MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Parkland birch trees

Question: I have 3 parkland birch trees I planted last fall.  This spring 1 leafed out fully and looks great.  1 leafed out except for the top 2 feet and the third did not leaf out at all.  There are buds on the trees that didn’t leaf out and the branches are pliable so I don’t honk it’s completely dead.  Will these trees recover?

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 18, 2023, 9:28 AM EDT
response: I would take a wait and see approach as long as there are buds and the branches are pliable.  It’s been a tough winter for trees and I would expect that some may be delayed in leafing out.  (Top branches not leafing out can also be a sign of the tree dying.  Often even dying trees have enough stored nutrients to partially leaf out.).   Most important of all is to make sure they get enough moisture. This is especially true as they appear to be in a full sun position. (This tree does best in partial shade.) If you haven’t used mulch under them, it would be a good idea to do so. This helps to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.  Just make sure the mulch is 6-8 inches from the trunk.  Mulch touching the trunk can dehydrate the tree by pulling water into the mulch.  If the bottom of the fence is wood and stone as the other side appears, that may also wick water away from the trees.   If you don’t see any leafing out in a month and they are under a warranty, return them.  Also if you replant consider that they should be at least three feet away from the fence and at least six feet between trunks.  I would plant them 4-5 feet from the fence to allow for root expansion. (Normal mature tree width is five feet so half of that is 2.5.x 2=5 feet. At that width they would be touching at maturity. That means that you don’t have good air circulation and have high competition for water and nutrients.  Hope this helps!  They are beautiful trees and well suited to an urban backyard.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 10:35 AM EDT
response: Thank you.  Is it worth waiting another spring cycle to see if they recover? or is it unlikely? The warranty is good until this fall but I can speak to the nursery to see if they will extend.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 18, 2023, 10:44 AM EDT
response: It is unlikely that they will recover if they don’t leaf out fully in the next month or two at the most.  Going into winter in a compromised condition will likely kill them off.    Better to get new ones replanted in the fall before the warranty expires.  I would also let the grower/business know about the problem now and see if they have any suggestions. They can also let you know if there will be availability of this tree in the fall.
Weird color in collard greens

Question: Hi, My collard greens are developing these weird colors and I can’t figure out why. I cover them up with a netting, apply organic fertilizer, and water. Not sure what I could be missing. Any ideas? How do I get them back to the rich green color this vegetable is known to have?

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 May 18, 2023, 12:39 PM EDT
response: Hi-  If this bed is established and typically produces healthy plants we think that the off-colors in general and the leaf edge discoloration are a response to cold nights and erratic and extreme weather. This environmental injury is common in spring as plants try to establish their root systems. The small root systems sometimes can't pick up adequate nutrients from the soil even though you've fertilized them. Plants usually green up and outgrow the injury as the weather warms.  If this is a new bed with new soil please tell us about the soil and about the fertilizer you are using. We were wondering about the small light-colored cylinders scattered over the soil.   The netting is a good idea although we can see some caterpillar feeding in the 3986 photo so be careful not to trap caterpillar pests under the netting where they will be protected from natural enemies.  Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 2:24 PM EDT
response: Thanks Jon for the timely response. It’s an old bed/soil amended with compost I ordered online. The cylindrical pellets are sluggo pellets. I used them as I noticed slime on some of the leaves. Figured slugs were having a field day. I use Alaska Fish Emulsion and rotate with Kellogg garden organic fish and kelp liquid fertilizer.  I am assuming it’s still consumable with the discoloration. Is this right? I haven’t consumed any discolored leaves. I throw right into the compost bin.

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 May 18, 2023, 2:46 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the added information.   Yes, the leaves are edible. I hope the collards straighten out for you. Let us know if symptoms change or get worse.  We have a nice blog, Maryland Grows, with an assortment of topics covered including food gardening (there is a recent 4-part series on Brassicas.   Also, there is a great Master Gardener program in Prince George's Co. if you like the idea of learning and volunteering. Esther Mitchel is the Coordinator (<personal data hidden>). Jon
Peach Tree disease, brown gel like substance around base of truck touching the ground

Question: We just noticed our 3 year old peach tree has this brown blob around the base of the trunk on the ground? It is a gel like substance. We have not done anything to the tree. The tree is planted in our flower garden. There are a few tulips around the tree that did not bloom this year. Can anyone identity this? What should we do with it? Can the peach tree be saved, will it be ok? We have another one year old Peach Tree nearby will it be ok, is this brown mass contagious? Thank you for any advice!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2023, 12:24 PM EDT
response: Jennifer,   Thank you for your picture and your questions.  You have phytophthora root rot.   Root and crown rots are very important diseases that affect stone fruits. Trees often die within weeks or months of the first symptoms, but in other cases, the decline is gradual, occurring over several growing seasons. The disease is caused by fungi in the genus Phytophthora, and is most severe in areas of poor drainage.  Infected trees have stunted shoot growth and leaves become sparse, small, and yellow. Fruit will be small and sunburned. Shoot and scaffold limb dieback occurs as the disease progresses. Crown rot symptoms appear as black decayed areas on the root crown and or trunk base near the soil line. Cankers that exude a gummy resin are often present. Root rot symptoms include few feeder roots being present, with the remaining roots often decayed.  Prevention & Treatment: There is no chemical control available for root rot in the home garden. The most important control strategy is careful water management. Try to plant your trees shallow, maybe even shallow, on a 6” to 10” raised bed. Do not overwater trees. Select well-drained sites for planting, and improve drainage of the existing location.  Please let us know if you have any addition questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 5:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information! Probably from overeating, last year. Frustrating and exasperating. Live and learn unfortunately.Regards,Jennifer RomeroOn May 31, 2023 at 10:24 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Rhododendron spots

Question: What could be causing these spots on the outermost leaves of a rhodie? It came with our new house and might be neglected. Sun stress?

responder: Stephen Oldfield  Replied May 22, 2023, 1:42 PM EDT
response: This looks like sun scald on your rhododendron. Has something moved in the landscape - trees removed or upper branches pruned – that would newly expose the leaves to strong sunlight? Maybe just the changing season and weather extremes mean that the plant is newly exposed to the sun.  Keep your plants healthy and they will be better able to withstand the stress. Deep watering and mulch will help to conserve moisture. Moisture on the leaves is usually avoided, but in an extreme weather event the benefits of a humid environment can outweigh the risks of disease transmission. Provide some shade. Shade cloth is a long-term solution but for a quick fix in an extreme event then placing umbrellas around the garden can save some plants the trauma of leaf scorch and heat stress.  Here are some useful suggestions for identifying and managing heat stress from Oregon State University and some tips for gardening in extreme heat.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 11:05 PM EDT
response: Thank you!! On Mon, May 22, 2023 at 10:42 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identify flowering tree on campus

Question: I saw these light purple tubular flowers near Benton Hall and wondered where they came from. Then I looked up today, and noticed they came off a tree! I tried checking the tree for a label, but couldn’t find one. So I collected a flower off the ground and photographed it. What kind of tree is this?

responder: Kevin K.  Replied May 18, 2023, 6:11 PM EDT
response: Thank you Stephanie for your question to "Ask Extension".  It is difficult to identify a tree species with just the flower alone.  I even made a trip to campus and walked around Benton Hall to see the specimen.  Unfortunately I was not able to find it.  Could you please take some additional photos for me.  I would like one of the entire tree, one of the trunk, one of how the leaves are arranged around the stem and one of a close up of a leaf.  Thanks in advance and as always Happy Gardening.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 8:13 PM EDT
response: Ah! I went to photograph the tree, and found that its neighbor, an identical tree, was labeled- complete with a QR code! It’s a “Princess/Empress Tree”.On Thursday, May 18, 2023, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: [This email originated from outside of OSU. Use caution with links and attachments.] -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-   Dear Stephanie, here's the response to your question:  Thank you Stephanie for your question to "Ask Extension".  It is difficult to identify a tree species with just the flower alone.  I even made a trip to campus and walked around Benton Hall to see the specimen.  Unfortunately I was not able to find it.  Could you please take some additional photos for me.  I would like one of the entire tree, one of the trunk, one of how the leaves are arranged around the stem and one of a close up of a leaf.  Thanks in advance and as always Happy Gardening.   Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0100576  Kevin K. Benton County Master Gardener  We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.
Help identify an invasive weed

Question: I've got an invasion of a flowering weed creeping across my yard. I'd like to know what it is, and how I can control or eradicate it. My lawn care people seem to think it is a yellow wood sorel, but that flower has just five petals. As the attached photo will show, these critters have about 8 petals, and a spade-shaped leaf. Can you help me identify it? Thank you in advance.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 18, 2023, 8:04 AM EDT
response: This appears to be lesser celandine, Ficaria verna.    Lesser celandine is a low-growing, mat-forming, herbaceous perennial. Rosettes have kidney-shaped leaves with wavy edges. Yellow flowers bloom in late April to May. This plant may reproduce by seeds, but the primary mode of reproduction is aerial bulbils and tuberous roots.  If you are controlling it in a lawn setting you can treat it with products containing the active ingredients MCPA, triclopyr, or dicamba. MCPA, triclopyr, and dicamba are labeled for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass. Check the label and try to get at least 2 of these if you can. Treat when the air temperature is at least 50°F and there is no rain forecast for 12 hours. Some sites say when you treat after it flowers you will kill the leaves but not the below-ground tubers. You may get partial control if you treat it now. You will probably have to make repeat applications over the course of a couple of years to kill all the underground reserves. You can also spot-treat with glyphosate. This non-selective herbicide will kill all plants, so use caution around desirable plants. If you use glyphosate, you can reseed lawn areas once the plants are dead. Always be sure to read and follow the label.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 4:54 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the prompt reply!    Regards (from a fellow Spartan), Kevin   -----Original Message----- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> To: Kevin Lee Knapp <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Thu, May 18, 2023 8:04 am Subject: Re: Help identify an invasive weed (#0100573)
Damaged lawn

Question: Half of my small lawn looks dead. I bought grass seed but I don’t know if I need to do anything else before spreading it on the dirt. Please advise. Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 19, 2023, 8:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Anise, It would be helpful to know more. Why do you think your lawn died ? I mean, if you plant more seed won't that also die ? Is it in an area that got a lot of salt spray ?  Do you have a Japanese beetle grub problem ? Before throwing down more seed try and figure out what the problem is so it doesn't happen again.   Dig in a few areas about five inches down and see if you find white grubs. If you have lots of them I would not recommend putting down more grass seed as they will just eat it again. If that's not the problem then I'm going to guess it's some kind of blight and I would really hard rake the area before putting down the seed. Hope this helps, Sally Granath, MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 10:00 AM EDT
response: I was grubs, how do I get rid of them? Will I be able to have grass this summer?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 10:07 AM EDT
response: I saw some grubs, how do I get red of them?Sent from my iPhone On May 19, 2023, at 7:51 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 21, 2023, 4:43 PM EDT
response: Here is a link to the UMN's page; https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/japanese-beetles I have to tell you that it's virtually impossible to get rid of them and I don't recommend spending any money on products. You won't get rid of them because your neighbors beetles will just come over to your yard. Getting rid of the traditional grass lawn and planting alternatives is the most effective. https://bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2019-08/Turf%20Alternatives-Metro%20Blooms.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 7:30 PM EDT
response: Uh oh, I applied grub x to front yard. How long do I have to wait to plant grill alternative?Sent from my iPhone On May 21, 2023, at 3:43 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 21, 2023, 8:50 PM EDT
response: I would read the package or look up what the manufacturer says. I'm pretty sure you can replant right away. On Sun, May 21, 2023 at 6:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 2:15 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  On Sun, May 21, 2023 at 7:50 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What are these tiny guys scurrying around my raised beds?

Question: Hi! I put together some raised beds, added soil, installed irrigation lines, and planted veggies. Within a week, I noticed thousands of tiny insects and maybe 50 larger (but still relatively small) insects scurrying along the irrigation lines and along the perimeter of the beds. They seem to be most active in the evening, and I haven't noticed them actually on the plants. Just the lines, the rim of the beds, and a bit in the soil. I thought they might be mites, but here in NE Portland the only mites I've seen are bright red and a fair bit larger than the small guys. The bigger ones seem to have antennas? These ones seem to be a very pale orange, but they're so small it's hard to be certain. I hope they aren't aphids!

I don't have a good enough camera to really get a closeup, but hopefully the attached image and videos below give enough hints. I know that if they're not actually attacking the veggies I shouldn't be too worried, but it's kinda gross leaning over the beds and then realizing that they're crawling all over my arms :/

Little guys running along the irrigation line: https://youtube.com/shorts/PZJzGr4BAyw
Larger one: https://youtube.com/shorts/P9hgw_d1Pns

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 19, 2023, 9:39 PM EDT
response: Ari: These are not aphids. I do believe they are mites but the only way to be sure is to see a sample. The only other one that I can think of as a possibility is Psocoptera. This is not a common situation plus they are small making it difficult to ID. Is this ground area moist or wet?   Let me know if you have additional questions. Thank you for letting us help you. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 10:39 PM EDT
response: Hi Rich,Thanks for getting back to me. The raised beds are on top of about 5” of gravel. It’s been hot and dry so no moisture beyond the water coming out of the drip lines.-AriSent from my iPhoneOn May 19, 2023, at 6:39 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 19, 2023, 11:35 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the information. I am unable to give an ID as I cannot see the details I need, sorry.  Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 11:49 PM EDT
response: No worries - just knowing that they’re not aphids is a great start and I appreciate it!On May 19, 2023, at 8:35 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 20, 2023, 5:16 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.
Kwanzan Cherry Tree

Question: The leaves on my Kwanzan cherry tree are drooping and turning yellow.  This has occurred over a two week period.  The tree is 8 year old and always has been health.  I follow all the appropriate steps to fertilizer and treat for fungus.  I assumed the tree was dehydrated so I stepped up the watering with no results.  It looks like the tree is dying.  Any help would be great.

responder: Pana Jones, Program Assistant  Replied May 23, 2023, 10:14 AM EDT
response: The Kwanzan Cherry tree in your picture does not show much about the tree except the overall shape and location of the tree.  These trees are not long lived and are subject to several diseases and pest problems. If you could take pictures of the leaves close up that seem to be affected( both sides of them), and also pictures of the trunk. Look for any cracks in the bark or small critters on the leaves. You can take a small branch and tap it against a sheet of white paper looking then for black specks that may move. I am including here some links to problems with Kwanzan Cherry trees that you may find useful. There are some reasons for yellowing and leaf drop on most trees, but if you have not seen this before it warrants more investigation.You may also wish to do a soil test of the soil under the drip line of the tree and information of that is in the following link: https://durham.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/05/nows-the-perfect-time-to-test-your-soil/  The following link takes you to the Extension Tool Box, and if you scroll down, you will see that this tree is prone to several insect and pestproblems.https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/prunus-kanzan/With more complete pictures we may be able to address your questions with more detail and diagnosis.  You are also welcome to bring in a branch for evaluation by our agent who will return next week. Our address is 721 Foster St in Durham, hours are from 8am-5pm, M-F.https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=337276https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=479996

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 5:21 PM EDT
response: Here are the additional pictures that you requested.  The leaves are now brown BUT are soft to the touch. As stated in previous emails, the tree has been fertilized, treated for fungus and pest and is on a watering schedule.  I will check your resources and check the soil pH, ASAP.     Thanks, Bernard      From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 10:14 AM To: Bernard Smith <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Kwanzan Cherry Tree (#0100527)

responder: Pana Jones, Program Assistant  Replied June 02, 2023, 3:06 PM EDT
response: It looks like a fungal infection called brown rot. The homeowner reports that "The leaves are now brown BUT are soft to the touch. As stated in previous emails, the tree has been fertilized, treated for fungus and pest and is on a watering schedule."The fungal disease may have returned.My resource: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/brown-rot-ornamental-cherry-treesTina Durham County Extension Master Gardener