MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
mulch turned to white mat

Question: This spring my wife decided to build a vegetable planter box for a small number of tomatoes, green peppers, zucchini and kale on the south side of the house.  She mixed compost with top soil and covered it with mulch.  Coming back from vacation last week, we discovered a thick white mat (about 1 1/2 inches) across the top of the planter.  See picture below.  For comparison, you can see the same mulch under the tree on the north side of the house.

What is this "white mat"?  Is it harmful?  What do we do about it?

Thanks

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 29, 2024, 3:30 PM EDT
response: It's hard to identify with precision, but given the circumstances (growing atop mulch and not foliage or stems only), it's probably just a decay fungus, consuming some of the mulch as it degrades. If so, this is normal and not a concern, as these types of fungi don't kill live plants and just decay organic matter instead. (Slime molds do the same, or harmlessly eat microbes, but their growth tends to be more lumpy than diffuse-looking like this.) The visible fungal growth will gradually fade away as it dies back or dries out. However, be sure to remove all plant debris from the crops once they're finished producing, as that might otherwise harbor pathogen spores or pests for the next year.  Although it wasn't the reason for sharing the photo, we noticed in the comparison picture that the tree appears to have landscape fabric laid around its base (there's a small piece of it visible by the trunk, so it is presumably buried under the mulch). If that's the case, we recommend its removal, as it doesn't work over the long term to prevent weed growth, and since it takes a very long time (decades) to break down, it could risk harm to tree health if it stretches too tightly over the root flare or interferes with oxygen levels in the soil. The longer it's left in place, the harder it can be to remove without having to cut around roots weaving into the fabric, so take out what you can without injuring major roots if that's the case.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 29, 2024, 5:54 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your insightful and quick response. On Thu, Aug 29, 2024, 3:30 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 30, 2024, 9:46 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Pitch on needles of Loblolly Pine

Question: While on a hike on Assateague Island I saw a few trees that had this white stuff that looks like it might be pitch all over a few ends of branches, where the pinecones were growing from.  Only a few of the branches on a given tree had this on them, and it didn't seem to be spreading to nearby trees.  It doesn't seem to be the result of injury to the tree, and they way it seems to be hanging inn place and dripping down makes me think it's not Pineus pini or some other sort of wooly hemipteran, but I'm not sure about either of those things.  

Is it possible to identify what is causing this?

Apologies for the quality of the photos, this was high enough that I couldn't really get close to take detailed pictures.  I believe the trees were Loblolly pines.  

Thanks!

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 30, 2024, 10:20 AM EDT
response: Unfortunately it's hard to tell what the cause of the residue was. It might be sap, oozing from tip-boring insect larvae, or it might be the woolly aphid you mention. Sap ooze from environmental stress is also possible in pines, though in that case we'd expect to see it on more branches.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2024, 1:43 PM EDT
response: Thanks as always!

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 30, 2024, 3:48 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Question about this plant

Question: I live in Monument at ~7500 feet  Is this a good plant or should I take steps to remove it?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 29, 2024, 3:19 PM EDT
response: Hi Jerry, I'm assuming you mean the purple-flowering plant:  that is a purple tansy-aster (Dieteria species).  It is a native plant, typically an annual or short-lived perennial that is well adapted to disturbed sites, so it will show up on roadsides especially, though gaps in fields are welcome habitat too.  There is no need to remove it. I hope this is helpful! Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 29, 2024, 8:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your replySent from my iPad On Aug 29, 2024, at 1:19 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Bug ID

Question: We saw these wasp looking bugs in Horsemint plants at the Landscape Arboretum today, they were 1”-2” in size.  Zoom in on pics.
Wondering what they are?

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied August 30, 2024, 6:19 AM EDT
response: I am sorry the resolution is too low and the magnified images are too pixelated to see any detail. Flea beetles love mints and can do the kind of damage the plants have.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2024, 6:17 PM EDT
response: Is this any better?Sent from Todd's iPad On Aug 30, 2024, at 5:19 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied August 31, 2024, 8:27 AM EDT
response: It looks like a large black wasp and they are common. https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/great-black-wasp
Milkweed

Question: When can I take milkweed down?   

