We understand the different rate directions can be confusing on the Safari 20SG. You should get great results from using the higher rate under the product label directions for use on hedges. Since your hedges are in a row and so close together, some of the active ingredient from each plant's root system would reach over to the neighboring plants. So you could use the rate of 1 oz per foot of hedge height per 100 linear feet rate, which would put you at 4 oz for 100 linear feet of shrubs which is 4 feet high.
Yes Safari 20SG Systemic Insecticide is labeled to kill bagworms.
You can view these instructions on page 8 of the Supplemental Label here. You would use 12 – 24 oz of Safari 20SG per gallon of water. Depending on bark type and thickness, one gallon of spray solution will typically cover 65-85” of cumulative trunk diameter.
All products carry some level of toxicity. When used as directed on the product label, Safari 20SG Systemic Insecticide with Dinotefuran is safe.
Yes, you can use an imidicloprid product such as Dominion 2L insecticide as a soil drench around the root system of the tree while the tree is actively growing. This is typically done in the late winter/ early spring. You would use 0.1 – 0.4 oz of Dominion 2L per inch of trunk diameter at breast height diluted in water in a bucket or watering can and poured around the base of each tree. We generally recommend that you pair a soil drench with a topical spray such as a horticultural oil or a pyrethroid such as Talstar P. The contact sprays are most effective when applied to the crawlers that have emerged and are active in mid to late summer. You can also then spray the trunk with Safari.
Since Safari 20SG is not labeled for use on maple trees that are tapped for syrup, we would not recommend this application. Usually you will need to wait at least one year from treatment to harvest edibles that have been treated with a systemic insecticide. We recommend contacting Valent directly at 800-898-2536.
Safari 20SG Systemic Insecticide with Dinotefuran usually only needs to be applied once a year as a soil drench but it can be applied more often if needed as long as you do not go over the max rate per year listed on the product label. Systemic products applied to the soil usually do not need to be applied more than 1-2 times per year though. If you follow this link and scroll to page 10 of the Safari 20SG Systemic Insecticide Product Label , it has a chart and instructions for use in containerized plants. It goes over potted plants by size in inches rather than gallons so you will want to measure your plants and reference the chart for how much solution for your needs. Also be sure to bring the plants outside before treating until the soil dries, typically 4-6 hours
Safari 20SG Systemic Insecticide with Dinotefuran will typically last between 6 months to 1 year and is best applied before pests are an issue, the label does state to make the first application just before pest populations reach an economic threshold. If necessary, make a second application after 14-21 days. Please keep in mind that there are many variables that can influence how long a systemic is still active in the target plant such as soil condition, rainfall, and health of the plant. Most people only apply once per year but no more than twice.
Please review the product label for application instructions for foliar, broadcast and soil denching to treat Hemlock Woolly Adelgid beginning on page 8 of the product label and ending on page 15.
Per the product label, you should use higher labeled rates of Safari 20SG Systemic Insecticide with Dinotefuran for broadleaf evergreens with dense foliage (ex. hollies), on very large trees or if controlling insects on woody plants more than on herbaceous plants.
For Pine Needle Scale, apply at the rate of 3g to 12g (1.25 tsp to 5 tsp) per inch of trunk diameter at D.B.H in 1-4 pints of water per inch of trunk diameter at D.B.H. One (1) level teaspoon contains 2.4 grams, and 1 cup (8 fl oz) contains 4.0 oz by weight
Safari can be applied as a basal trunk spray as gives instructions on page 15 of product label for doing so.
Per the product label, you can mix Safari 20SG with a surfactant, but it may not be very helpful for woolly adelgids in particular since they are mostly controlled by ingesting the active ingredient rather than by contact:
Tank mixing with a surfactant may improve control of pests such as whitefly, mealybug and scale. Confirm plant safety of tank mix in small area before using on a commercial scale.
Safari is not labeled to be used on anything edible.   Unfortunately once the beetles have already infested the bark of a lime tree there are not any viable treatment options. In cases of infestation the general recommendation is to simply protect the surrounding trees with preventative sprays with a product labeled for such a use. This can be done using something like Monterey Garden Insect Spray.
