MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Is my newly planted maple tree dying?

Question: My recently planted maple tree's leaves are turning colors and falling off as if its Fall. Is this cause for concern?

responder: Paul W. U of M Extension Master Gardener Dakota County Replied June 01, 2023, 5:52 PM EDT
response: Mosty likely it is transplant shock and the tree will get over it, if well taken care of. It looks well mulched but be sure the mulch is kept away from the trunk.  Was this a bare root, balled and burlap, or a container tree?  Most trees, if bought from a reputable garden center, have a one year warranty.  Here is a good article from the U on planting trees.  Planting and transplanting trees and shrubs | UMN Extension

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT
response: It was a container tree that I originally planted in April. A few weeks later after much research I realized the tree was buried too high in soil (as it often is from these garden centers) and it was covering up the base or trunk flare by several inches. I then dug up the tree and removed several inches of topsoil around the lower trunk area in order to get down to the flare. Then I immediately replanted the tree the same day. So this sounds like it most likely is transplant shock. I will continue to water the tree. How frequent should watering take place and how much water should I apply?Thank you for your feedback!  On Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 05:53:11 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Paul W. U of M Extension Master Gardener Dakota County Replied June 02, 2023, 5:55 PM EDT
response: Mike,  Great you found about planting depth because the tree would eventually die from girdling roots.  The reference I cited above addresses the watering plan for a newly planted tree. One thing to remember this fall is do not let the tree go dormant in dry soil, otherwise you will lose it. Water until the ground freezes!
Arborvitae browning

Question: Two arborvitae in our backyard have been in good health since we moved here in 2014. Last year (2022) they both started to brown, with the needles dying. We aren't sure what the cause is since there have been no big changes to the area other than planting a raspberry bush nearby and installing a new wooden fence behind them two years ago. We don't water or fertilize them, just put down new mulch yearly. There are no obvious signs of disease or infestations upon inspection of the limbs. What other causes should we be looking into? Thank you for your help saving our shrubs.

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied May 31, 2023, 6:36 PM EDT
response: Hello Nicole This is likely drought stress, and it can kill the trees. We had drought conditions last season, and we do right now, as well. Give these trees, and any other trees and shrubs in your landscape, 1 inch of water per week. If your soil is sandy divide the water into 2 to 3 doses. To properly water a tree, thoroughly soak the entire area under the branches of the tree. One or two inches of water twice a week when there is no rain is recommended. If you use a sprinkler, you can place a baking dish in the area being watered and watch the level to determine when 1” to 2" of water has been applied.  Established Trees Watering Guide gives more details: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-established-trees-and-shrubs#when-to-water-trees-and-shrubs-1261760

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2023, 9:54 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your help. I will get on top of watering! Nichole On Wed, May 31, 2023 at 6:36 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied June 05, 2023, 11:06 AM EDT
response: Glad to help. You can also lightly shear them after hey have been well,watered, to encourage new sprouts. But, some branches may not come back- and will take time to fill in from surrounding branches. Good luck!
probable boxwood blight - how to confirm and what to do if it is.

Question: Our home is in Fairview Park OH.  Our mature boxwood was healthy last year, but this spring it appears to have boxwood blight. I have attached a picture of the leaves and also the whole plant.  Not sure if you can make a confirmatory diagnosis from my bad photos, and probably no labs culture for Cylindrocladium buxicola.  I read it could also be Volutella sp.  Anyway, with all the pachysandra, (the possible vector), growing in the neighborhood I'm guessing it's boxwood blight.  What do you think?  Does the shrub need to be removed?  Should i treat the healthy boxwoods on the other side of the house with fungicide as a prophylaxis?

Thanks for your help.

responder: Sabine Kuhn  Replied June 01, 2023, 11:38 AM EDT
response: Hello Brad,  It has been a bad winter for boxwoods. Many have some degree of winter damage. Yours actually looks pretty good. It is difficult for me to determine if it is indeed boxwood blight from your images. Therefore I suggest the following. Testing: Boxwood blight generally appears in mid to late summer, after we've had a high degree of humidity and moisture.  Although the pictures of the the leaves are a bit dark I enlarged them and lightened the colors. From that is could possibly be leafminer damage. Penn State has a good reference  https://extension.psu.edu/boxwood-blight-emerging-threat-to-pennsylvanias-landscape . This shows examples of boxwood blight and other boxwood diseases. To get the best diagnosis, as is suggested, before treatment, send samples to the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab in Wooster to be sure.  https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/resources/opdn. Follow the instructions on that site and Penn State's as far as double bagging. My suggestion is to send a larger sample than just single leaves. Perhaps you can cut a small branch for examination. You might want to put it into a padded envelope or small box to avoid it getting crushed during shipping. This will ensure a better diagnosis.  Re-examine your boxwoods: Please look at the Penn State reference above and this OSU article https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1359. Both have good information on boxwood blight and other boxwood diseases. You can see if your boxwood has the blackened streaks of blight or if it is infected with boxwood leafminers.  Hold off on treatment or removal of the first boxwood until you have a diagnosis. I hope this helps, Sabine

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 5:20 PM EDT
response: Thanks Ms Kuhn for the info on Boxwood blight  On Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 11:38:34 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Whats happening to my climbing rose and what do I need to do?

Question: Last summer I planted a Ramblin' Red Rose (Rosa 'RADramblin), an everblooming climbing rose, on the sunny west side of my house. This year it is growing well, but for whatever has taken over the leaves (see photos). Can you tell me what is happening and what, if anything, I need to do to keep it happy?

responder: MJ Replied May 31, 2023, 5:20 PM EDT
response: Hi Kim, This looks like rose chafer damage (Japanese beetles aren’t out yet). More information here: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/annualperennial/roses/leavesholes.html Hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 7:49 AM EDT
response: In addition to previous reply, I wanted to mention that the damage only appears on the leaves (widespread) but all the buds look untouched.Sent from my iPhone On Jun 1, 2023, at 6:42 AM, Kim <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿Thanks for your quick reply. That sure looks like the damage I have. Should I be able to see the bugs? I can’t see any….Sent from my iPhoneOn May 31, 2023, at 4:20 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 7:49 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your quick reply. That sure looks like the damage I have. Should I be able to see the bugs? I can’t see any….Sent from my iPhone On May 31, 2023, at 4:20 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: MJ Replied June 01, 2023, 8:08 AM EDT
response: Check on the underside of the leaves. Some of these bugs can move fast. They should be gone by about mid-June. Control methods are included in the link I sent. Thanks!

responder: MJ Replied June 03, 2023, 8:37 AM EDT
response: Hello again Kim, Someone has suggested this could be rose slug damage. Info on that pest is included on the page I sent you. Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2023, 2:10 PM EDT
response: Thank you. I will look into this. Kim   -----Original Message----- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> To: Kim Austrian <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Sat, Jun 3, 2023 7:37 am Subject: Re: Whats happening to my climbing rose and what do I need to do? (#0102947)
Tomato plant help

Question: Could you please let me know what you think caused this curling and if there's anything I can do to nurse them back to health?  They looked great a couple weeks ago. Could this be from pesticide/herbicide drift? Or am I deficient in something? Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.  I grew these from seed and am so upset. Thank you.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied May 31, 2023, 5:47 PM EDT
response: Go to the web site, Whats Wrong With My Plant, and then vegetables, and then Tomatoes, distorted, curled leaves.   https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/vegetable/tomato   Herbicide drift would be my guess because picture 2 shows good leaves on the lower areas. Keep the plants watered for a few weeks more and see what happens.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 6:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick response. I’m sorry I sent so many inquiries, it didn’t look like they sent. Even if the plant does ok, will the fruits be ok to eat?Sent from my iPhone On May 31, 2023, at 4:47 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied May 31, 2023, 8:40 PM EDT
response: Try to determine what the drift chemical was and look up its toxicity over time. Do a search on the name plus toxicity.  I suspect that if the plant recovers enough to produce fruit, that they will be safe to eat. However, I will pose this to other Extension Master Gardeners and see if I can find out.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied May 31, 2023, 9:12 PM EDT
response: Trina, check these web sites and recommendation from another EMG. https://gardenprofessors.com/catch-my-drift-herbicide-drift-curling-tomato-leaves-and-food-safety/  https://extension.sdstate.edu/herbicide-damage-fruits-and-vegetables  https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/herbicide-injury-garden-plants  Unless the gardener knows what herbicide damaged her plants and can check the label to learn if it can be used on vegetables the plants should be replaced. Claire Kari, Hennepin
Name of plant

Question: Hello
Today I saw this beautiful purple flower blooming in my rain rain garden. Reminds me of a snap dragon but a whole lot taller.
I don't think it is Blue Lobelia. Too early?
Thank you

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 04, 2023, 6:55 PM EDT
response: Hi, That plant is baptisia, it is a native flower and a member of the pea family (so it helps improve your soil by fixing nitrogen). https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/blue-false-indigo-baptisia-australis/  It's a great plant, so beautiful.  Sally Granath MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 04, 2023, 7:12 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Sally!It is so amazing to me how different natives keep showing up in my garden. I did not plant them.Pretty neat!!The area use to be all buckthorn which I pulled using my trusty Weed Wrench.  What is the saying--"Build it and they will come!" Kevin T. Wand, D.O.  Midwest Wellness Center, LLC  PO Box 390083 Minneapolis , MN   55439-0083 <personal data hidden> Fax:<personal data hidden> Midwestwellness.com    On Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 05:55:35 PM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 04, 2023, 7:12 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Sally!It is so amazing to me how different natives keep showing up in my garden. I did not plant them.Pretty neat!!The area use to be all buckthorn which I pulled using my trusty Weed Wrench.  What is the saying--"Build it and they will come!" Kevin T. Wand, D.O.  Midwest Wellness Center, LLC  PO Box 390083 Minneapolis , MN   55439-0083 <personal data hidden> Fax:<personal data hidden> Midwestwellness.com    On Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 05:55:35 PM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Please Identify a plant

Question: We had our front yard replaced last summer.  Two plants showed up this spring that were not on our list of plants from our plans.  One I believe is an invasive weed and I removed it.  The other plant The skinny one, I have no idea what it is.  Please help.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2023, 4:10 AM EDT
response: The plant with the skinny stalks appears to be a False Indigo - Baptisia australis.  It is a perennial with pea like flowers. https://www.waterwiseplants.org/find-a-plant/blue-wild-indigo/https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/blue-false-indigo-baptisia-australis/  I have not been able to identify the second plant that you said you pulled out.  If you still have the plant does it have a square stem?  Do you recall color of underside of leaves? Sometimes if you let the plant flower you can also ID the plant by the flower.   Thank you for contacting us, Boulder County Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 1:08 PM EDT
response: Hello,   Sorry for the late response.   Thank you for your assistance.  I checked the photos of the plant you sent me and, to me, it doesn't look the same.  If you don't mind, I will send you another photo once it get's bigger.   Thanks again, Jim   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 2:10 AM To: James Lopez <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Please Identify a plant (#0102932)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2023, 1:16 PM EDT
response: Hello,  The second photo looks like Menarda, commonly known as bee balm.  Feel free to send photos once it flowers.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2023, 1:17 PM EDT
response: Sorry, Monarda.
Fungus in soil

Question: Hello,
Part of my raised bed garden has extremely extensive white fungus growing throughout the soil. My understanding is that generally fungus in the soil is a good thing, but this seems like it could be too much. There are white sticklike pieces that are an inch or two long, and a network of white growth. Some sections also have a gray growth that looks almost like dryer lint. It's all just below the surface and goes deep. It's a bit hard to tell from the photos since the soil appears lighter than it is, but hopefully you can get the idea if you zoom in. I'm wondering if this could be the result of using a mushroom-based compost? Is there an amount or type of fungal growth that can be bad?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2023, 4:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Tara.  You are fortunate to have fungi in your garden!  And, yes, organic-based soil has more fungi than native soil (which has between 100,000 and 1,000,000 fungal organisms per gram--about a tablespoon)!  Here's an article that explains: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/mushrooms-can-mean-healthy-soil Enjoy!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 5:21 PM EDT
response: Okay great! As long as there's no such thing as too much of it :)  Thanks for your answer!On Wed, May 31, 2023 at 1:40 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2023, 5:32 PM EDT
response: To clarify:  there are fungi that are pathogenic (they harm other living species), such as poisonous mushrooms.  Other fungi invade plants, trees, for example, and digest the plant's internal tissues so far that the plant dies.  But what you are seeing are helpful fungi.  So just don't eat the mushrooms--and keep children and pets away from them--and they'll be your best garden friends!
Help with improving a community park

Question: We have a small community park in Alpine Oregon. ( unincorporated)  It is barely maintained by a small group of residents. We would like to  improve and beautify the park.  Are there any programs that might help us?

