MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Eating my Rose Bush Leaves

Question: Hi, what is this small green worm eating on my rose bush leaves?

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 September 18, 2024, 12:13 PM EDT
response: This is damage we commonly see earlier in the summer, though it can still occur this late into the season. This is Roseslug Sawfly (despite the name, an insect that is neither a fly nor a slug), and they are a very common nuisance pest on roses. Management is not needed this close to autumn leaf drop, because no serious harm is caused by the leaf chewing, but options for future sawfly outbreaks, if they appear in another year, are included in the linked page.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 18, 2024, 12:32 PM EDT
response: Ah, thank you.  That's them.  Roseslug Sawfly.  I will review the management tips for next year.  We actually still have roses budding on the plant though. I assume this damage stresses the plant out to some degree.   MichaelOn Wed, Sep 18, 2024 at 12:13 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 September 18, 2024, 1:15 PM EDT
response: You're welcome. It doesn't stress the plant too much, particularly late in the growing season since the plant has had all summer to photosynthesize and store energy.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 27, 2024, 9:59 AM EDT
response: Miri, is the website having issues? The area where one fills out the form online is grayed out with a frowning icon. Message underneath it says "ask2.extension.org refused to connect."MichaelOn Wed, Sep 18, 2024, 1:15 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 September 27, 2024, 10:08 AM EDT
response: Hello Michael,  Yes, for the moment, the "widget" that loads the Ask Extension submission form is temporarily not working; we have been in touch with the help desk for Ask Extension to fix it, as it's not something UMD web developers can correct. In the meantime, you still should be able to submit new questions via the Ask Extension main page, https://ask2.extension.org/  Miri
Hanging limb

Question: We had a storm come through that left the middle limb of our maple tree hanging down into the tree. The limb is still barely connected to the trunk. We did remove the ends of the branches that were hanging over our roof.
I'm wondering if we should continue trimming the limb or would it be better I wait until late fall to avoid putting more stress on the tree?

Thank you!

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied September 18, 2024, 4:55 PM EDT
response: You have there what we call a "widow maker". It might take a storm to bring that branch down. Or a gust of wind. Or nothing at all.  And if someone is under it at the time....  Please have it removed ASAP.  Here is a link to lists of certified arborists: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist  And one additional link: https://stormwise.uconn.edu/education-2/identifying-tree-defects/

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 18, 2024, 8:27 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information. I will have the branch taken care of ASAPOn Sep 18, 2024 3:55 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Flying insects in s-facing kitchen window after rain

Question: Hi there, I am hoping you might be able to help identify the insects that suddenly appeared in my south-facing window above my kitchen sink today (mid-September). We had 1st rain in 2 weeks today, and they appeared. They have black spots on transparent wings w black veins. The reddish color was not obvious to the eye and only showed in the picture. I am grateful for any help identifying them and any advice on management! Thanks for all you do - Extension is awesome!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 18, 2024, 1:11 PM EDT
response: Hi, Marta! Thnx for submitting a request. It's hard to identify the fly from the photos you sent but we are probably looking at a picture-winged fly. Where did you take these photos (state &, city)?  ThnxSiavashIPM advisorRiverside, CA

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 19, 2024, 6:21 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the lead. The picture is from Fredericksburg, Virginia.Have a nice week!MartaOn Wed, Sep 18, 2024, 1:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 19, 2024, 6:48 PM EDT
response: You are welcome. Thnx
English Ivy affects on Hawthorn trees

Question: I have two 30 to 40 year old Hawthorn trees. They both have English Ivy growing about half-way up their trunks. I have noticed some dead branches and it seems that they are leafing out rather sparsely. Could the English Ivy be affecting these trees adversely?

