely critical for both effectiveness and plant health. I always check product labels carefully, as different formulations target specific plant types like roses, apple trees, peach varieties, or ornamental shrubs. You’ll find that systemic insecticides work particularly well with certain species, penetrating the root zone and protecting new growth as they move throughout the plant.

I recommend evaluating potential toxicity levels before application, especially around sensitive plants that might suffer adverse effects. The application method matters greatly too—some trees respond better to soil drenches while others benefit from foliar sprays or granular treatments. Understanding these compatibility requirements guarantees you’ll achieve ideal pest control while maintaining your trees’ health and vigor.

On a final note

I’ve covered eight exceptional tree insecticides that’ll protect your plants from damaging pests, ranging from systemic concentrates to ready-to-use sprays. Whether you choose Bonide’s long-lasting systemic protection, BioAdvanced’s multi-purpose formulas, or Sevin’s reliable ready-to-use option, you’re equipped with proven solutions. Remember to take into account your specific pest problems, application preferences, and treatment duration when selecting products. With these effective insecticides and proper application techniques, you’ll maintain healthy, thriving trees and shrubs throughout the growing season.