If you're using a spray for hornets and wasps, it won't harm the tree. It's a nerve agent for wasps/bees/hornets and wont' affect the tree. We used a hornet spray this year a couple of times and it only killed the wasps and a few other unlucky bugs under the spray. Just try to do it in the evening when it's cooler and they don't move quite so fast so you can get near without being chased. Spray the nest from several feet away and that'll take care of them.