MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
How far from house can I plant this tree

Question: I have a variety of magnolia Alta tree(https://www.monrovia.com/altatm-southern-magnolia.html).l and would like to plant it in my backyard.  How far away from the house do I have to plant it so that it’s unlikely to cause any issues?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 06, 2024, 4:11 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  Since these trees are 9 feet wide at maturity, you should keep it twice as far to protect both the limbs and the root system.  Here is more information:  https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/tree-wounds-and-healing/  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 3:45 PM EDT
response: Hello,  Thanks for the response and resources. If I understand the response correctly, you’re suggesting I plant it around 18 feet from the house. Unfortunately, the backyard is not really large enough to accommodate that(see attached pic. For reference, this is 10 feet away from fence on either side and around 12 feet away from garage on right)  Is this an unsafe spot to plant? We were originally considering the right corner nearer to the wall   On Tue, Aug 6, 2024 at 1:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 07, 2024, 3:52 PM EDT
response: Sorry.  I meant that it should be 9 feet away from any structure--above or below ground--to allow for enough space for both roots and above ground structure at its maturity.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 4:02 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the clarification.  On Wed, Aug 7, 2024 at 12:52 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 07, 2024, 4:02 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
Why are bumble bees in our yard dying?

Question: We have seen dozens of bumble bees crawling on the ground in the last week or so. When we pick them up and let them go, they drop to the ground - cannot fly.  Why is this happening?  We do not use any pesticides or herbicides in our yard.  We had a bee swarm take up residence in an empty barrel  last summer, but they are no longer with us - apparently died of mites infection?  Could that have impacted the bumble bees also?  I don't know what kind of bumble bees they are, but i do have pictures.  Maybe the Bombus variety? We are located on the Willamette River, in Keizer.  I am so sad to see all these beautiful bees crawling endlessly across the yard.  Is there anything we can do?

responder: Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied August 06, 2024, 5:47 PM EDT
response: Thanks, for keeping an eye out for our bees. I'd be happy to come take a look when I am swinging up to Portland on Sunday (just shoot me a message through my cell phone <personal data hidden>). It is late in the year for many of our bumble bees, as their nests are finishing for the year, so I suspect it is simply worn out bees. But it certainly has nothing to do with the swarm from last year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 6:22 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the response.  The bees  seem to have almost disappeared - I saw only one crawling on the ground today.  Do they have a common nest?  With lots of larvae there?  When should we expect to see young ones around?   I believe they nest in the ground, right?  I am glad they weren't contaminated from the honey bees.     I am isolating with COVID right now, but hope to be socially available by next Sunday (the 11th).  If I don't see any more bees, though, no need in dropping by I guess.     On Tue, 6 Aug, 2024 at 2:48 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  To: klincoln

responder: Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied August 07, 2024, 8:36 PM EDT
response: I hope you recover quickly! It's hard to know if these bees were all from the same nest or not without looking more closely. Yes, the nests of the species you have in the picture is hidden under ground, typically in an abandoned rodent hole. The larvae never leave the nest; the bees only leave the nest after they turn into adults.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 5:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  Interesting.     On Wed, 7 Aug, 2024 at 5:36 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  To: klincoln
Magnolia shrub

Question: Leaves on magnolia shrub becoming reddish and some leaves are curling. Has enough water. What could be happening?

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied August 04, 2024, 10:34 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Joel,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  I am not familiar with a magnolia shrub. Do you know the hybrid or the grower? Based on your photo, this plant appears more like an azalea or rhododendron.  If you would like an accurate plant identification, send another photo of the leaves/branches closer up.  Have you inspected the stems and the back of the leaves for pests or disease? Many magnolias are experiencing scale insects infecting the plants. Here is a link about scale insects: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scale-insects From viewing your photo, the landscape rock should not be up against the stem of the plant. I would suggest wood chip mulch under the shrub, a few inches away from the stem to outside the drip line of the shrub. This mulch would keep the soil cool (the rocks are heating up the soil and the plant in the sun) and moist and protect the roots. I am assuming you DO NOT have landscape fabric under the rocks that might be impeding the water absorption. The heat reflecting off the rock in the sun could have a negative affect on your shrub.  If it is an azalea, it would require a lower pH soil content to thrive. It appears to be sending up healthy shoots.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 04, 2024, 7:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you for correcting my identification of my plant. It is a Rhododendron. I am sending two close up photos to provide a closer look. I don’t see any pests or disease. It looks like the plant is dry but it’s not. It was planted in mid June. It replaced a Rhododendron that was planted in 2023 that was growing fine but didn’t survive the winter.  Joel Huser      On Sun, Aug 4, 2024 at 9:35 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied August 06, 2024, 8:25 PM EDT
response: Good Evening,  Here is a link that discusses possible problems: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/azalea/leaveswilted.html Here is a link to the soil testing lab: https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn- garden The soil pH for a rhododendron to survive is between 4.5 to 6.0. You might ensure your plant was planted with fresh soil and compost. If the soil pH is too high, you should adjust the soil pH so it will thrive. They thrive is acidic soil.  My guess is the pH is too high and it is struggling.  Good Luck!

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied August 06, 2024, 8:27 PM EDT
response: Forgot to include another link about the soil pH: https://www.rhododendron.org/v46n2p77.htm#:~:text=The%20soil%20for%20rhododendrons%20and,graduated%20from%200%20to%2014.
Car frass

Question: I met the team today at the Lake Oswego Saturday Market.  They said to contact you!  For years I have been seeing a snails, brown, cylindrical deposit on my automobiles (on paint).  It is dark brown and "crusty".  It is tightly stuck to the paint and has to be "scraped" off.  It often had "bands" around it.  The photo is not the best indication since it seem it is flatter that the usual "bands".  I am assuming that this is caused by some type of insect!  Would you please tell me the specie that is doing this??  I have wondered for "deposits" this for decades!!
"

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied August 07, 2024, 9:40 AM EDT
response: Hi Richard,  Unfortunately, that is not frass of any insect that I know of. Admittedly, though, I am really good at ID of insect specimens, but only know the look of the frass of a limited number of species.  If you happen to catch an insect in the act of depositing that frass, we'd be happy to try again and help you with an ID.  Best wishes!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 11:02 AM EDT
response: Hello Bill, Thanks for your response!  For decades, I have been trying to see what is depositing these little brown scaley “tubes” on my vehicles.  I carefully “scratch” them off with my fingernail and wax that spot.  The photo you saw was not the “typical” appearance.  They are usually more round, and 1 to 1.5 cm in length.  I guess this is one of those mysteries which will never be solved.  Thanks for looking.  Best regards,  Richard  Richard Duncan 1035 Northshore PlaceLake Oswego, OR 97034503.744.0794 <personal data hidden>  On Aug 7, 2024, at 6:40 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Runnels - Big depression in Bishop's weed patch

Question: This was a beautiful patch of ground cover under my willow tree. Today it has a smashed area in the center. Your thoughts? Deer? (I have a lot of them)

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied August 03, 2024, 9:46 PM EDT
response: Deer are certainly likely candidates for the source of the damage. The soil is so wet you can probably find foot/hoove prints to support your thought.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 04, 2024, 2:37 PM EDT
response: On second look I see there are a lot of browned and withering leaves in the bishop's weed. What could cause them? Could they catch apple scab from the tree nearby? Your thoughts? Second photo attached.

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied August 04, 2024, 6:08 PM EDT
response: Snow on the mountain or bishops weed gets a rust in the summer. All the hot and humid weather has made diseases very common. If you mow it off it will grow back in 3-4 weeks without any rust.
What is this?

Question: Is this invasive?  It does not look like grass or clover which we just planted last month.  We had a lot of black dirt brought in; can weed seeds come in the dirt?

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied August 03, 2024, 3:22 PM EDT
response: From your first pictures it appears to have already invaded. My Picture This app identifies this as Common Amaranthus. See these web pages.  https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/weeds-redroot-pigweed-rough-pigweed-amaranthus-retroflexus/  https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/redroot-pigweed Yes I would call it invasive and weed seeds often come with black soil deliveries.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 11:24 AM EDT
response: How would you suggest we get rid of it?  There are very large segments of our newly seeded lawn covered in these seedlings.  They have grown to about 4” tall. Thank you for your assistance.  Sue and Dennis Daniello Aitkin, MN <personal data hidden>Sent from my iPhone On Aug 3, 2024, at 2:22 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied August 05, 2024, 11:42 AM EDT
response: Most of the research based web sites are written for farmers with large fields to treat. Basically, hand pull the weeds, getting as much of the roots as possible and compost them. Or apply a broadleaf herbicide to kill the weed and leave any grass that may be growing. You may have to do this more than once and repeat it next year.
Can rose buses loaded with gall be saved or should they be destroyed?