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied May 31, 2023, 5:49 PM EDT
response: I would recommend starting with the Benton County Natural Areas and Parks Department. They are connected with local agency that may be interested in helping.    Their website also has a list of other organizations that operate in Benton County. That may be of interest depending on how the land is used.    Hope that helps you get connected!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 7:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your reply.  I don't think that any of the links that you sent can help us.  Since we are in an unincorporated area.  The Park that needs help is not a county park. Best, Fay Jones Day
Dying branches on Coral Bark Maple

Question: We planted this Coral Bark Maple 2years ago from Van Atta’s and the warranty has expired. Their tree guy suggested cutting off dead limbs. Fertilizing with Holly Tone and watering. A couple of the branches looked greenish when I scraped the bark, so I left them, but the look like goners to me. I sure don’t want to lose this $150 tree! Any other suggestions??

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied May 31, 2023, 2:46 PM EDT
response: May we have one more picture, showing where the tree enters the soil? This is a very important section to see when assessing tree health.  Also, please tell us about:  -how much water you give the tree per week -what type soil( sandy, loamy, or clay) - how many hours full sun per day it receives This info will be very helpful to our tree expert.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 4:05 PM EDT
response: Hi there! Thanks for responding so quickly. We’ve had a pretty wet spring, so Ive just started watering it. Maybe 3 gallons every 5 days? The top layer of soil is topsoil, but the ground below is clay. It gets about 6-7 hours?  of sun per day. I was encouraged by the new growth at the bottom. I hope this is a good sign. I scraped the limbs again that look dead and there is no green underneath.Attached are a couple more pics as requestedOn Wed, May 31, 2023 at 2:46 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Julie Crick  Replied June 01, 2023, 2:44 PM EDT
response: Hello, I think I'm seeing discoloration on the side of the main stem with the dead branches? Not sure if that discoloration is a shadow, or truly a different color than the rest of the bark.  Also, the tree may have been planted a bit too deep. Was the tree planted in a burlap sac, or wire cage? Or was it planted bare root.  The sprouts at the base of the tree are, unfortunately, not a good sign. They indicate that the tree is stressed for some reason. I suspect it may be a root issue, from improper planting. I would also recommend checking the pH of the soil, to ensure it's in the proper range for maple trees, which is a pH of 5-7.  If you'd like, feel free to reach out directly to discuss. My office line is<personal data hidden>.  Thank you, -Julie
Aphids on Rohani Beech

Question: My Rohani beech has a HUGE infestation of white aphids. I’ve had trouble the last 3 years but this is the worst. I’ve used plain water spray last year and that seemed to work after a couple of hits. 2 years ago, I had to use Neem Oil and water spray and that worked. This year I’ve done both water spray and Neem oil and it is still loaded. The tree is 30+ years old and I’d hate for anything to happen to it. Do you think another couple treatments with Neem will work? I have read that it should not be applied if temps are over 85°. Just keep treating it with high powered water spray until temps cool off again? Should it be pruned in the fall for greater air circulation? It seems to be thriving despite the aphid issue.

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied May 31, 2023, 5:07 PM EDT
response: The white material are secretions from wooly aphids. The aphids will make the leaves sticky and potentially form sooty mildew. Natural enemies in the area will usually feed on some of the aphids. This issue is not related to air circulation. There have been a number of reports of wooly aphid on beech, and we happen to be in a year where aphid populations are higher.   Neem or insecticidal soap are two chemical options. However, it would be tough to get good coverage on your tree and it is too hot this week to apply either. While the leaves may appear a bit unsightly, no chemical treatment is necessary as the tree will survive.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 2:25 AM EDT
response: Dear David,Thanks for your response! I will continue to use a water jet spray to see if I can bring them under control. Glad to know that they will not harm the tree. It is a beauty!Sincerely,Peach FordOn May 31, 2023, at 5:07 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Apple tree leaf

Question: What is the cause of powdery leaves on my apple tree?

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied May 31, 2023, 7:53 PM EDT
response: Hi Kathy and thanks for your picture and question about powdery mildew on your apple tree. It looks like a classic case so I'll include an article about the disease. You can cut off the branches affected if there are not too many and destroy them -trash, not yard debris bin.   If you fertilized the tree this spring the extra nitrogen is not helping, and you will need to prune this summer or next winter to open the tree to air flow.  There are five products listed for home treatment in the article. They are the ones with an H in a square after the product name. Four are chemicals and one is biological so rotate which ones you use if you decide to go this route and follow the directions VERY CAREFULLY. For example, Spectracide Immunox says to not spray within 2 weeks of harvest!  Some years are just worse than others for powdery mildew and your tree may be fine with just the affected branches removed. Just note that there are resistant varieties if you need to eventually replace the tree.  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/apple-malus-spp-powdery-mildew Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 8:15 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much, Rhonda!KathyOn Wed, May 31, 2023, 4:53 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: