MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Hydrangea tree suddenly struggling badly - what's wrong with it and how to help?

Question: I haven't spent much time outside this summer with all the rain, but earlier this week I started noticing some curled and browning leaves on my hydrangea tree. When I went out to check on it I found that basically EVERY leaf has spots of some sort and a lot of them are doing very poorly, turning yellow and dying - but every single leaf, even the green and otherwise healthy-looking ones have spotting. Buds across the tree stopped flowering midway. I also found a large sheet of bark missing from the base of the trunk, and a weird growth on a previously broken branch (that branch was damaged some time before we moved in). I've attached pictures of everything.

I do not water this tree typically and have not this year. I do not fertilize.

This is on the south side so it gets full sun.

Please let me know if you need any more information or more pictures. Thanks in advance!

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied August 17, 2024, 11:47 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. This plant is seriously ill, nearly girdled at the base. I do not know if there is dirt or landscape cloth under the stones. The stones are clearly buising the bark  Here is something on the fungus on the leaves. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-7570.pdf  I would not worry about the leaf spots for now.  I suggest you carefully remove the stones and landscape cloth, clear off all the debris within two feet of the trunk. Put 3 inches of pinebark mulch around the tree, except it should not get closer than two inches to the trunk. Fertilize the tree and wait until spring to see if it is still alive.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 17, 2024, 12:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the immediate reply.  Should I consider any sort of wrapping on the trunk before winter (or now)? Or will touching it accelerate more bark loss? Thank you, Rob On Sat, Aug 17, 2024, 10:47 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied August 17, 2024, 12:11 PM EDT
response: Wrapping will not help, it will accelerate rot.  Send me picture of both sides of the tree after the stones are removed. Thank you.
Pear tree deseise

Question: There are different spcies of pear trees fruit bearing and non-fruit bearing in my neighborhood that have spots on their leaves and the fruit bearing trees had 0 fruit. Suggestions?

responder: Lindsay Brown  Replied August 19, 2024, 8:48 AM EDT
response: Good morning Mark,  This looks like pear rust and is a separate issue from the fruit. Rust is common and not very harmful to trees in low infection rates. More information here: Pear Rust | Oklahoma State University (okstate.edu) I would not be overly concerned with ornamental pears having this condition. The fungal spores involved in this disease cycle between nearby junipers/cedars and pears within about a mile distance via wind! This makes it very difficult to eradicate without a comprehensive fungicide program.  The lack of fruit is most likely a pollination problem. Pears are often self-sterile and require other trees to pollinate them. However, not all pears are compatible! Without a pollinizing partner close by, they will not produce fruit. More information here: Pollination – Pear | WSU Tree Fruit | Washington State University.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 19, 2024, 4:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your timely response. On Mon, Aug 19, 2024 at 8:49 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identify this plant

Question: In my yard I have a variety of green bushes/trees:  birch, serviceberry, lilac trees, bladdernut, huckleberry, elderberry, mulberry,  and an occasional buckthorn.

I don't recognize this leaf.  Hope you do.
Pam

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied August 16, 2024, 5:59 PM EDT
response: Trees are best identified by a picture which includes an overall picture of the tree including the bark.  A closeup of a branch showing the leaf arrangement on the branch. Leaf sized is important as well.  Please provide additional pictures for identification.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 17, 2024, 9:28 AM EDT
response: I will send additional photos. Pam

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 17, 2024, 9:46 AM EDT
response: Did you get the additional photos?On Aug 16, 2024, at 4:59 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied August 17, 2024, 2:48 PM EDT
response: This appears to be buckthorn.  See the websites for details. 1. https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/shrub/glossy-buckthorn 2.http://minnesotaseasons.com/Plants/common_buckthorn.html 3. https://burnsvillemn.gov/1092/How-to-Identify

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 17, 2024, 4:36 PM EDT
response: Oh, darn.Thanks, so much, for your time and research.PamOn Aug 17, 2024, at 1:48 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Tops of pines dying

Question: Hello, I have a few pine trees that are dead on the top. Should I remove the dead portion of the tree? Or is it better to leave the dead top? What else can I do to help them recover? And is it possible for them to stay alive this way?

responder: Kind Regards,  Replied August 19, 2024, 11:29 AM EDT
response: Hi Sarah,  We aren't sure why the top of your tree died, but since it doesn't have any needles on it we're guessing it has been dead for a couple of years. You can cut that out if you like and train a new leader to continue the tree's growth. It is hard to tell from the photo how close it is to the power lines above it, but that could definitely pose a problem as the tree grows. It may get cut by the power company, or worst case cause a fire in a windstorm. You may consider removing the tree and replacing it with a dwarf conifer, if it truly is under the power lines.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 19, 2024, 11:56 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the reply.  I was worried about those power lines, so I'll replace it with a dwarf variety.  Thanks! On Mon, Aug 19, 2024, 9:29 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Very large grape vine not looking very healthy

Question: The grape vine has been with this home for years growing along my fencing & has been very healthy.   I have been noticing browning leaves this year & lots tiny tiny flying bugs around one section.  and it started in the area most shaded by a large tree.  Not sure what I should do to help it.  thank you for any information you can provide.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 7:41 PM EDT
response: Is it advised I cut down what I think is dying? Or is there some spray or food help I can give the vine?

responder: Amanda Bachmann, PhDPesticide Education and Urban Entomology Field Specialist Replied August 23, 2024, 5:39 PM EDT
response: This is leaf miner damage, and if you've never had it in previous years it could be that this year was just right for the fly. Leaf miners are very hard to manage as the larva are protected in the leaf - that's what made the tunnel patterns you see on the leaves. I wouldn't rip it out just yet unless there are other issues with it. The leaves will drop, and I would suggest raking them up and disposing of them in the trash so you remove some of the fly pupae that might over winter. You should keep an eye out next year to scout for this type of damage, but plants can usually handle some level of defoliation and this will not kill the grape vine.
Pear tree problem

Question: The attached photo shows some dark spots on the leaves of a two-year old pear tree, and the leaves are turning yellow.  The problem is o Lu affecting one of the 5 tree we planted last year.  Any advice on what it is and how to address it?

responder: UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer www.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardener   Replied August 20, 2024, 9:58 AM EDT
response: Hi, Dan.  Thanks for your patience, as I was reaching out to various experts.  Our plant pathologist has looked at your photo, and she says:  "I see some insect injury in there, maybe pear slug? It really is of no concern, but otherwise no real disease. The tree looks stressed and hungry with the very yellow leaves. The stress could be lack of fertility, or it could be something lower in the tree like a root issue. Was there any standing water on this tree?  Is it in a lower spot with poorer drainage? There is not much to be done this year. I would fertilize the plant next year with a good balanced fertilizer, 10-10-10 or Pro Grow (organic 5-4-3) and hopefully it will turn around."  Also, for general knowledge, here is a link to information about pear diseases: https://portal.ct.gov/caes/fact-sheets/plant-pathology/disease-control-for-home-pear-orchards#:~:text=Fabraea%20leaf%20spot%2C%20also%20known,fruit%2C%20and%20twigs%20of%20pear.  If you have further questions, or want to share more details, let me know.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 7:05 AM EDT
response: Thanks VERY much for the helpful info!  On Aug 20, 2024, at 9:58 AM, Ask Extension wrote:    ﻿
Spirea

Question: I have 3 spirea that were planted last fall. They are doing great! I just noticed that one of them is producing very light yellowish leaves while the other 2 have normal green leaves. Could there be a deficiency in one plant that I need to address? Thx for all you do!

responder: Dawn Fradkin  Replied August 21, 2024, 11:48 AM EDT
response: Hello, Thanks for reaching out to Ask Extension with your question about your spireas! It looks like your spirea may be suffering from Iron Chlorosis. This is a common plant issue in our typically alkaline and calcareous (with high lime content) soils. It's not that you do not have enough iron in your soil, it's that the iron is in a form that the plant can't absorb.  Plants use iron to make chlorophyll which is the green pigment in leaves. So insufficient iron causes insufficient chlorophyll and then leaf yellowing. Iron Chlorosis can be difficult to cure.  Here are more details and some options:  https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2115-iron-chlorosis/ https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/223.pdf I hope this helps, Dawn

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 25, 2024, 8:34 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Dawn! Sent from my iPhone On Aug 21, 2024, at 9:48 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
carpentar Bees

Question: We have carpenter bees that have made holes in our front door and a railing.  There is a small honey comb in the roof of our porch.  I hesitate to to destroy it because I am concerned about bees and we try to not kills plants that they like even if considered weeds.  I have killed bees I see gathered around the holes they have made.  Are carpenter honey combs different from those of other bees.  In other words if I destroy the honey comb will it not destroy the homes of other bees.  What do you suggest I do?

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 16, 2024, 11:57 AM EDT
response: The tunnels and comb are created by different insects. The holes bored into wood are indeed from Carpenter Bees, a native pollinator that is generally more of a nuisance than a serious threat to structures (unless tunneling becomes much more extensive). You can learn more on the linked pages.  The comb belongs to paper wasps, one of our social wasp species that share a nest and raise young collectively. (Carpenter Bees work alone, with each female tunneling and provisioning her own nest by herself. She does not raise her young, only supplies them with what they need to eat before she dies. Males can patrol a territory outside of nest areas and investigate or chase intruders, but cannot sting.)  You can learn about the behavior and habits of paper wasps in our Social Wasps web page. Compared to other social wasps like yellowjackets and hornets, their nests are quite small, and if physically removed (especially this late in the season), probably won't be rebuilt in the same spot. They do not re-use nests from year to year. These and other wasps usually leave people alone unless they feel threatened (if swatted, for example) or if they think a nest is under attack by a predator. If the wasps are too defensive and the area by the nest cannot be avoided until autumn, when the workers die off, then it might need to be treated with wasp spray to kill the adults. (Knocking it down might work, but will be a greater risk for stings.)  Wasps are pollinators too (adults can drink nectar), and they hunt insects that gardeners consider pests (which are fed to their young), so they are beneficial to have around when stings can be avoided. They mostly keep to themselves if they do not feel threatened.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 16, 2024, 3:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much COn Fri, Aug 16, 2024 at 11:58 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 August 16, 2024, 3:53 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Bell peppers - rotten area

Question: All my bell peppers get a big rotten area on them starting before they turn from green to red. I water them thoroughly once a week and apply Gardentone once every two weeks.

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 15, 2024, 3:57 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately the symptom in the photo isn't in focus, but it looks like sunscald damage that has begun to decay. Pepper fruits that are too exposed to several hours of direct summer sun (such as if leaves above them were shed or withered) can be more vulnerable to sunscald damage, though high heat combined with direct sun (or reflected light, such as from a nearby glass door or window or white wall) might contribute. Pepper plants do thrive in full sun, where their productivity is highest, but sometimes fruits maturing on stems that don't shade them enough can develop this kind of damage.  A similar condition that begins where the blossom was attached at the base of the fruit is Blossom End Rot, but the fruit pictured doesn't seem to have the damage in the right location for this condition. However, we mention it because other fruits on the plant might, as the two conditions could overlap on the same plant.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 19, 2024, 7:57 AM EDT
response: I Just put a floating row cover on. Will this 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 19, 2024, 9:08 AM EDT
response: Yes, it should help to shade the fruits from sunscald.  Miri
Monkey Puzzle Tree

Question: Why does my monkey puzzle tree turn so brown and drops its limbs?  Is it stress or other root issues?  What can be done to prevent this?

responder: Bill Hutmacher  Replied August 18, 2024, 4:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the question.  It is certainly normal for monkey trees to lose lower branches as they age.   It doesn't look like drought stress as the entire tree isn't browning.   Also, too much water that causes the soil to be too soggy can result in root rot.  That might account for different sections of the tree going brown.    There also could be scale or mealybugs that are attacking certain sections of the tree.   Here is some information from the UC Davis Integrated Pest Management site - https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/araucaria.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 18, 2024, 6:02 PM EDT
response: Thank you.    Charles Couture   Sent from my iPhone  On Aug 18, 2024, at 1:13 PM, Ask Extension wrote:    ﻿
Are these trees sick?

Question: We recently moved to a house that has two trees that do not appear to be healthy.  Can you determine what is wrong with them and what we would need to do to return them to a healthy condition?  Tree1 generally looks OK but has many partly bare branches.  Tree2 has light green leaves many of which are partly blackened.  They both are supposed to be on a drip watering system, but I would not exclude the possibility that they just need more water.  Thanks!

responder: Adams County Master Gardener  Replied August 16, 2024, 1:21 PM EDT
response: Hello, thank you for your email!  Can you let us know what county and zip code you are in?  Also, do you have an idea of what type of tree's these are? Do you know how much water they are getting a week? Do they get full sun exposure all day?  Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 16, 2024, 2:28 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your questions.  We are in Adams County in zip 80602.  I think tree 1 is a prairie crabapple and tree 2 is a red maple.  Both trees are in full sun. I don't know how much water they're getting from our drip watering system.  Right now my watering app says the soil moisture is 60% although I don't know how accurate it is.  Often when I check it says the soil moisture is 0%.  I also don't know if tree 1 is on this system.  I've been watering every other day or every day in hot weather for 20 minutes.Is there a flow rate and run time you recommend?  According to my app our flow rate is zero, although I have seen plants getting watered. Thanks for your assistance.  Also do you have a link to shrubs and perennials that extension recommends for our location?  The previous owner was a fan of roses but we want to go for a more natural look.On Fri, Aug 16, 2024 at 11:21 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Adams County Master Gardener  Replied August 17, 2024, 12:20 PM EDT
response: Thank you for clarifying! From the looks of the first tree in the picture, I can't see what is wrong with it. The 2nd tree is clear that there are some necrotic spots and yellow leaves which is usually a sign of overwatering. Most drip lines water at a rate of 1 gallon per hour, you would have to check your system to determine how long that drip line runs to determine how much water it is getting. If it is receiving multiple gallons a week plus you are hand watering, it could be overwatered and not getting enough oxygen.  As a general watering rule, apply 10 gallons of water for each diameter inch of the tree. For example, a two-inch diameter tree needs 20 gallons per week.
Mud Nest Identification

Question: Will send photos of nest found on propane tank for grill which had a cover over it.
I would greatly appreciate knowing what insect is associated with this nest.
Thank You!
From U of M Graduate 1970's.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied August 16, 2024, 9:15 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Greg,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  From viewing your photos, I believe it is a mud dauber wasp nest (sceliphron caementarium). Please click on the following link about the insect: https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-253/E-253.html Here is another link: https://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=sceliphron+caementarium&search=Search  It is a black wasp woth a long abdomial petiole, long legs and bright yellow markings. The female constructs multiple, free-form mud cylinders aboveground. The nest is attached to a building or structure near a pond or water source. The female collects damp soil for the nest. She provisions the nest with many spiders and a single egg is laid on the first spider. She collects more mud to seal the end of the cylinder. The female is a fast mason: she can construct one cylindrical cell with up to forty loads of mud in two hours or less.  These details are from the book: Wasps, A Guide for Eastern North America, by Heather Holm, a Minnetonka resident.  Interesting insect.   Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 16, 2024, 11:52 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Maureen,THANK YOU for the prompt answer to my question.The information you provided is a perfect description of what was found in my back yard.Why the propane tank under the vinyl cover on a gas grill was chosen for a location is a mystery!Thanks again,Greg SwansonOn Aug 16, 2024, at 8:15 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied August 17, 2024, 7:36 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Oak tree brown leaves

Question: hi! Any idea what is going on with my oak tree? If so, what do I do? Thanks so much! Pic attached

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied August 15, 2024, 3:20 PM EDT
response: Hi Genie,  This is oak leaf blister, a fungus that affects the leaves as they are emerging in the spring. It happens most often in wet springs and the rain must have occurred at the right time for this to infect trees this year.  There is nothing you can do at this point, except rake up the leave when they fall from the tree and throw them in the trash. While the leaves look bad, it's just an aesthetic issue and will not cause long-term damage.  Here's more information: https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/ipm/notes_orn/list-treeshrubs/oak-leaf-blister

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 16, 2024, 11:52 AM EDT
response: Thank you! This is very helpful. GenieOn Thu, Aug 15, 2024 at 1:20 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: