The directions for Ortho Tree and Shrub Insect Control Granules vary depending on if you are treating trees, shrubs, or ornamental plants grown in the ground. The granules will be applied directly to the ground at the base of the tree, shrub or ornamental plant.  Directions per the product label:  Evenly distribute the product on the soil surface within one and a half feet of the base of the plant. Only apply to moist soil. Do not apply to dry, saturated or frozen soil or when plants are not actively growing and taking up water from soil. For plants grown in the ground: Apply evenly on the soil around the base of plant within 18 inches of the trunks Trees: one-third to two-third cup per inch of diameter of trunk. Apply at base of tree and water the granules to move the insecticide into the soil. For multi-stemmed trees, add the diameter for all stems together to determine the total diameter to be treated. For Shrubs: one-fourth to one-third cup per foot of shrub height