Question: We have 3 rose bushes with gall. There is gall on almost all of the limbs, no leaves about 1' to 1.5' from the ground up, and the leaves are curling. Mixed reviews on whether we should remove the entire plants or cut off all the limbs with gall 'balls' on them. There won't be much left of the plants if we do that. One of the rose bushes already lost the battle. Do you have a suggestion about being better to remove all the bushes which is what we believe to be the best decision. I have two more photos I can send but I think you'll get the idea with these 2. One of the shrubs looks like it may also have crown gall.  Thanks, Pam

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 1:07 PM EDT
response: The HOA suggests we wait until the other 2 rose shrubs have died so that they will pay for the removal. Have been told shrubs infested with this should be removed with the tools and the dirt 'sterilized'.

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied August 05, 2024, 6:27 PM EDT
response: Hi Pam,  Thanks for your question. You can't "sterilize" the soil - you wouldn't want the soil to be void of any living thing. You can, however, remove the soil if needed.  Roses can get various types of galls, and I think this is a crown gall. It's caused by a bacterium and the recommendation is to remove the plant and not replant any susceptible species in its place. It's most common on roses, willows, poplars, and fruit trees. In this case, it would not be recommended to replace the roses with additional roses. Fortunately there are many shrubs that you can consider.   It is best to remove these now and not wait until they die. If you do any pruning of the galls, disinfest your tools with a 10% bleach solution or a disinfectant.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 6:41 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your quick response. Greatly appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. We will follow your instructions. What a wonderful resource.   Best Regards, and again, thank you! Pam  Sent from my iPhone  On Aug 5, 2024, at 4:27 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿
Solar blanket - pool

Question: Hello

Where can I recycle a solar blanket for a pool? Thanks.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 07, 2024, 2:18 PM EDT
response: Hi Angela,  I would contact your waste provider and see if they have any recycling recommendations or if they take them themselves.  Thanks

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 6:13 PM EDT
response: Hello,Are you having an issue with your website? I am trying to get the status of my question, I keep getting the message "Forbidden"  On Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 06:31:39 AM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:      Dear Angela, Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online. YOUR QUESTION #0149913: Solar blanket - pool Hello Where can I recycle a solar blanket for a pool? Thanks. Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States. If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.  This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 13, 2024, 11:17 AM EDT
response: I have already  contacted my waste provider, they have no suggestions other than trash. Do you have any other solutions?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 15, 2024, 8:54 AM EDT
response: I do not. The county waste provider is who handles recycling options for residents.
Lawn

Question: Hello, I own a rental property in the Washington Peninsula area. I'm considering converting the lawn to a clover mix due to the absence of an irrigation system and the increasing temperatures during summers. I'd appreciate advice on how to transition to a more suitable option for the area that would still adhere to the HOA requirements. Also, do I need to undertake any preparation before seeding?

responder: Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied August 07, 2024, 3:54 PM EDT
response: There are drawbacks to full clover groundcover as a lawn replacement. I have more information, but want to clarify where the home is located. Also, how often do you expect it to be irrigated, and what is the soil type?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 4:02 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the clarification. My home is in Silverdale, WA. For the seeding we would be hand watering then just a sprinkler on a timer. I have no idea the soil type.  On Wed, 7 Aug 2024 at 15:54, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied August 07, 2024, 4:11 PM EDT
response: You’ll get the best advice talking with the county Master Gardener Volunteers in Kitsap County, here. They can advise on general soils and successful lawn alternatives there. Based on my personal HOA experience, having detailed plans before proposing grass replacement is important. Here is an article on Lawn alternatives. You can find others searching on “eco lawns”.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 4:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the info!   On Wed, 7 Aug 2024 at 16:12, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Overgrown rose bush

Question: I have no idea what kind of rose bush this is. From the base coming out of the ground there is no growth for 4-6 feet. About 2 feet at the end is green. I believe it bloomed this spring as there are rose hips there. How can I rejuvenate it? Cut all the way to the ground and hope it greens up from the roots? If so, when is the best time to do it? I just moved into this house. Thank you

responder: V/r,  Replied August 03, 2024, 9:15 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, You can prune to maintain a certain size but, in winter, you should be pruning way back and then allowing the rose to grow into the size you want. Light summer pruning (while deadheading to encourage continued bloom) will keep it at whatever height you.  You’ll want to remove any dead or damaged canes. These cuts can be made close to the base of the plant. You will also need to remove any canes cluttering the inside of the bush. Canes that are growing horizontal or are crossing other canes need to be removed. Opening up the middle of the bush promotes air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.  See attached for more information on how to prune your roses.  2010 Pruning Basics Spring Garden Program.ppt (msu.edu) How to Prune Roses | Mississippi State University Extension Service (msstate.edu)  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 04, 2024, 8:15 PM EDT
response: Thank you. You say “in winter.” Does that mean I should cut the 8’ canes down to 2’ in February or March before new growth appears?Sandy   On Aug 3, 2024, at 9:15 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: V/r,  Replied August 06, 2024, 6:56 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, You should wait to prune until nighttime temperatures are consistently above freezing, as cold temperatures can cause dieback in the branches.     GDD Tracker 4.0 - Turf Pest Management Tracking and Alerts with Growing Degree Day Models for Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio - Project initiated by Michigan State University (msu.edu)
help identifying a grass species, western Colorado ~7800ft

Question: Hello! I have a high mountain pasture that I'd like to try and improve the grass cover on, and want to make sure i'm seeding with a native grass, and ideally the same one that is already there. I've tried to identify it, but my skills are pretty limited.. At this location in a pretty dry sage and grass meadow at 7800' in Rio Blanco County, CO, it is growing to ~6-8 inches tall without any supplemental water at the end of July.   The closest visual id I could come up with was Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis) and it doesn't seem like any of the grasses on the Colorado Native list match really well either. Any help with an ID would be very much appreciated!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 05, 2024, 1:30 PM EDT
response: Hello and thank you for reaching out to Ask Extension! To best help you with this inquiry, we recommend you contact your local county agent directly. In Rio Blanco County that would be Linda Masters. Their contact information is <personal data hidden>.   Best of luck!   CSU Ask Extension Team

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 2:50 PM EDT
response: Will do! Thank you.
What is this bug on my pole beans and how can I get rid of it safely for my organic garden

Question: What is this booking on my pole beans? How do I get rid of it safely in my organic garden?

responder: Vicki Morrone  Replied August 03, 2024, 7:56 AM EDT
response: you have a bean leaf beetle. you can manage it organically using Pyganic or pyrethrum or spinosad (check your box stores or a garden nursery for these and please read directions for dilution and application). remember these are all contact sprays so you must get the spray on the insect and respray a few days later if they are back. but do keep weeds/grass from under the plants and they like to hide there. Also next year try planting beans a little later to miss the insect. You can also cover the plants till they start to flower (to allow for pollination) with floating row cover, thats the white cloth that lets air pass for protecting plants from insects and even when an early frost is predicted. Of course with our crazy weather patterns only getting crazier it's difficult to predict when insects hatch or emerge. This insect emerges from the soil.  Here is a photo of the eggs. you should crush the eggs too.  Truthfully your photo wasnt quite clear of the beetle but the treatment is the same. If yiu want a sure id plz send some closeup photos.  thx for reaching out and all the best in your gardening Vicki

responder: Vicki Morrone  Replied August 14, 2024, 9:29 AM EDT
response: Do you need adfitiinal info about this insect? Japanese beetles are similar are sometimes best to hand pick to get beetles off in smaller areas. Put them in a jar of soapy water. That is a common practice for organic gardens that are not too large

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2024, 5:12 PM EDT
response: They do fall easily. We’ll try the soapy water. Since the bush  beans are already bearing, the package on the pesticide for organic gardeners says not to apply within 3 weeks of harvest.  Note: none of the local nurseries or big box nurseries carried your recommended sfe pesticide, nor would Amazon or the company who made the stuff send it to my address. Soapy water it is! Wendy On Aug 14, 2024, at 9:29 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