Chinese Elm Damaged by Years of Weed & Feed

Herbicide in Weed & Feed Likely Killing Your Elm

Your 20-year-old Chinese weeping elm has thinned and developed dead limbs after several years of “Weed & Feed” lawn fertilizer. The herbicide component (broadleaf weed killer) is taken up by tree roots and causes decline.

Damage Control

• Prune dead wood for appearance (won’t restore health).
• Don’t fertilize now—new roots would absorb residual herbicide.
• Flush the soil: Water 1 inch every 3 days for 2 weeks (pan under sprinkler). This leaches herbicide faster.
• Wait and watch. One year of Weed & Feed may be recoverable; multiple years often kill the tree. Recovery depends on tree age, health, and soil type.

Sorry—there’s no antidote, only dilution and time.