I have a lot of it and some of it doesn’t look that great.   I’ve seen two butterflies and no caterpillars this summer.    

Would it be OK if I removed most of it and left a few?

responder: Thank you for your question! Jean P.   Replied August 29, 2024, 6:36 PM EDT
response: Hello, Your common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, looks really great for this time of year.  Cutting it back at this time of year would depend on your personal gardening goals.  We are closing in on the end of the monarch breeding season, so in that regard, you could remove it after closely inspecting each leaf, stem and seed pod to ensure that no eggs, larva, pupa or adults are present. If your goal is to support wildlife beyond monarchs, then you can leave it. Stems are important habitat for other insects. In late spring as the Orioles return, they look for stems to strip long fibers from to weave their nests. Milkweeds are a popular plant choice for them so leaving them up until your local Orioles have established nests is also helpful.  "In the fall, winter, and spring, pollinators and other insects rely on the shelter provided by last year’s plant stalks, fallen leaves, brush piles, and sticks. In climate zones where temperatures are not yet consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, garden debris is crucial habitat. And even if you live in a warmer region, leaving those leaves and stalks creates valuable all-around habitat and attracts new pollinators." From Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) resources. Additional resources from MJV.  This Xerces Society resource shows the benefit to solitary nesting bees as a nesting source.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2024, 8:48 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your timely and informative response.   Ha ha it was not exactly what I was looking for (To take down my milkweed guilt free!!)I did take down some of it, but left the stalks about a foot high.   I left quite a few plants there though and spread some of the pods.   I also have some milkweed in the backyard where it doesn’t bother my neighbor and I will leave that there..   It is unfortunate that suburbia isn’t a little bit messier and eco-friendly.    Hopefully this will change someday.  Luckily most people on our street do not have perfect lawns and I can be kind of messy and eco-friendly without sticking out too much!!! Thanks again, AnneSent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Thursday, August 29, 2024, 6:36 PM, Extension Foundation wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question! Jean P.   Replied August 30, 2024, 5:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Anne, You're welcome. The response wasn't meant to make you feel badly or guilty about removing the milkweed. It is your garden and yard and you should feel able to add or remove plants as you desire.  If you are searching for a milkweed that is a bit tidier and better behaved than common, you may want to consider swamp milkweed or butterfly weed. Monarchs will use both of these. Happy gardening!
Black-eyed Susan petals turning white at tips

Question: Hello,

My black-eyed Susans are turning white at the petal tips, only on the tops. The underside doesn't seem to be affected. I've never seen this before. What causes this, and should I do anything? Thanks for your help.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 29, 2024, 11:24 AM EDT
response: We've seen this phenomenon before, but don't have an explanation other than that it appears to be caused by abiotic factors (that is, not due to living agents like a pest or infection). It appears to be related to flower age, as the petals fade they may be getting "bleached" by high heat and/or drought conditions, if the planting isn't being periodically watered. Nothing needs to be done about the white tips, and if bothersome, those flowers can be clipped off, thought that will reduce a bit the number of seed heads that can benefit birds in fall and winter, like Goldfinches.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 01, 2024, 7:34 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Miri. I have been a bit remiss in watering these flowers during the dry spells. On Thu, Aug 29, 2024 at 11:24 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Poplar tree

Question: The poplar tree in our yard has 1/4 of its branches with no leaves and has dropped yellow leaves for the past 3 weeks.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied August 29, 2024, 4:27 PM EDT
response: It has been a hot and dry for the last two summers and trees respond to this stress by dropping leaves.  Water your tree until the ground freezes to help it recover. Diseases on these trees are usually easily spotted. The second website gives details. 1. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/poplar/leavesdrop.html 2. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/poplar/branchesdead.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 03, 2024, 9:05 PM EST
response: Good evening.The tree continues to look worse as the fall has gone on. I took some pictures of the tree and the bark that started falling off the tree this week. They are attached in the zip file.The bark falls apart when you pick it up, has a white ash like appearance on the outside, and has left big scars on the branches (see photo). Half of the tree looks like it is dying (see tree photo).Please let me know what you think.Thanks,Kristi On Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 03:27:44 PM CDT, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied November 04, 2024, 9:28 AM EST
response: We are not able to open your file because we do not accept zip files.  You can upload .jpg, .png, .gif, .txt, or .pdf  per our instructions on the original question page.  From your description of bark peeling off it sounds like a canker.  Compare what you are seeing with the descriptions at the following website: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/poplar/branchesdead.html
Raspberry pruning

