MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Catalpa Tree Problem

Question: I planted a catalpa tree 6 years ago and it growing well and seemingly healthy.  This year it completely failed to bud out and set leaves.  Weirdly, it’s sprouting new growth from the lower trunk.  Do you know what’s going on?  How should I now prune the tree?

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 01, 2023, 11:04 AM EDT
response: This is most likely verticillium wilt.  Sometimes there is just enough functioning tree cells that allow for leafing out of the lower trunk but the upper branches are dead.  You can do the snap test.  Bend a branch.  If it snaps off it is dead.  Look for the yellowing within the branch which is an indicator of verticillium wilt. Compare what you are seeing with the following websites. 1. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/verticillium-wilt-of-trees-and-shrubs/ 2. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/catalpa/deadordying.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 2:23 PM EDT
response: Any hope the remaining lowere trunk and sprouting new growth will resist and prosper?

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 01, 2023, 3:24 PM EDT
response: If you see the streaking of the sap wood as pictured in the first website, it is not going to recover. Otherwise you can try to keep it going by watering and fertilizing but I would be surprised if it recovers enough to live through another winter.
2 kohlrabi on plant?

Question: I purchased kohlrabi plants at the Anoka County master gardeners sale in mid-May. Two of the plants are producing two. I googled it and can’t find that it’s a normal thing. My question is whether I should remove one so that the other grows properly, or will they both grow normally? Thank you

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied June 25, 2023, 3:07 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon Barb and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. From the picture it almost looks like there are two pants there.  Carefully try to see if it really is two.  If there is you may be able to separate them for additional plants.  If not I would remove one so the remaining will get the appropriate size. A lot of times when plants are started two seeds can easily be planted together.  If so they didn’t catch it.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2023, 4:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for the response. I checked, and both of them are indeed separate plants. They were sold as singles so I did not even think to check. Guess I got a couple 2-for-1 deals! I appreciate the help!Sent from my iPad On Jun 25, 2023, at 2:07 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied June 25, 2023, 4:54 PM EDT
response: Perfect!  You got extra garden goodies!
Brown leaves

Question: These brown spots showed up on the leaves of some of my raspberry. They were fine a week ago.  I did spray them with Bonide fruit tree spray for insects and disease. It is only on intermittent plants. Thank you for your help.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 25, 2023, 9:47 AM EDT
response: The plants show signs of nutrient deficiencies—dark green veins with lighter leaves.  This means they need fertilizer.  The holes suggest that you have had an insect problem.  Without seeing a picture of an insect it is hard to say whether the Neem oil (Bonide) killed the insects or not.  The brown circles suggest an insect that eats one layer of the leaf and leaves the rest.   Curling brown edges of plants can suggest under or overwatering. The Bonide product label also says to apply early morning or early evening and not for temps above 85-90.  This suggests that it may have burned the plants.   https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/01/what-should-neem-be-used-plants  Regardless the plants are likely to grow out of the damage.  The website below gives additional things to look for:  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/raspberry/index.html Click on the drop down menus.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you!On Jun 25, 2023, at 8:47 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 25, 2023, 1:40 PM EDT
response: You are welcome. Thanks for using our service.
Buckthorn Fine Damage

Question: Something is damaging my Buchthorn Fine. Looks like a fungus or mold. Any suggestions on how to treat before it spreads further. 10+ years old.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 29, 2023, 12:27 PM EDT
response: Hello Brian, I am having a hard time seeing the fungus that you are talking about. I do see some lichens which are growing on the tree. Lichens are not damaging to the tree and are an organism that contains but algae and fungus. Lichens are found on many trees, but are most prevalent on older trees, or trees that are growing fairly slowly. If lichens are the only thing on your tree, you may want to consider testing the soil and making sure that the Fine Line buckthorn has the proper pH, enough nutrients, and isn't stressed from water.  If there is a fungus that is on your buckthorn that I can't see, you may want to bring a sample to your local extension office. If warranted, they can send your sample to the state's diagnostic laboratory. You can find your county extension office using this website. https://extension.ca.uky.edu/county Hopefully this helps! Robby

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 1:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the reply. I was thinking the greenish spots were a fungus or a mold that is damaging the shrub. It's been doing so well for the past 10 years and suddenly this year its showing damage at the top and spreading. Would those other indicators you noted cause that type of damage?  Thanks again for the help.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 29, 2023, 1:48 PM EDT
response: Brian, A lot of trees and shrubs similar to your buckthorn did not overwinter well. The winter storm that hit most of the state in late December caused winter damage to many plants. The temperature dropped too quickly and the plants couldn't adapt. That may be why you are seeing damage this spring and summer.  Additionally, most buckthorns are somewhat short lived trees. It isn't surprising if they start declining around age fifteen or so. To try to elongate your buckthorn and rejuvenate it, I would test the soil and make sure that it has the right pH (5-8) and nutrients.  Robby
is my tree dying, and if so, from what?

Question: My tree is getting worse. Can I save this tree? What us going on with it?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 4:49 PM EDT
response: My tree is getting browner. There was first one spot, then it moved up the tree, now its starting to engulf the top with brown.

responder: Marvin Reynolds  Replied July 06, 2023, 11:19 AM EDT
response: I forwarded your picture to a Colorado State Forest Service Forester. He suggested you have a local forester look at the tree. It does look to be environmental damage, but he was not sure. Give the tree some water to help soak into the roots. Water around the drip line of the trees, not right up against the trunk. Here is a link to the Colorado State Forest Service Offices. Click on the office nearest to you and give them a call. https://csfs.colostate.edu/areas/ Best, Marvin
Something is eating my peach tree

Question: My peach tree had a full set of leaves and produced a bunch of fruit this spring but in the last two weeks something has eaten all the leaves down to the stem! Any idea what it is? How to treat it? And if the tree itself is ok?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2023, 1:51 PM EDT
response: Did you see the progression of this occurring? Were there holes to start or was it always like this? It looks to me like a deer or squirrel may have been eating the leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2023, 5:12 PM EDT
response: It happened pretty fast. I saw some progression but no holes, more eating around the edges. I have seen a squirrel on the tree but didn’t see him eating it. Is there any risk to the tree at the point? Or just protect it with some netting going forward?On Sun, Jun 25, 2023 at 12:51 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 29, 2023, 5:08 PM EDT
response: If you don't notice anything else curious about the health of the bark, just keep an eye on it. It appears like a mammal foraging. You should see some new growth at some point. It's all about experimenting sometimes. If you protect with netting and it has a chance to grow back with no incident, then you may have solved your problem until the critter passes.
Mature Sycamore Tree

Question: I have three mature Sycamore trees in my back yard, two are on a small pond.  The larger of the two had extensive damage to the buds this winter with that late freeze and I though it was dead.  However it is struggling and slowly coming back. I used the Miracle Grow Tree spikes. The first picture shows the damaged tree in its current state. The second shows a close up of the branch damage. The third picture is the 2nd healthy tree located about 40 feet south of the damaged one.  My question is should I use the tree spikes again in the late fall to help it through the winter?

responder: Sabine Kuhn  Replied June 25, 2023, 3:45 PM EDT
response: Hi Lance, I am hopeful your largest sycamore tree will make a comeback. It is already looking pretty good. Many sycamores in my county (Franklin) were similarly affected. Leaf dieback is a common occurrence for these trees with a late frost.  You can use the fertilizer spikes in late fall if you would like to. Generally though, mature trees do not require fertilization. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/fertilizing-trees-and-shrubs-and-nutrient-deficiency-symptoms The only other thing it could be is anthracnose, which is a fungal infection. See here https://extension.psu.edu/mysteries-of-our-native-sycamore and here https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/2156. The leaves of your close-up image, magnified to 200%, appear fully formed and show no darker spots, so I am reasonably sure that is not the case.  If you have any concerns that the tree is infected, please send a leaf and branch sample to the OSU Plant Diagnostic Lab. You can also send images. https://ppdc.osu.edu/submit-sample/landscape/woody-ornamental-plants I hope this information was helpful. Sabine

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 11:31 AM EDT
response: Thank you Sabine for the response.  I am encouraged by your comments.  Lance With God - Awesome Happens Every Day "I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be." THOMAS JEFFERSON "We must learn to live together as brothers or we will perish together as fools." DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.    On 6/25/2023 3:45 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Seeking Ornamental Tree

Question: Hello! 
What kind of tree(s) would you recommend for this space? We're looking for a tree that will provide some privacy, (above the fence eye line) ideally between 7-12 feet tall with a spread of between 2-6 feet. Since it's along the fence line it would get partial shade. This area is on the West side of the backyard. I'm 5'10 to give sense of perspective.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2023, 4:50 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question and pictures that are very helpful. My first thought would be an ornamental crabapple tree. There are many cultivars with flowers from pink to white, and vary in size and spread. I would look for a smaller cultivar since you only want a small spread of foliage. In this information from Extension, follow the link of the "downloadable spreadsheet" for a chart showing trees and shrubs that might meet your needs. It shows the height and spread of smaller trees and shrubs which will be perfect for your space and are pollinator friendly:   https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/new-extension-resource-pollinator-friendly-landscapes I would also consider taller shrubs which will be listed in the spreadsheet. Pagoda dogwood is a nice shrub to consider, and you can prune it on the sides if it gets too wide. There are many types of lilacs that would fill in the area nicely. I would go to a local nursery and they will be helpful in fitting your needs and you can see the plant material right there. Happy gardening!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 9:24 AM EDT
response: Thank you for this advice!  Happy gardening to you as well!MadelonOn Sat, Jun 24, 2023 at 3:50 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
White growth in garden

Question: Hi! I planted a couple raised beds two weeks ago and today I noticed that one of them (with herbs) has this white growth all over it. I think it started a couple days ago (at that point I'd assumed it was the diatomaceous earth I'd applied getting caked together because of the rain, but now it's spread and I'm worried). The other bed is right next to this one but looks fine so far (it has tomato, cucumber, and chile pepper plants).

Is it possible to determine: 
1. What is the white growth? 
2. Is it dangerous?
3. How do I eliminate it?
4. Is the other bed in danger?
5. If so, how can I protect it?

Thank you so much in advance!

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 June 26, 2023, 12:11 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This is a slime mold. They are natural wood decomposers and probably with the rain and humid weather we had the past few days, it helped them get going on the mulch and in planters. There is no risk to plants or how they will grow. You can gently rake to remove it or incorporate it into soil. It may grow back again with the right weather conditions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 12:17 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily, Thank you so much! That is a relief.Have a nice day!Heather On Mon, Jun 26, 2023, 12:11 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 June 27, 2023, 9:59 AM EDT
response: you're welcome!
Request for caterpillar ID

Question: I found this very odd looking caterpillar in my yard in Golden this morning (see attached images).  Odd little fellow and I’ve never seen one like it before.  It was in the mulch under my scrub oak.  Any idea what it is?  Thanks!

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 05, 2023, 2:30 PM EDT
response: Hi Meg, This appears to be a clio tiger moth.Thanks! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 3:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you! From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 12:30 PMTo: Meg Van ness <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Request for caterpillar ID (#0107165)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 3:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you! From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 12:30 PMTo: Meg Van ness <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Request for caterpillar ID (#0107165)
Tree disease question

Question: I have what I think is a maple tree and the leaves have spots and are drying up and falling off. Is this black tar spot or something  else and can/does it need to be treated?

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 June 26, 2023, 11:55 AM EDT
response: Hi,  This appears to be a common disease that is occurring right now on many shade trees called Anthracnose. It is mostly seen on Oak, Maple, Sycamore and others shade trees. In most cases it isn't a major health concern to the tree and new growth will push out the older leaves - if they are still attached- as the season progresses. Usually the symptoms clear up with weather changes into the summer too. It helps trees to recover if you can lesson their stress symptoms. With the drought weather and going into the summer, if you can supplement watering when it doesn't rain, that should help as well. Water deeply so it can soak into the entire root zone of the tree. Having you hose on a slow trickle and leaving at the base of the tree for about 20 minutes so it can soak into the ground and reach all the roots is best. Doing this about once a week with the lack of rainfall right now would be good. You can reference our web resource for some guidance on tree and shrub watering. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs To be proactive for next year, you can rake up and discard any fallen leaves which will help with the overwintering of the disease and also make sure to rake and dispose of leaves this fall as well.  At this point we don't think you need to call an arborist, however if you would like to consult with one now or in the future you can research one for your area by searching on https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist .  Let us know if you have further questions with this. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 1:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you ! On Mon, Jun 26, 2023, 11:55 AM 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 June 26, 2023, 4:25 PM EDT
response: you're welcome!
When to prune Autumn Blaze Maple Tree

Question: We have a young Autumn Blaze Maple tree in it's fourth year of growth.  Some branches started to sprout low last year but I let them be.  This year it has gotten worse.  We cannot walk around or mow around without much difficulty.  Is it safe to prune the low branches on this young tree?  If so when is the best time and way?

responder: David Hillock  Replied June 23, 2023, 5:48 PM EDT
response: You can remove them anytime. However, maples are susceptible to sunburn on the bark leading to splits and cracks damaging the bark. So generally you don't want to remove them too quickly, suddenly exposing the trunk to the sun. Leaving some of the branches or cutting them back leaving short branches that can shade the trunk will be helpful. Eventually you can completely remove them. In the winter you should wrap the trunk with a tree wrap to protect it from the low sun angle which can also lead to bark injury. For more information on managing trees see our fact sheet Training Young Shade and Ornamental Trees and Winter Protection for Landscape Plants.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 11:19 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the advice!  I wrap the trunk every year from Halloween to Easter. I will prune just the most problematic limbs for now and leave as much as I can. Thanks again!Joe HornbackLife’s short ~ buy more plants On Jun 23, 2023, at 4:48 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
discoloration or infection on heart-leaf aster (blue wood aster)

Question: Cn you please identify what is causing the appearance of the leaves on this plant of Symphotrichum cordifolium?  Could it possibly be caused by herbicide drift? 

Thank you very much.

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 June 23, 2023, 2:43 PM EDT
response: Hi,  We will reach connect with our plant pathologist on Monday to see what he thinks. Do you suspect any herbicide drift? or did you spray anything nearby? Usually herbicide shows twisted leaves and from the photos it only looks like there could partially be that in the newer growth. It almost appears to have been taken up into the plant. Could you have watered with anything or fertilized with a container that used to contain a different chemical or herbicide? Do you notice any insects on the leaves? Either on the surface or underside? The Chrysanthemum Leaf Bug can cause the bleaching but we can't see any in the photos. You could try to pluck a few leaves off and take close up photos against a white piece of paper and we may be able to see more clearly.  We will get back to you too with more thoughts.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 8:21 AM EDT
response: Did not see insects, but have since cut and discarded the plant.  Re spraying, yes, there was some drift from the contractor zipping around the edge of the small retention pond, with plenty of curled leaves on other spp.  This aster was a little further from the edge so less vulnerable, but not completely safe.    Sent from my iPad  On Jun 23, 2023, at 2:44 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿ [ CAUTION: This email is from outside of TU. Use caution before clicking links or opening attachments. If suspicious, report to <personal data hidden>. ]

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 June 27, 2023, 9:52 AM EDT
response: Ok the cutting back should help hopefully. If the herbicide was down in the roots, it may still come up distorted again, or with twisting/curling leaves but will hopefully work itself out. Perhaps this type of aster is more sensitive than others and it just caught enough of the drift. Just keep it watered when needed and hopefully it can help flush out any leftover chemicals.