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied September 21, 2024, 12:39 PM EDT
response: Hello, It's possible that the Ivy is impacting your trees, but having the ivy cover the trunks also makes it hard to evaluate the health of your trees. If Ivy is allowed to grow up the trunks, it may cause issues for mature trees by holding moisture against the trunks, making a good environment for diseases or decay. Additionally, ivy may undermine the structure of a tree by increasing wind or snow loads or potentially impacting the integrity of the bark.   A good course of action would be to remove the ivy from the trunks and for a couple of feet around the base of the trunks so that in the spring and in the next growing season you can fully evaluate the health of the trees.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 21, 2024, 12:53 PM EDT
response: Thanks you so much for your help and advice! Blankenship George    1820 E Cedar Ave. Denver, CO USA 80209-2626 +<personal data hidden> (Mobile) <personal data hidden>        On Sep 21, 2024, at 10:39 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied September 21, 2024, 2:31 PM EDT
response: Of course - good luck!
Grub control

Question: Can I apply Arena .25 now (September 17, 2024) to reduce grub infestation? Can I wait for rain to apply and let it wash it in? (Prefer to do this versus watering area myself).

responder: Jennifer Andon  Replied September 18, 2024, 1:58 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon and thank you for your question.  Unfortunately, I cannot confirm from the photos alone that you are dealing with white grubs.  Can you please roll back the turf and provide a photo so I can get an idea of the white grub populations you are experiencing.    If it is grubs, it is likely too late to get this product down and taken up into the plant.  Because it is a systemic insecticide, it could take over two weeks to get taken up into the plant and be effective. Possibly even longer with the drought we have been experiencing and since the grass is not actively growing, the function of the phloem and xylem has slowed way down. Waiting for rain would even delay the process even further.  Typically at this time of year, we also also dealing with third instar larvae (the largest and final larval stage) present in the soil. It is recommended that the application is made prior to the third instar grub due to the fact that they stop feeding and descend into the soil as winter approaches.  This insecticide is much more effective when applied as a preventative verses a curative.   Once I see the photo, I can better guide you.  Thank you again for your question.  Jen

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 19, 2024, 12:26 PM EDT
response: Not many but photo shows insect (is it a grub?) I have seen white larvae in the past.Thank you.Sean Griswold <personal data hidden> On Sep 18, 2024, at 1:58 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Jennifer Andon  Replied September 23, 2024, 12:10 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon and thank you for the photo.  Yes, that is a white grub, likely a Japanese beetle grub.  Since your populations don't appear to be super high, you might be better off waiting until next spring to put down a grub treatment.  At that time, the Arena .25G would work well, if watered in very well, or timed properly with rainfall.  Please let me know if you have any further questions.  Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 23, 2024, 12:35 PM EDT
response: Jennifer,This is the 2nd season I have “ignored” grubs and even though population does not appear to be dense  - damage to the yard has increased in size and severity.I will use as preventative in the spring - what month should I apply?Thank you for the help.Sean Griswold <personal data hidden>  On Sep 23, 2024, at 12:10 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Jennifer Andon  Replied September 23, 2024, 4:09 PM EDT
response: You can apply as early as May 1, but before May 31, as long as the ground is not frozen.  Please let me know if you need anything further.  I wish you all the best with your lawn.  Take care.   Jen
Red Bud tree is covered tiny black flies

Question: Can you identify these tiny black flies
On my red bud tree and recommended
Treatment?
Thanks

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied September 18, 2024, 11:09 PM EDT
response: I am unable to see detail of an insect on photos you sent. I do know that we have had numerous questions about redbud trees with mottled leaves and small insects on them. If this is what seems to be occurring with your tree it could be spider mites. Spider mites are sucking insects that feed on juices within the leaves. The least invasive treatment is to spray the leaves with a forceful water stream from your hose. Repeated a few times a week can substantially reduce their numbers over time. If your tree is too large for this I would suggest contacting a local tree care company and request an arborist come out for a consultation. The arborist can confirm the type of insect and offer solutions, if needed. Below is a link with information about spider mites and trees.   https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef438

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 19, 2024, 7:20 AM EDT
response: I have learned that the bugs are aphids and young leaf hoppers. Can you recommend treatment for this? Thanks

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied September 22, 2024, 9:27 PM EDT
response: Removal/control of aphids is similar to what I detailed in my original response. Below is a link with information regarding aphids.   https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids
Evergreen excessive needle  drop

Question: Hello,

We have an evergreen that has been dropping an excessive amount of green needles in the last couple weeks. We have not changed anything regarding the care for it. We were wondering what’s going on and if it’s dead. Please advise. 

Thanks!!
Audra Malone

responder: Arapahoe County Extension  Replied September 18, 2024, 2:47 PM EDT
response: Hello Audra,  Do you have any idea what type of evergreen you have that is experiencing the needle-drop?  Thanks,

responder: Diagnostic Team  Replied September 23, 2024, 4:41 PM EDT
response: Hi Audra, Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.  We are having trouble specifically identifying the type of evergreen but we believe to be a spruce or fir tree and what the actual cause of the needle drop is because the photograph you sent is not very clear.  It does, however, appear that the evergreen is quite close to your house and the neighboring house so there could be some root issues involved.  I am attaching several Fact Sheets and Plant Talks from Colorado State University that might help you in perhaps identifying the problem you are having. https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1760-excessive-fall-needle-drop/ https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1751-fall-winter-watering-drought/ https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Environmental-Disorders-of-Woody-Plants-Fact-Sheet-2.932.pdf In this last attachment, there are several sections directly attributable to evergreens if you curser through it. Let us know if you have any further questions. Janet P. and Courtney C.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 23, 2024, 4:58 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the info!On Mon, Sep 23, 2024 at 2:41 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Tree Roots Growing out of the grown

Question: Trees in my yard are starting to have roots grow in my yard. They are starting to come up out of the ground. There seems to be depressions between the trees  and they are raising up. This is happening to several trees in my yard. 
What is causing the roots to surface? What can I do to help with this?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 20, 2024, 8:31 AM EDT
response: Hi Nancy, thanks for the question. Exposed tree roots happen for several reasons such as compacted soil, wind rain and runoff erosion.  Tree roots are not that deep and some trees like maples are particularly prone to show their roots.  As roots close to the surface grow, they can break through the soil surface. Mulching or adding a thin layer of soil can help. Check out the following links: Tree Surface Roots in the Landscape (purdue.edu) 659.pdf (colostate.edu) How to Deal with Surface Tree Roots – Wisconsin Horticulture I hope this is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 20, 2024, 12:05 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the info. I was getting worried because it seems like a lot of my trees decided to show their roots this year. I will read the info and relax about my trees. Thanks Nancy    Sent from my iPhone  On Sep 20, 2024, at 8:31 AM, Ask Extension wrote:    ﻿
Diseases on oak leaves

Question: We have oak trees which have leaves showing signs of distress. They mostly have brown fuzzy balls on the leaves, but a few also have yellow smooth lumps on them as well. Can you help us identify what is causing these?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 17, 2024, 3:34 PM EDT
response: Hi, These are great pictures of oak leaf galls. Could we use one for our October e-newsletter?  So a tiny wasp lays eggs in the spring on leaf buds and a chemical is injected into the leaf that causes an abnormal growth to occur and that is where the insect larvae is. So this causes a gall to form. The insect matures and eventually leaves (the wasps are very tiny). They really are just a cosmetic issue although they can make the leaves brown and fall a little earlier. We don't recommend any controls but if they are on a lower branch and you really don't like them you can cut them off.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 17, 2024, 6:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick and reassuring response.  Of course you can use my photos.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 18, 2024, 12:54 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much. Do you get the UConn Home & Garden Education's Center monthly e-newsletter? If you would like to you can email them at <personal data hidden> and ask to be put on their mailing list.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 18, 2024, 1:22 PM EDT
response: Just wrote them to subscribe - - thank you!On Sep 18, 2024, at 12:54 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
evergreen ground cover

Question: Hi, I need to replace pachysandra and vinca plants which are getting too much sun after we removed a large tree.  Is there any attractive evergreen ground cover that you would recommend?  The sections receive sun most of the day.
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 September 17, 2024, 1:32 PM EDT
response: You can review our Groundcovers page and there is a drop down menu for full sun and dry conditions. Moss phlox is a beautiful native plant that flowers in the spring and stays green (sometimes turning a bronze red in colder temps). It is available in many different cultivar colors ranging from shades of pink to white to purple. It is easy to find at  most garden centers and you may even be able to get flats of it to fill large spaces.  There are various sedum varieties as well. These would not be native but are various shades of green and some are a deep red color too.  Some Carex or sedge species have a grass like texture and can do well in sunny locations and some are more reliably evergreen than others, most are native too.  Let us know if you have any questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 17, 2024, 4:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much. I appreciate the quick response. I’ll check out these plants!On Sep 17, 2024, at 1:32 PM, 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 September 18, 2024, 10:14 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Tiny balls on Northern Red Oak leaves falling to the ground

Question: Hi, I have these tiny, maybe 1mm size, balls on my oak leaves and they fall to the ground.  The oak tree appears otherwise healthy.  They tend to be yellow with tiny red dots on them.  I have a great macro photo which I will attach.  I can't find any info on the web about them. What are they?  Are they detrimental to the health of the tree?  And how can I get rid of them, kill them dead if you will? Thanks, Wm

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 17, 2024, 6:22 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon! They are most likely galls formed by wasps or another insect. Oaks have a lot of different galls that they get this time of year! can you send me a picture of them on the tree?  For the most part galls on oak trees are mainly aesthetic and nothing to worry about or treat! Thanks, Rachel

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 17, 2024, 8:15 PM EDT
response: Hi,Thanks for the response.  I’ve attached the best photo I can take; it has 3 galls on it.  The leaves start at about 12 feet off the ground.  These galls stick to the leaves, both sides, but tend to fall off.  We just had a very windy afternoon, so many blew off.  I can hear them falling through the leaves on a calm day - somewhat like a light rain.  The accumulate on the sidewalk.My question is, does the leaf make the gall?  They don’t seem to be a growth out of the leaf, just rather somewhat stuck on the leaf.  Or, does the insect make the gall?  Kind of like laying it on the leaf.Thanks, Wm William B. Mark11150 W. Tennessee Ct.Lakewood, CO  80226<personal data hidden>  On Sep 17, 2024, at 4:22 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 18, 2024, 5:37 PM EDT
response: The insect will secrete a chemical that tells the leaf to form the gall for it to lay it's eggs and hatch in - once the eggs hatch the larvae will eat in the gall until it is ready to emerge and drops to the ground.  Davey Trees has a great resource on it that provides more information! The photos you sent are of much smaller galls than the ones on the Davey tree resource but there are SO many varieties of insects that create those galls on oaks! Thanks!Rachel

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 19, 2024, 11:43 AM EDT
response: Crafty little devils.  I wish they’d fly fly off to a neighbors tree to procreate and leave my tree alone.Thanks, for all the info.Wm  William B. Mark11150 W. Tennessee Ct.Lakewood, CO  80226<personal data hidden>  On Sep 18, 2024, at 3:37 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Pinaspis sp? Fern Scale?

Question: Would like to know if this is Fern Scale.  Found on a hard to reach/inspect ferns that have not had attention for long time.

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 September 12, 2024, 2:45 PM EDT
response: Hi,  It does look like a Pinnaspis  species.  It is difficult to tell which species it is though with out a microscope but it wouldn't matter for treatment.  Is it on an indoor plant or outdoor plant?  DO you know the species of plant? It looks like they have a wide host range on mostly tropical ferns but can infest Liriope and some tropical edibles like citrus and figs, or hitch a ride on them from warmer climates if it was planted recently. You can visit our management techniques under Fern scale for houseplants (linked above). Try scraping them off first and if they seem to return you can try a horticultural oil, insecticidal soap just make sure to read the label and if it is for indoor/outdoor plants.  Here is some further info from North Carolina State Extensionhttps://content.ces.ncsu.edu/fern-scale-insect  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 13, 2024, 4:05 PM EDT
response: Thanks it is mostly on Nephrolepsis and a dryopteris in another area.  Nan

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 September 13, 2024, 5:23 PM EDT
response: Ok, those can be common hosts as widely-grown indoor ferns. Ferns unfortunately tend to be very sensitive to pesticide sprays, so test any product you want to try on a few leaves first, then wait a few days to see if "burn" or damage appears (usually as dried-out, bleached-looking, or brittle dead areas of leaf tissue or bronzing of the leaf color) before treating the rest of the foliage. You might be able to try a systemic insecticide (applied in granular form, not a spray), though they are not always very successful in suppressing scale, including high populations. While drastic, if the plant is otherwise healthy enough to regrow, you could cut back most or all foliage to wait for regrowth, which will immediately reduce most (though not all) of the scale population, potentially making any type of treatment approach more effective or easier to try.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 13, 2024, 5:53 PM EDT
response: Thanks. Mostly just wanted to confirm the fern scale id.   Appreciated.   Nan

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 September 16, 2024, 9:27 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.