Question: We bought a house in Apple Valley in July and inherited 2 huge raspberry patches. Roughly? 15% bear delicious red and yellow berries. The remainder don't, and appear to have borne none this year. I'm told there's a difference in pruning depending on whether they are everbearing or every other year but I have no way of knowing what kind they are. Shall I chop all the barren ones down to the ground? Now, October, spring? Even if every one bore fruit, I couldn't reach the ones in the middle unless I chop a bunch down.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied August 28, 2024, 11:20 PM EDT
response: Your raspberry patch is in desperate need of care.  I can't tell what type of berries you have but they are struggling to get nutrients.  Normally canes die after the second year and should be removed to the ground.  You need to dig out some canes and make a couple pathways through the patch so you can see what plants are producing, what canes are dead, and the color of the berries.  I am guessing your berries are primocane varieties.  As I mentioned, after bearing fruit, they will die during the summer of the second year.  In the meantime, new canes are coming up to fruit that year.  And the cycle continues.  They normally do not need trellising.  https://extension.umn.edu/raspberry-farming/raspberry-types-and-varieties

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 28, 2024, 11:37 PM EDT
response: So I'll cut to the ground all the canes with no fruit now, and cut to the ground all the canes with fruit after the berries are gone. The only canes not to cut are the very young sprouting ones. Is that right? Because I don't really think any of them are dead. Thick and brown stemmed, some of them, with some tannish leaves, but not dead dead: all of them have lits of green leaves.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied August 28, 2024, 11:42 PM EDT
response: The canes with brown stems and yellowing leaves are in the process of dying.  By spring they would break off at ground level if you snapped them.  Given how crowded you patch is, it might be good to take them out now.  The ones that bore fruit this year may give you a small crop in the spring, then they will begin the process of dying back.  You can trim the top back a foot or so and leave them up for now.
Bark Damage on Maple Tree

Question: Background:
Our 11' Sienna Glen Maple tree was planted June 4, 2024. It was damaged on August 22, when the Lawn Care crew for our HOA was mowing and fertilizing our lawn. The damage goes almost 50% of the way around the tree's circumference. 

Questions:
1) How severe is the damage and what will be the impact on our tree?

2) What can be done to repair or treat our tree?

Thank You for your advice.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 28, 2024, 2:52 PM EDT
response: Based upon what can be seen in the photo, we think it's best to replace the tree.  Because it's been recently planted, the loss associated with removing it now will be less than waiting to see how it fares.   Learn more here:  https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/equipment-damage-to-trees/

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 28, 2024, 3:46 PM EDT
response: Hello, Thank you for what I should do.The lawn care company is responsible for the tree's damage. To convince the owner that he should pay for a replacement tree, he will have some questions for me. Please respond to the following questions so I have expert advice to justify buying a new tree.1) How severe is the damage and what will be the impact on our tree? 2) What can be done to repair or treat our tree?Thanks.BradOn Wed, Aug 28, 2024 at 1:52 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 28, 2024, 5:12 PM EDT
response: Paragraphs 3-7 in the Purdue publication make the case for replacing the tree.  Under the circumstances recovery is considered possible if damage is limited to 25% of the circumference or less.  Beyond that prospects dim to nil.  https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/columns/dakota-gardener/dakota-gardener-your-lawn-mower-scares-trees  Trying to save the tree would require an arborist's services to remove loose bark and otherwise care for the wound. The service is likely to cost more than replacing the tree.
Eggs on my peppers plants

Question: I am trying to find out what these eggs are that are on my pepper plants. I also have white flies that are everywhere on my other plants. I have these plants in a greenhouse with ventilation. I am still getting peppers but my leaves are dying off and these gnat size white flies are annoying. They are not responding to anything I have tried. Thanks for your help.

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied August 28, 2024, 1:39 PM EDT
response: The eggs that youre describing are small aphids. The yellowing on the final picture is feeding damage from aphids or other insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts. With the recent heat, these have been very good conditions for aphids to reproduce quickly. Neem oil or insecticidal soap will kill aphids but can only be applied at temps of below 90 F. When we cool down again over the weekend, I expect the aphid issues will subside.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 28, 2024, 1:46 PM EDT
response: I have been applying neem oil, insecticide soaps & seven for the past 3 months. They have been the worst  just over the past month. Thanks On Wed, Aug 28, 2024, 1:39 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 29, 2024, 10:06 AM EDT
response: Is there anything more I can do to both eliminate my current problem, which has been going on for 3 months, and prevent it from happening next year. I had no problem with this for the past 2 years. Thanks for your help.  On Wed, Aug 28, 2024, 1:39 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 31, 2024, 5:15 PM EDT
response: As was mentioned previously, when cooler temperatures arrive, aphid problems should subside. Each year is so different due to weather, different pest pressures, etc. that it is hard to predict what may be an issue.  Having said that, click this link for some detailed information about aphids and some various ways to combat it - perhaps there is something here you haven't tried yet. Good luck! https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7404.html
elderberry disease

Question: I have an elderberry bush with tightly curled leaves and deformed flower heads. The entire bush is affected. This photo is of an affected cutting

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 29, 2024, 8:01 PM EDT
response: Assuming you have not sprayed any herbicide near these, this appears to be damage from eriophyid mites. They can attack many different kinds of plants, but their damage appears like this on elderberry and they can over winter in the buds. If you want to confirm this you can send in a sample.  Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu) If you scroll down in this link you will see damage that looks very similar to your plants on elderberry from these mites: Pests & Problems | Midwest Elderberry Cooperative (midwest-elderberry.coop)  Here are links to some university and botanical garden articles discussing this pest and treatment: Eriophyid mites (missouribotanicalgarden.org) Elderberry Insect and Disease Management | MU Extension (missouri.edu)

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2024, 3:21 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much! If i get them tested, I will let you know the results On Thu, Aug 29, 2024, 8:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Stressed Green Japanese Maple

Question: I have a japanese Maple tree that was planted last year.  The spots on the leaves look mostly like stress due to low water which is no surprise at this point.  Is there anything else that could/should be done at this point?

responder: BarbLB   Replied August 28, 2024, 6:58 AM EDT
response: Dennis, Thanks for asking. Yes, these spots are likely not going to hurt your Japanese maple.  It looks to be quite close to the ground so it is important to keep the area below it clear of debris.   Japanese Maples require good drainage and if you water it and the leaves get wet this hot summer sun can burn those leaves and spots can be the result. Keep your hose low to the ground and make sure water doesn’t  “pool” at the base of the trunk.  Most times these trees do not require added fertilizer. You can though obtain a soil test to see what nutrients may be in excess or needed. Use this link to learn more about soil tests. https://agsci.psu.edu/aasl/soil-testing Tar Spot is a known fungal infection affecting maple trees. It will make the appearance less desirable but should not kill the tree. Use this link to learn more. It is spread by the wind so it isn’t easy to control other than keeping the area clean.  https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/08/how-should-i-plant-care-japanese-maple There are treatments however a professional can determine the exact cause before treatment is necessary.    This tree may need pruning before too long. I recommend consulting a professional to look at it so ensure proper growth patterns, sufficient airflow between branches and growth is farther up from the ground.   Thank you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 28, 2024, 7:40 AM EDT
response: Wow, you all are fast responders!  thank you for this guidance, It is appreciated very much.Jeff UJeff and Becky Ulmer Jeff's cell :<personal data hidden>   On Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 06:58:28 AM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: BarbLB   Replied August 28, 2024, 10:07 AM EDT
response: Happy to help.

responder: BarbLB   Replied August 28, 2024, 12:10 PM EDT
response: Sorry. Dennis, I had this pop up in my email. Thought perhaps it had been assigned to me by others. BarbSent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Wednesday, August 28, 2024, 11:31 AM, Ask Extension wrote: