MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Oak tree roots above ground

Question: I have 6 oak trees in my s/d yard.  They have roots above ground level which causes a tripping problem.  (I'm living proof of the tripping problem.)  
Without harming the trees:
1. Shave the roots to ground level and paint?  Some of the roots are 4" to 5" above ground. 
2. Saw the top of the root and paint?
3.  Chop out the 1/2" roots?

Or do you have another solution?
Thanks.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 22, 2023, 4:32 PM EDT
response: Hi, Betty I do see what you mean! However, this is an effect of planting a large tree close to the house and walking path. Is this a live oak?  We do not recommend taking any action to the roots as it can impair the tree... if not now, then later. Instead, we recommend that homeowners understand the trees they have on property and allow their yards to evolve with them.  Observations from your photos:  Tree is within 15 feet of the house. This is too close. Imagine this tree in another 20 years and how much closer it will be to the structure.  There is grass grown right up to the trunk. Trees do no play well with St. Augustine. Roots are naturally shallow on these trees, but the turf may be causing them to seek out more resources. Eventually, the turf will thin as the tree matures.  The best recommendation in this situation is to create a landscape bed for the tree large enough to surround the surface roots. It can be mulched lightly (don't try to bury the roots or they will migrate upward again.) Or consider a ground cover in the new bed. If you'd like to seek advise from a reputable, certified arborist, you can find one at treesaregood.org. They may have another viewpoint of removing some roots, but they can advise and watch the tree with you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2023, 10:17 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the information you so kindly sent to me about my live oak and water oak trees.  It seems as though it is the live oak trees that are giving me the problem.  My home was built in 1977 or 1979.  My husband and I bought the property in 1995.  So we are talking about the trees being around  47 years old.  So you can imagine how big around they are.  I don't know what the builder was thinking when planting so many trees so close to the house.  I have one live oak in the backyard, 3 live oaks in the side yard and 2 water oaks and 1 live oak in the front yard.That's 6 trees on a corner subdivision lot.  Whew!Again, Thank you for your help. On Sat, Jul 22, 2023 at 3:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Spots on grape leaves

Question: One of the grapes I planted last summer has spots on about 1/3 of its leaves. Any advice appreciated. 
Thank you,
April

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 21, 2023, 4:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question and for reaching out to Ask Extension. Your grape leaves are showing signs of grape erineum mites, also known as blister mites. These microscopic mites overwinter in bud scales and move onto the canopy during the season, forming the blisters ("erinea") from feeding on the underside of the leaves. They will live in the dense, hair-like masses that form on the underside of the leaves beneath the blisters. These mites are generally not a major problem and grapevines generally grow enough canopy to outpace the mite colonization. If the leaf symptoms start extending into the upper canopy, you may want to treat your vines. Otherwise, the mite colonization is unlikely to cause problems. I would highly recommend reading this article in the PNW Handbook on grape erineum mites. If you have seen these symptoms in the past, you might consider two treatment options next year. First, you can apply a dormant horticultural oil prior to budbreak. This will help smother overwintering mites in the budscales. Second, you can apply a sulfur spray early in the season. Sulfur is commonly used for powdery mildew control in commercial vineyards and has an added benefit of suppressing erineum mite populations. There are formulations of both horticultural oil and sulfur that are approved for use in organic systems. If you have additional questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Ask Extension. Cody Copp, Extension Horticulturist, Oregon State University

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 5:38 PM EDT
response: Oh My!Thank you so very much!!! Cody, you are so, so much more helpful and understandable than Google.with appreciation,AprilOn Fri, Jul 21, 2023 at 1:55 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Autumn Glory Maple off color

Question: My Autumn Glory tree is half very healthy (leaves are dark green) and the other half the leaves are have turned pale green, limp and look like they are going to begin dropping.  It has been in the ground for 10 years and up until now, very healthy.

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 July 21, 2023, 1:17 PM EDT
response: Maple trees decline for a number of reasons. Trees need occasional deep watering in our very dry season, as there is no water in the root zone. Maples have thin bark and sun damage (scald) is common.  Trees can have circling roots and if not pruned back at planting, the plant essentially strangles itself in about 10-15 years (see girdling). I note bark damage, lack of organic mulch over the root zone, and it looks quite dry. The photo doesn’t show, but it might be planted too deep and/or have girdling roots. What to do now? Closely inspect the base of the tree for evidence of circling roots and check the overall bark health. Create ring of mulch, deep enough to discourage the grass (as with 12” of arborist wood chips, don’t use bark). Water appropriately. Will the tree recover or die? It’s difficult to predict. Consider hiring a certified arborist to make a site visit for advice if this is a valuable tree in your landscape. On-site the bark can be fully examined to determine the extent of damage.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 9:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the quick reply!  I will follow your advice.  Do you consider it unusual that half the tree is vigorous and half is in decline?Sent from my iPhone On Jul 21, 2023, at 10:17 AM, 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 July 21, 2023, 10:37 PM EDT
response: Not very surprised about a tree “half & half”. I’m not positive of the scientific reason, but as a section of roots is damaged, that section of the tree declines (my theory). Now that you know how a maple looks when partly sick or too dry, you might notice them everywhere, like along roads, parkways, and commercial plantings. They start to show what looks like fall colors in early August, but it’s a response to stress. Quick replies, as I’m enjoying a chilly day at the coast and family is watering my garden.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2023, 5:08 AM EDT
response: Thanks Jacki.   I hope you had a nice (although chilly) day at the coast !Best Regards,Dave Sent from Mail for Windows From: Ask ExtensionSent: Friday, July 21, 2023 7:37 PMTo: Dave HarrySubject: Re: Autumn Glory Maple off color (#0111724)
Nectarine Tree Damage

Question: Can you tell me what might be going on with my nectarine tree? There is damage to the branches with oozing on them. ALL of the damage is occurring 5â€™ or higher. The trunk and lower portions of the branches look healthy. Starting around 5 feet tall, they start to look flaky and oozing.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 21, 2023, 11:30 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Rachael. Â Are you able to take one or two photos no more than a foot from the bark? Â These are just too unclear, and there are 18 disease possibilities. Â How old is the tree? Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 21, 2023, 12:22 PM EDT
response: When I blow up the photos you sent, I can see the issue a bit clearer. Â Are these the same as the photos in this disease description? Â https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cherry-prunus-spp-bacterial-canker

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 5:23 PM EDT
response: I'm sorry - it's so hard to get a clear picture out there.Â Hopefully these ones are more helpful!Â Image 1027 is a photo of the trunk just a couple inches below the problem branches to show that the trunk looks normal/healthy there.Â   On Friday, July 21, 2023 at 08:30:39 AM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 21, 2023, 6:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you. Â I am afraid that this is the bacterial canker to which I referred you at 9:22 this morning. Â If so, the prognosis is notÂ good. Â You can read what the problems are, and how very little chemicals have helped. Â But, you might want to submit plant samples to the OSU Plant Clinic to confirm: Â https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/submit-sample/how-submit-plant-materials Perhaps they will have recommendations not included in that diagnostic and treatment article. Â Good luck!
Leaf Damage on Willow Tre

Question: Wondering why bottom third of our willow tree is experiencing leaf damage. Not sure if it's the reason, but we noticed it after the recent rainstorms. The damage may have been there before the storms, but we didn't notice it. Also noticed (before the storms) a lot of tiny black bugs while mowing around the tree. Bugs had a dark bluish tint, legs like ticks but could fly.
Thanks!

responder: Cheers,Ricky, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteerwww.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardenerWe do not intend to endorse any products we mention or criticize products we do not mention. When we include a link to a resource that recommends a chemical, it is for informational purposes only; the chemicals may not be registered for use in Vermont. Replied July 21, 2023, 9:01 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Tim, Thank you so much for reaching out! Those photos were super helpful. Most likely what you're looking at is a combination of Imported Willow Leaf Beetle (more about them here: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ENTO/ENTO-139/ENTO-139.html) and Willow Scab from the extreme weather we've had recently (more on that one here: http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/willowscab.pdf). The good news is, willows are one of the most resilient trees on the planet! As an added measure of security, you could rake and remove or mow all of the leaves from the tree come fall! Hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2023, 9:27 AM EDT
response: Thank you! On Fri, Jul 21, 2023 at 9:01 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Flower Identification

Question: We were hiking along Chicago Creek adjacent to the Mt. Evans Highway, approximately six miles up the road from Idaho Springs, and came across a stunning red / violet flower growing in the floodplain of the creek and we wondered if you could help with its identification.  A photo is attached.  Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 21, 2023, 11:04 AM EDT
response: Hello Mike, I can't be certain from the photo, but it looks most like a Dianthus, or "pink".  These are not native to Colorado, but two varieties are found here, having been introduced and subsequently escaping: Dianthus armeria, or Deptford Pink, and Dianthus deltoides, maiden pink. If you have any closer shots of the plants or flowers, I may be able to tell better what the plant is, but that's my best guess from what I can see! Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 11:50 AM EDT
response: Thanks, John. We’ve been wildflower hunters for a long time in Colorado but this is definitely a “first find” and we suspected the site could’ve been where an “escapee” from an old historic garden may have existed. Appreciate your time. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 21, 2023, at 9:04 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 21, 2023, 1:15 PM EDT
response: I think your instinct was a good one!
Id Fly

Question: Hello,
I have been trying to research this fly's name and have had no luck.  Can you help?

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 21, 2023, 11:11 PM EDT
response: Nice photo! This appears to be a syrphid or hover fly. They are good bugs and good pollinators - no need to manage them.  https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-insects-and-mites/non-pest-insects-and-invertebrates/hover-flies

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2023, 8:13 AM EDT
response: Thank you Deb,I appreciate your response and thanks for the compliment on my photo.That is what I thought but I could never find a definitive photo to confirm.Hope you are wellTom  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Friday, July 21, 2023 10:12 PMTo: Thomas H Samuelson <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Id Fly (#0111693)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2023, 5:58 PM EDT
response: Hello Deb,I have been photographing (having fun) all the insects in our garden and have a few images that I cannot ID… Are you open to providing more help to ID for a few photos? Much appreciated in advance…Tom   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Friday, July 21, 2023 10:12 PMTo: Thomas H Samuelson <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Id Fly (#0111693)

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 23, 2023, 10:40 PM EDT
response: I am happy to help you identify them. Since you have been photographing a lot of them, you may be interested in this site for identification. https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/master-gardener/mglinks/insect-identification-org/ If you get stuck, let me know.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 7:51 PM EDT
response: Hello Deb You have a been a great resource!!!Thank you.    Of the one’s I have photographed, this is the only one remaining I have a question about.Can you help?  PleaseTom  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Sunday, July 23, 2023 9:40 PMTo: Thomas H Samuelson <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Id Fly (#0111693)

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 25, 2023, 5:54 PM EDT
response: I believe this is a red milkweed beetle. Their spots can vary but they are very common in the garden right now.  https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed/milkweed-bug-control.htm

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 25, 2023, 7:27 PM EDT
response: I stand corrected. One of my Master Gardener cohorts has identified this as a False milkweed bug (Lygaeus turcicus).  In the link below look at the second photo down. https://uwm.edu/field-station/milkweed-bugs-large-and-small-family-lygaedidae/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 2:14 PM EDT
response: Hello Deb,I am grateful for you and your help!!Thank you and I won’t “bug” you any more…..Tom  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Tuesday, July 25, 2023 6:27 PMTo: Thomas H Samuelson <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Id Fly (#0111693)
Japanese cucumber problem

Question: What could cause these cucumber leaves to suddenly look like the attached photo?

