MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Is my Ash Tree beyond saving?

Question: I have been having my Ash tree chemically treated with trunk injection by a reputable local tree company. I believe it's done every two years.  I am scheduled to have the treatment again in July. Another Arborist  said the tree is unhealthy. True? Is it worth putting more $ into it? Cut it down? It doesn't look too bad to me.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 20, 2024, 7:28 PM EDT
response: It is not possible to make a firm decision based on these pictures. Did your arborist say what caused the two dead branches on the lower right side? That is the only thing I could see that would cause me concern.  Does this tree shade the front of your house? If the tree is removed, your AC bill could go up. Maybe consult a second arborist? See this web page also    https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/ash/trunkdead.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 12:02 AM EDT
response: I had an Arborist from the company that treats the tree assess it for pruning since it is getting ont my and neighbors roof. He felt the tree was ok. I had a second Arborist look at it and he was of the opinion the tree was in poor condition. He believed the company that has been treating the tree doesn't use a strong enough dose of the injected pesticide. He thought I should contact the original company and demand they use a stronger dose for the same price. I don't want o get in between rival companies. He did suggest treating the tree now and seeing how it looks next year. There wasn't any specific comment on the dead branches. The pruning would run abut $1300.00, but would be a waste if the tree has  to be removed in the near future. The tree is in the front yard on the west so it  provides afternoon shade. I believe I will get a third Arborist to render an opinion.  Thanks   On Thu, Jun 20, 2024, 6:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 21, 2024, 9:55 AM EDT
response: Third opinion is a good idea. My sympathy about the differing opinions. Note the following web pages say that treatment can be every 1 to 3 years, so maybe skip a year.   https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/should-ash-trees-still-be-protected-from-eab/ https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/eab/management.html Potential damage to neighbor's roof may be more of a concern right now with the weather we have been having.
Green spruce suddenly loses its needles and is dying

Question: This tree was starting to lose needles around the first of May, We have blue spruce within 25-30 feet from it and other green spruce on our property. We do have them sprayed every year and checked for mite and other diseases. Sprayed on April 18 with:
Pure spray 10E
Imidacloprid 75 WSB
Mavrik Primeter 2724-478 We are in Emmet County,

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2024, 3:31 PM EDT
response: Only 2 of 5 pictures sent came through

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 10:13 AM EDT
response: Hello,  From the two pictures, it is hard to determine the cause of this problem.  Is the entire tree defoliated or just lower branches?  There are several insects that can cause needle defoliation (bagworm, spongy moth, spruce budworm).  Some more information (tree species) and further pictures may be helpful in narrowing down potential cause.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 10:56 AM EDT
response: Yes all needles have fallen off the tree and not just the bottom. Cannot say for sure where they started falling from, but I would say originally the lower third of the tree. I will try to send more photos and not sure why they didn’t go through. Look forward to hearing from you again. If we wanted to replace the tree, would we or should we go with the same type of tree or try another Evergreen? I’m only able to send 3 photos

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 10:57 AM EDT
response: Needles first started falling from above the bottom third of the tree and worked their way up to the top. All needles have fallen from the tree. We would like to replace a tree in that same area, should we go with the same type of tree or a different Evergreen? We do have lots of blue spruce on the property also And concerned about their health in the future. What do we need to do to make sure this does not happen to others?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 1:03 PM EDT
response: From the information at hand, it is very difficult to determine what caused current tree problems.  It may be worth sending a sample to the MSU plant/pest diagnostic lab (Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu) ) for further testing.  This would allow better planning if other trees on your property need protecting.  Colorado blue spruce can be a nice tree, but is subject to many needlecast diseases here in Michigan.  Other conifers you may consider planting are outlined in this bulletin: Alternatives to Blue Spruce: Top Conifers for Michigan Landscapes - Landscaping (msu.edu).  Norway spruce is very resistance to needlecast diseases.
White Pine Issue

Question: Can you tell me if there is anything I can do with my white pine?  I think he probably has root rot from all of the rain?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 20, 2024, 6:10 PM EDT
response: Hello! Yes, we have had a ton of rain!  But I am wondering if your tree could have a disease.  Can you take close-up pictures of the brown-tipped branches, a close-up of the candle at the top from the side,  and a close-up of the brown needles?  Send as many photos as you think will be helpful--the more the better.  Are those tips swollen in any way?  Is there any white dripping sap stain on the trunk?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2024, 6:52 PM EDT
response: Okay, now you have many photos.   It looked good up until a week ago. The candles were green and supple. There is no visible damage or sap running.   The photo with my hand is to give you the scale of size. I planted him in the ground last summer.      On Jun 20, 2024, at 5:10 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2024, 4:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the pictures. I'm really curious about this plant health issue and want to help you figure it out!    The pictures show that all the new growth is stunted and turning brown, and needles are dropping, correct?  I don't see swelling, indicating an insect under the bark or a fungus.  I am still not exactly sure what is going on.  Here is an article I found on White Oak Decline: https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-or-w-22.pdf. Let's look at the roots and the soil.  Declining trees tend to be in sites with several or all of the following characteristics:  High soil pH. Soil with high clay content. Compacted soil. Limited space for root growth. You can test your soil--here is a link:https://extension.umn.edu/managing-soil-and-nutrients/soil-testing-lawns-and-gardens Did it seem when you were planting that there was a lot of clay?  Is the soil around the tree compacted, preventing root growth?   I would clear the grass around the base to allow better air circulation.   If the tree is newly planted, you could have purchased a diseased one. Most nurseries have a one-year guarantee that they may honor if you want to return the tree and start over. Good luck and keep me posted.
Pine tree looks terrible

Question: Planted these trees last summer, dry summer as you can imagine and watered as best as I could. Then dry winter! In the spring had new growth which was encouraging but as the spring and summer has progressed looking very sad and coloring changing quite a bit. Wondering if diseased or if there is anything I can do to help it. Thank you!

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 20, 2024, 7:46 PM EDT
response: I think you have a spruce or fir tree not a pine. Pines have long needles in clumps. Spruce and fir have shorter needles growing individually from the twig. Consult this web page for various diseases. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/spruce/index.html Also send a sample to the Plant Disease Clinic. See their web page for directions and cost. https://pdc.umn.edu/

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 7:51 AM EDT
response: Agreed it is a spruce tree, can you tell me what might be happening and if I can get it feeling and looking better or do I need to assume it is dead or diseased and replace?  Thank you! Gisele Sent from my iPhone On Jun 20, 2024, at 6:46 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied June 21, 2024, 9:21 AM EDT
response: It's too hard to diagnose for sure based on a picture. The web page I referred you to lists several diseases that could be occurring. The top of the tree could recover, but those branches that are dead will not. That area of the trunk will be bare with maybe a few volunteer branches emerging years from now.  Another thought. Was the tree planted correctly? That is, if it was a tree grown in a container, the roots reached the side of the pot and then curved around. If they were not trimmed just before planting, they would continue to grow in a curve instead of extending out into the yard. There could be problems in the soil which is why I recommended a soil test. Herbicide drift could be a cause if you or a neighbor sprayed another plant and there was enough air movement to move the chemical onto the tree.  This tree appears to be severely in trouble. I would remove it, but wait a year or two before putting a new tree in that place, just to be sure that whatever caused the issue may have left.
Jedelloh Canadian Hemlock needle loss

Question: We have (2) Jedelloh Canadian Hemlock shrubs that I planted (7) years ago. Each year they have shown needle loss. The plants have struggled, but have not died, although they always appear to be on the verge of dieing. They are planted on the north side of the house so they receive limited sun and I fertilize with  Holly Tone and water them when it is very dry.

I've attached a photo of each one showing their state. 

Do you have any idea of what the problem might be and what I can do about it?

Thanks, 
Mike Kremer

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 1:51 PM EDT
response: Thanks for contacting OSU Extension.  I have reviewed your pictures and description.  After taking a look at a few things, I have a few theories.    1.  First they do not like drought so they need watered but not soaked.  The soil can be moist but not wet.  2. The dying needles could be fungal.  The plant likes to be in the shade but that can result in too much humidity around it and not enough air flow to dry needles out, leading to disease.  Water only base of plant to prevent foliar disease, no water on needles.   3.  This plant likes acidic ph.  Have you had your soil tested?  It could be something as simple as the site condition not be conducive for quality plant growth.    4.  Send a sample to the The Ohio State University, C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic.  They will 100% ID the issue and then we can put a plan in place to care.    See below for resources.   https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tsuga-canadensis-jeddeloh/  Jeddeloh Canadian Hemlock Info  https://ppdc.osu.edu/  OSU, C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic https://butler.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/soil-testing-field-and-crop  Soil Testing  JT Benitez OSUE ANR Educator Butler CO.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 2:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your reply and the information!  Mike Kremer   On Monday, June 24, 2024 at 01:51:18 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Tips of potato leaves turning black

Question: Hello,

Yesterday I noticed black edges on a few potato leaves. Today a few more leaves are showing the same thing. Also the bottom of the stem of one plant looks black. I had been watering by hand at soil level, but yesterday we used an overhead sprinkler as we have quite a large garden and everything needed water. Is this blight? What are your recommendations? Thanks for your 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 June 20, 2024, 1:46 PM EDT
response: Fortunately, this does not look like Late Blight. (We're assuming this is the "blight" you were referring to, since several plant diseases have "blight" in the name.) The blackened stem might be simply abiotic stress (due to environmental conditions and not a pest or disease). If it were a disease, then Southern Blight is a possibility, but the symptoms pictured don't strongly suggest that diagnosis. To make sure, and to discourage Southern Blight going forward, you can move the mulch away from the stem a few inches so it gets better air circulation. The characteristic mycelium (fungal threads) and spore capsules described and pictured in the page linked above can be diagnostic if found, but if not present, that infection is probably not occurring.  Leaf edge darkening might be due to drought stress or under-watering (even if only temporary, since leaf damage cannot reverse itself), natural leaf senescence (preparation for shedding), or perhaps leafhopper feeding. If you brush a hand through the foliage, see if any pale green wedge-shaped insects jump or fly off, which would suggest leafhoppers are around. At this point in potato season, no management of leafhoppers should be needed if the symptoms are not severe (they do not appear to be).  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 8:50 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  On Thu, Jun 20, 2024 at 1:46 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 8:50 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  On Thu, Jun 20, 2024 at 1:46 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 July 01, 2024, 9:14 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Large brown spots on bush bean leaves

Question: Hi,

I'm wondering what these brown patches on my green beans are and if there's anything I should do to stop/prevent further issues.

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 June 20, 2024, 1:37 PM EDT
response: This looks like abiotic damage, which means it was caused by environmental factors and not a pest or disease. In this case, it looks like sunscorch (also called sunscald or just "scorch"), which is essentially sunburn. Plants with reduced air circulation, such as being crowded or growing near a wall, solid fence, or near heat-reflective pavement or stones can be more vulnerable to scorch, but even well-spaced and unobstructed plants can still develop it. Beans can be among the more vulnerable veggies to scorch.  Fortunately, mild scorch in beans generally does not affect yield. You can keep monitoring the plants for watering needs, feeling the soil a few inches down and watering if it becomes somewhat dry to the touch, but no other intervention is needed. Floating row cover and insect mesh netting can serve as a shade cloth of sorts (even if not needed for their pest-excluding or frost-shielding properties) if a full sun exposure is proving to be too much for certain plants, but we'd expect these plants will grow out of it well enough on their own. (Injured leaves cannot heal, but new foliage should emerge normally.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 8:50 AM EDT
response: Glad to hear this. Thanks, Miri!  On Thu, Jun 20, 2024 at 1:37 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 July 01, 2024, 9:14 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Clover? Identification

Question: This grows wild in my NW Loveland neighborhood and I’m curious what it’s called and more curious about whether it could serve as a good ground cover in place of my lawn (which requires too much water)

Thanks for any insight advice or guidance!!

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied June 20, 2024, 4:21 PM EDT
response: Hi Sandra,  This is field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). Most people consider it a weed and it's on the Class C noxious weed list. It doesn't require control, but most do tend to try to manage it, because it can be invasive and take over spaces, including the lawn and your landscape beds. However, a "weed" to one person might be a desirable plant to another.  Mechanical removal is tedious and would require pulling and pulling and pulling and pulling on a regular, consistent basis. If you want to use chemistry, there are effective options to consider in the lawn - one of the most effective chemicals is quinclorac. In landscape beds, your options are to pull it, use mulch, or use a non-selective herbicide.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2024, 4:34 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick response, Alison! I happened to be online when it came in, thus my quick reply in return. :-)  I actually LIKE this flowering weed and was curious if it's something I might intentionally introduce to my yard since it doesn't seem to require water and I think the flowers are lovely (and I think it's silly/wasteful to try and maintain a grass lawn). Would you/CSU Extension consider that a mistake to pursue, or a reasonable idea?     On Thu, Jun 20, 2024 at 2:21 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied June 20, 2024, 5:11 PM EDT
response: Hi Sandra,  Bindweed is considered to be "noxious" for many reasons. Since it's a list C weed, it is recommended (but not enforced) to control it: https://ag.colorado.gov/conservation/noxious-weeds/noxious-weed-species-id/field-bindweed  And here's an article from neighboring state, Nevada, that may also provide some context: https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=3762  Once established, the plant can be very difficult to control - and it has the ability to take over desirable plants.
Shrub Browning

Question: Good Morning 

I recently trimmed back one of my ornamental round ball shrubs and I have noticed they are browning. Do you think it’s from the trimming or does something else need to be addressed? Again, thank you for taking the time to answer my question!!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 20, 2024, 9:53 AM EDT
response: Hello, Pruning when temps are very high is not advisable. The plant is already stressed during a heat wave, and trimming can also expose tender growth to sun which is prone to burning and browning.  It is recommended that you provide these plants with adequate water for the summer and into the fall.  This will help promote new growth to cover the browned foliage. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Ruth

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT
response: Thank you!!!!!!Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Thursday, June 20, 2024, 9:53 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Amy’s garden

Question: What is this disease and do you know how to Stop and prevent it?  Environmental safe info please.  Thanks.  Cathay Hoven

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 20, 2024, 10:33 PM EDT
response: It looks like insect damage.  There are insects which suck the fluid out of leaves leaving them paper thin and crisp.  Cut off the affected leaves and dispose of them.  You can spray with insecticidal soap but check first for insects/eggs on the undersides of remaining leaves.  It could be they have moved on.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 7:39 AM EDT
response: Hello!  I received this prompt response regarding this issue.  Do you agree with this diagnosis?  I have removed the affected leaves and disposed of them.  Does neem oil also work for prevention?  I have not inspected the undersides of the remaining leaves and have sprayed nothing.  Your thoughts?  Thanks.  Cathay Hoven

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied June 21, 2024, 9:52 PM EDT
response: If you have not checked for insects or eggs, you are not spraying for any reason.   As I mentioned before, they may already have moved on.  If you feel you really must spray something, I recommend insecticidal soap rather than neem oil.  Here are links with information on both:  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/insecticidal-soaps-for-garden-pest-control/             http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/neemgen.html
Maple tree leave issue

Question: I have a maple tree that has a section of leaves with a red slimy worm like thing on it. Do you know what it could be?

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 19, 2024, 8:54 PM EDT
response: Go ahead!   On Wed, Jun 19, 2024 at 7:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2024, 11:04 PM EDT
response: What does Go ahead mean?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 20, 2024, 12:30 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your question.  It has been reassigned to me. I reasonably sure I know what these things are.  However to confirm things in my own mind, I need some additional information. 1).  Are these red structures completely unattached to the leaf surface or do they appear to be part of the leaf surface? 2).  Are these red structures found on both sides of the leaf or only on one surface? 3).  If only one surface, is it the top surface or the bottom surface? 4).  In your original picture the leaf is somewhat curled.  Could you send us another picture where the full leaf surface containing these structures is displayed? Thanks for your response.
What is this plant?

Question: It's on a neighbor's lawn border as a ground cover. The iPhone identified it as "stinking cedar" but I have a hard time believing that. 

Whatever it is, I think I'd like to plant it. Can you help identify it?

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 20, 2024, 8:18 AM EDT
response: Hi,  It looks like a Prostrate Japanese Plum Yew or Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'prostrata' . You can compare photos on the NC State Extension website with the plant in person to see if you can identify more characteristics.  If you don't think it is that, you can try sending us some more photos of the underside of the needles and more zoomed out of the entire plant. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2024, 8:24 AM EDT
response: Thanks Emily! That’s great!    Sent by mobile phone     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2024 8:18:38 AM To: Jack Ciesielski <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: What is this plant? (#0143770)

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 20, 2024, 9:20 AM EDT
response: you're welcome