MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Rhododendron suffering from heat

Question: The leaves on my rhododendron are drying out. Over the past year, I have cut off small branches with dying leaves. However, it hasn't resprouted anywhere. When we had our hot weather in July, it really looked like it was dying. I watered using the hole in the 5-gallon bucket method, but it didn't seem to help. This week it's looking even worse. Should I (1) keep cutting of the dead branches, (2) cut back the whole plant, (3) assume it's hopeless and take it out?
Any advise about watering?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 07, 2024, 12:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your questions, Jeanne.  The worst thing you can do is to prune during hot, dry weather.  It just creates wounds that allow moisture to escape.  And removing more than 1/3 of the plant's foliage each year deprives it of enough leaves to photosynthesize adequately.  Use a soaker hose to water daily, early in the morning.  Cover the plant with air permeable white fabric, such as a gauze, to protect it from the sun's rays.  Mulch with large bark chips to 2 inches depth.  And keep your fingers crossed!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 1:04 PM EDT
response: Any idea how long I should leave the soaker hose on? I left it on too long earlier and flooded my basement. That’s why I stopped using it. JEANNE   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 9:09 AMTo: Jeanne Roy <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Rhododendron suffering from heat (#0150345)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 07, 2024, 1:35 PM EDT
response: I suggest that you buy an inexpensive soil water meter (probe), to measure how deep the water has permeated.  There's no "perfect" time, since soils vary in content and drainage rate.  These roots go down 1 to 2 feet, and are fibrous, so don't have a tap root to find deep water.  Here is more information:  https://www.rhododendron.org/irrigation.htm#:~:text=They%20have%20fibrous%20roots.,and%20into%20the%20surrounding%20soil  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 3:56 PM EDT
response: Thanks. Jeanne   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 10:36 AMTo: Jeanne Roy <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Rhododendron suffering from heat (#0150345)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 07, 2024, 3:59 PM EDT
response: Welcome!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 31, 2024, 1:30 PM EDT
response: If I don’t prune the dead branches now, when should I prune them?Jeanne From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 9:09 AMTo: Jeanne Roy Subject: Re: Rhododendron suffering from heat (#0150345)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 31, 2024, 1:32 PM EDT
response: You can prune off dead, diseased or dangerous branches/tissue any time of the year.
Redbud tree

Question: My 20 year old eastern redbud tree has a light greenish plaque growing all over it. 
Many branches have only a few underdeveloped leaves. Do I need to have it removed?

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 07, 2024, 9:50 AM EDT
response: The patches on the bark are an interesting life form called lichens which are harmless to the tree. You can learn about them here:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/lichen-algae-and-moss-trees/ They  tend to grow on still objects or slow growing trees that are not producing much new bark or limbs however.  Your tree looks like it is very stressed and may be in decline or dying.  Did it leaf out well this spring with normal, healthy green leaves? Many plants and trees in our landscapes are struggling with heat and drought stress, both this year and last.  You don't necessarily have to remove it right now, but if it hasn't looked healthy and full recently it is likely not going to recover well. As long as its fall wouldn't threaten people and property you can wait and see. Here is our page that helps people decide when to remove a tree:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-do-you-decide-when-remove-tree/   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your prompt reply.  My tree is 22 yr old and I recently read that the life span of red buds is about 20 years. It did not leaf out well this spring and last year I noticed a decline in hardiness. I will probably have it taken down as it is about 12’ from the house. I appreciate the information you sent.Eletta   On Aug 7, 2024, at 9:50 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 07, 2024, 1:22 PM EDT
response: Should you decide to replace the tree, here is a link to the Marylander's Plant Trees program which offers a $25 off coupon on the purchase of a new native trees from participating nurseries:  https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/MarylandersPlantTrees/How-to-Choose-and-Care-for-your-Tree.aspx You can see a rundown of the recommended trees to the bottom left of the page.   Christine
Magnolia scale

Question: I am dealing with a large magnolia scale infestation at my home in Northville MI.   I used the enviroweather tracker and learned the crawler hatch eatimate is in 2 days, 8/8.  Today i took the attached pic and reverse image search suggests this crawler near the female scale is a ladybug larvae, a predator of the mag scale.  

I was planning on spraying the tree w malathion on 8/8 or 8/9 but i also don't want to harm a natural predator.   Can you tell me what to do?  The tree is in bad shape from the scale and either way i need to be vigilant.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 08, 2024, 2:53 PM EDT
response: That certainly could be a beneficial ladybeetle larva in your photo. I cannot identify it without a photo of the underside, and even then, it is not always possible to identify insects from photographs. There are many beneficial insects like the Hyperaspis lady beetle that help keep scale populations in check in most years. Using a broad spectrum insecticide would have a detrimental impact on those beneficial insects create conditions for a rebound in the scale population. You can use physical removal of the adult scales at this time of year, to reduce populations of scales with less of an impact on beneficials. This would mean using a scrub brush or sponge to remove the adult scales. They will not survive the removal of their protective shield and any eggs that they have laid will also be destroyed in the process. You can read more about this method in an article from Ohio State University Extension here: https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1637 And more about Magnolia Scale management in this article from MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/why-is-sap-dripping-from-my-magnolia-tree