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 July 21, 2023, 11:54 AM EDT
response: Hi- the photo is blurry. Your plant may be affected by a disease, such as anthracnose (very common fungal disease) or one or more environmental stressors such as low moisture, lack of nutrients, etc.   If it is a disease, it's too late to spray a fungicide. Remove dying and dead leaves and avoid wetting foliage when watering. Keep the plant as healthy as possible and consider planting a late cucumber crop to extend the harvest season.  Cucumber page: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-cucumbers-home-garden Cucumber problem-solving page: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/key-common-problems-cucumbers Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 3:08 PM EDT
response: H Jon, Thank you very much. Our Japanese cukes have been very productive this year, so we were surprised to see this.  We are planning on a late crop as well.  I hope the fungus doesn't spread. Regards, Hugh  On 7/21/2023 11:54 AM, Ask Extension 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 July 24, 2023, 1:02 PM EDT
response: Good luck. Here's a list of disease-resistant vegetable varieties from Cornell U.: https://www.vegetables.cornell.edu/pest-management/disease-factsheets/disease-resistant-vegetable-varieties/ Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 6:10 PM EDT
response: Dear Jon, Very interesting, thank you, Hugh   On 7/24/2023 1:02 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Branches Dying on Maple

Question: I have a maple tree in my front yard, I would guess around 20 years old (it was several feet tall when planted 13 years ago by the neighborhood developer). Last winter, leaves did not drop from two of the branches. They turned brown and dried out but stayed on the tree. Come spring, those branches stayed the same (no buds). I saw no signs of disease or pests, so I removed the branches in May and didn't think much of it.  Now, another small branch on the tree has died. It leafed out as usual, but within a week early this month it went from looking like the rest of the tree to having brown, dried leaves. It is near the branches I removed, which concerns me that there may be something spreading within the tree. Should I be worried?

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 20, 2023, 4:29 PM EDT
response: Hi Sarah,  These appear to be branches underneath the canopy? If so, this isn't uncommon - these leaves rarely get enough light to contribute fully to photosynthesis, yet they are still using and losing water. The tree will naturally shed some of these lower/inner branches to make things more efficient.  There could also be some damage to the branches - perhaps they were damaged by wind or a storm or a squirrel.   But no, the overall tree looks very healthy and I don't think you need to be concerned. As a tree ages, it's going to lose branches.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 12:40 AM EDT
response: Hi Alison,Yes, they are branches beneath the canopy. Thank you for your explanation, and for putting my mind at ease! I appreciate your time. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 20, 2023, at 2:29 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
broken branch - storm damage

Question: i have a broken birch tree branch. is there any wat to save  the branch?

responder: MJ Replied July 20, 2023, 3:32 PM EDT
response: Hi Michelle, Sorry, there isn’t. Carefully finish removing the broken limb by sawing it off from underneath the branch and leave the tree to heal itself. Good luck,

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 5:21 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the quick response. Should I wrap the bare areas or apply something to protect it? Sent from my iPhone On Jul 20, 2023, at 2:32 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: MJ Replied July 20, 2023, 6:21 PM EDT
response: Wrapping or painting these wounds is no longer recommended. If the damage isn’t too deep, the tree will start to close the wound itself. All you can do is carefully remove the branch, keep the tree watered during these dry days and hope it continues to thrive. It looks good now.
Tree problem?

Question: My very hated maple tree has got rust colored splotches on about a third of the leaves. I am wondering what’s wrong with it and what I could do to nursing back to health?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 2:10 PM EDT
response: Hello, This looks like drought stress.  Please read the following article on watering techniques for trees.   https://extension.missouri.edu/news/how-to-help-your-trees-recover-from-drought-5728  Because your turf goes right up to the trunk of the tree, your maple is getting even less water because the grass is utilizing it before it can get to the roots of the maple tree. You may consider carefully removing some sod in a circle around the tree and applying a 3-4 inch layer of mulch.  This will make watering easier, and the mulch will keep the roots cooler and moist.  Just be careful not to put the mulch deeper than 3-4 inches and pull it away from the trunk.   Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.   Ruth

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 3:10 AM EDT
response: Thanks! About how large of diameter of dirt would you recommend for a tree that has a trunk of about 4-5”? On Thu, Jul 20, 2023 at 2:10 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 21, 2023, 6:45 AM EDT
response: Hello, Ideally, out to the drip line. (The area directly located under the outer circumference of the tree branches.)  The following article is a good guide to mulching.  https://extension.psu.edu/mulching-landscape-trees Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Ruth