Zylam 20SG Systemic Turf Insecticide is applied at the rate of 1 oz. (6 tsp) per gallon of water per 1,000 sq. ft.
Zylam 20 SG is labeled specifically for use on lawns and is not labeled for use on shrubs or trees. We recommend you use Safari 20 SG which contains the same active ingredient and is labeled for this use. You will need to use 1.25 - 2.5 level teaspoons per foot of height of the shrub. You will use the volume of water that is convenient for you and that your soil will accept. See below for a broader explanation:
Most people use a 5 gallon bucket or a large watering can to apply Safari as a soil drench. You will need 1.25 - 2.5 level teaspoons of Safari per foot of shrub height or 1.25 - 2.5 level teaspoons per inch of trunk diameter for trees. The amount of water that is used will vary depending on soil conditions and volumes that are easy for applicators to use. The minimum amount of water that should be used is 1 pint per foot of shrub height (or inch of trunk diameter for trees) but you may use 1 quart -1 gallon of water per foot of height (or inch of trunk diameter for trees) as well. Denser soils such as clay do not accept water as readily, so the lower volume of water is suggested. Since sandy soils can accept more water, using the higher volume of water is preferred. Note: Water simply acts as a carrier and it is important that even distribution of the product is achieved. Thus, more water may be used if the applicator feels runoff will not occur and proper penetration of the root zone is achieved. Insecticides applied to the soil are taken up by the roots and translocated throughout the tree or shrub. Root/soil drenches offer the advantage of requiring no special equipment to apply (other than a bucket or watering can). However, surface layers of organic matter, such as mulch or leaf litter, can bind the insecticide and reduce uptake. Before applying drenches, it is important to remove or pull back any mulch or dead leaves so the insecticide solution is poured directly on the mineral soil. It is also important to keep the soil around the tree or shrub moist for the next 7-10 days after applications to encourage uptake. We also recommend using a product with an active ingredient that is different than the soil drench for a foliage application while you are waiting for the Safari to translocate through the ficus. Talstar P is the most popular choice for foliage application on ficus for white fly.