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 3:01 PM EDT
response: The tree has thousands of adult scale, not to mention it is a 15-20 foot tall tree with a 20 foot canopy.  Brushing off by hand....LOL.
Please try to identify (shrub)

Question: Hello Please try to identify. There are hundreds of small pink blossoms at Memorial Day. They totally tolerate trimming to size in the spring. Thank you. Dan

responder: Thank you for contacting us!  Replied August 07, 2024, 12:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. I believe this is a Weigela florida variegata. This is a great shrub for the landscape. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 6:00 AM EDT
response: Thank you.  Yes, this is exactly correct as found at Spring Hill.      From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 12:29 PMTo: Daniel Heath <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Please try to identify (shrub) (#0150311)
Plant ID

Question: What is the purple-flowered plant? Thank you.

responder: UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer www.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardener   Replied August 07, 2024, 12:16 PM EDT
response: Hi, Barbara.  Thanks for reaching out to the EMG Helpline.  The photo is a bit fuzzy, so I can't be sure, but I think your purple flower is a great blue lobelia, also called blue cardinal flower - a perennial wildflower that attracts pollinators.  Take a look at the links below and see if they match your plant.  If not, send another photo or two of both flowers and leaves and I'll look again.  From the US Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/lobelia_siphilitica.shtml  From the NC State Extension: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lobelia-siphilitica/

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 12:35 PM EDT
response: I think thats it Juanita. Thanks so much -- you guys are great! Barbara  On Wed, Aug 7, 2024, 12:16 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer www.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardener   Replied August 07, 2024, 12:38 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!  Enjoy your garden!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 12:53 PM EDT
response: Always! Can't help but smile at it now that it's black-eyed Susan time!  On Wed, Aug 7, 2024, 12:38 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Why my plant could be dying?

Question: My daisy plant and its neighboring plant appear to be dying from the bottom up and it looks like it’s from the bottom up. The plant  in between it was about to bloom and now  it's buds have shriveled up also.  The yard does slope towards this section of the yard so itt could be drainage but I don't think it's been raining that much recently. The plant was thriving and grew bigger this year earlier this season. I don't water the plant intentionally because we get rain and my husband has sprinklers watering the he started in the yard.I checked online and kept finding the same possible causes from root rot to pests. Is there a greater possibility it's one cause over another? Can I still save the plant? On the other side of the yard is another plant that looks like something is wrong. It's leaves are gone along the stem. I can't see any signs of pests because there are no part eaten leaves.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 06, 2024, 9:09 AM EDT
response: Hi, My Montauk daisy looks like that too. Because of all the rain and humidity, it likely has a leaf disease. Not much you can do about it now. You would have had to apply a preventative fungicide earlier and usually that is not worth it as if we get a lot of rain, it washes off and needs to be reapplied. Your plant will be fine just not as attractive as when it had more leaves. If you want to see what disease it is, you can submit a sample to the UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab (https://plant.lab.uconn.edu/).  As far as the other plant goes, I am not sure but maybe it is a cherry or a willow? Leaves don't disappear - either they get diseased and fall off or something ate them - my guess would be either deer or a large caterpillar that has since pupated but without seeing the culprit, there is not a good way to determine who did it.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 8:55 PM EDT
response: It will be fine? Does that mean it will live answer come back for next year? Yeah I can't find any evidence of partially eaten leaves. The whole leaves are just gone, stripped just left the tips. Would I do it more harm to  prune the single branches down. I'm guessing it might waste energy to feed just the tips?  Sent from my iPhone On Aug 6, 2024, at 9:09 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 07, 2024, 9:29 PM EDT
response: They both should be fine next year and maybe grow more leaves this year especially if we have a mild fall. Feel free to prune back the eaten branches so the plant looks more attractive. You might get some new growth but don't worry about it. There is still plenty of time to harden off.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 5:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you for answering my questions.   Kimber      On Wed, Aug 7, 2024 at 9:29 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
How to care for unwell crab apple tree

Question: I have a crab apple tree in my backyard in Lakewood Colorado that is quite large and old, from reviewing your list of varieties I'd guess it's a Dolgo? It is in rough shape with damage that I presume to be sun scald, bug damage, and some kind of infection. It is the anchor of the back yard, providing so much of our needed shade and would be an expensive pain (and heartbreak) to remove. I'd appreciate any help on how to care for it.

Background:
When I moved in 4 years ago I could see some signs of bugs. I noticed small ~1mm holes in the bark from some kind of bug. I did see Pigeon Tremexes on it from time to time but I can't say if that's the only bug responsible.
There was also some mild bark peeling that revealed insect tracks on the hard wood. The peeling bark has gotten much worse, primarily on the South or South/East aspect which makes me suspect sun scald even though it's a very mature tree. 

I had a respectable arborist company come in early 2023 to look at and trim trees as necessary. They thinned the crab apple tree quite a bit and offered to spray a pesticide which my wife declined. In the two summers since being trimmed the tree has taken a hard turn for the worse. Last summer it was primarily the bark peeling that progressed. And this year some branches failed to bud/fruit and many others got leaves just to drop them in late spring. 

Any advice is appreciated this tree means a lot to me.

Thanks

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 1:31 AM EDT
response: additional photos of tree.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2024, 9:32 AM EDT
response: Good morning! Thank you for sending these photos.  Have you had it diagnosed with fire blight before? Some of the browning dropping leaves look like fire blight. The way the green growth is growth on the tree to me looks like signs of stress. The tree is not doing well and is trying to send out green growth from where ever it can to get some nutrients.  Unfortunately I would say it is on the decline - the damage to the bark and the stressed growth in the canopy are not good signs. I would suggest having an arborist come out and take another look at it to see if pruning or fertilizing can help it last a little longer in the landscape!  I am sorry it is not better news! Thanks for reaching out, Rachel
Parasitic growth on ash tree

Question: My Autum purple ash tree has something that looks like a parasitic growth. I include a photo here. Can you tell me what this parasite is? Is it harmful to the tree,? What is the best treatment to eliminate or minimize effects of this parasite on the tree?

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied August 06, 2024, 4:15 PM EDT
response: Hi Rich,  Thanks for your question. This is ash flower gall and it's caused by eriophyid mites (teeny tiny "walking carrots") that feed within the bud in early spring. The feeding causes these galls, which look alarming, but are completely harmless to the tree.  Treatment is usually not warranted, nor necessary. The galls may persist in the tree for a couple years and if they are bothersome, you can prune them out.   Here's some more information from the University of Wisconsin: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/ash-flower-gall/

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 6:48 PM EDT
response: Hello Alison,    Thanks for your quick response to my question.... which looks precisely answered as Ash Flower Gall. I'll try to use Sevin next spring to see if I can deter the gall formation compared to this year.  Sure glad that it does not harm the tree.  I love the shade from this tree and would hate to lose it.  God bless,  Rich   On Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 02:15:27 PM MDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Giant bees 3x times bigger

Question: 8/5/24 @ 5pm
I have some gigantic bees that arrived on my sunflowers, 3x bigger than the honey bees. (Please see pictures)
Salem, Oregon area. Can you identify?

responder: Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied August 06, 2024, 5:45 PM EDT
response: Very cool. What you have is one of the largest bees in the state, the Nevada Bumble Bee (Bombus nevadensis). It is probably a brand new queen, who is preparing for winter by building her fat reserves up on your sunflowers. She will find a place to hibernate in a few weeks and will start a new nest next spring.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 6:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response.  Would it make any difference if I told you that I saw ( 3 ) of the giant bees swarming over the sunflowers at the same time, mixing with the normal honey bees that are also digging on the flowers. Thanks again!     Get Outlook for Android   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 2:45:02 PM To: Phil Allen <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Giant bees 3x times bigger (#0150252)

responder: Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied August 06, 2024, 8:23 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Phil,   Sunflowers are super important, as they bloom when everything else is going cripsy brown. And those heads are so big, they can accommodate multiple bees at a time. Keep growing them!
Redbud leaves dying back/spotting

Question: Hello,

I have a young (5-10 years old) Redbud tree in my backyard that typically experiences some level of leaf dieback and spotting every year in the summer. This year it's been pretty bad as you can see from the photos. The first photo shows how the leaves on the far end of the branches seem to shrivel, but the branch itself is still green. The second photo shows some spotting that is on a decent number of the leaves. Some of them turn yellow and fall off. I'm just wondering if there is some sort of disease that is hurting the plant? It seems to bounce back every spring with vigorous growth. Maybe it's something from neighboring trees that impact it only in the summer? Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied August 05, 2024, 8:50 PM EDT
response: See these web pages.  https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=15420 https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=811732 Scroll to the end of this web page https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=6017

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 10:29 PM EDT
response: Hello - Thank you for the quick response. This is all very helpful. I didn't see mention of tip dieback in those links. Do you think that would also be caused by the fungus? I included a picture in my original submission, but let me know if I should resend.  On Mon, Aug 5, 2024 at 7:50 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied August 09, 2024, 12:14 AM EDT
response: Its possible. See this page.  https://plantdiseasehandbook.tamu.edu/landscaping/trees/redbud/ Note these questions are answered by UMN Extension Master Gardeners who are educated volunteers. We are not professional arborists. A submission sent to the Plant Disease Clinic could determine your question for sure. There is a fee for this service.   https://pdc.umn.edu/
This is NOT sawdust!

Question: We just noticed this pile and another smaller one along the molding that is between the carpet (3 years old) and the French Doors to the 2nd floor balcony of our home. We vacuumed it up and underneath, the molding piece is discolored. Do you have any idea what this is.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 06, 2024, 9:49 AM EDT
response: We can't determine the source of the material from the photos, and recommend that you work with a pest control professional if you suspect termites, ants, or beetles (like powderpost beetles) might be responsible.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 10:11 AM EDT
response: Thanks for confirming our suspicions!!  We have seen big black ants in our kitchen and have now put out ant traps in the area of whatever that substance was. We certainly will not be stopping there and do appreciate your fast reply!Thanks, again! Anne and Bob  On Aug 6, 2024, at 9:49 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 06, 2024, 10:36 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.