MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
help an aspen

Question: Hello,
After the hail storm on 6/22/23, an aspen tree is leaning 60 degrees.
My partner wants to cut it down (another storm may drive it into a window); I want to save it.
How can I prop it back up?

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 05, 2023, 3:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Jennifer, Here is a resource that describes how to stake a tree: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/634.pdf. Since your tree is already in the ground, you'll want to use an aboveground stabilization technique. Depending on the size of your tree, you'll want to make sure that the staking is removed in a timely manner (after 1-4 seasons) so that you don't risk girdling the tree.  Do you know whether the aspen was planted on purpose or if it came up on its own? I'm wondering if, in the case it was planted purposefully, it may have been planted in a way that hasn't allowed the tree to root itself strongly. That could be a problem for the future health of the tree. Thanks, Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 12:47 PM EDT
response: Hi Hania, Thank you for getting back to me!The tree is a "volunteer"/grew by itself.At 100cm from the ground, the girth is 39cm (about 15"); ~4.5" diameter.Is one above-ground staking method (standard vs guy-lines) better than the other?Jennifer On Wednesday, 5 July 2023 at 13:23:27 GMT-6, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 10, 2023, 2:00 PM EDT
response: Hi Jennifer, For your situation, I would use the guy-lines. Based on the width of the trunk, you might consider leaving the staking in place for 3-4 seasons. However, you'll want to monitor the straps to make sure the tree isn't constricted by the straps over time.  It is possible that the roots were damaged when the tree was thrown at an angle, so you may find that the tree does not establish or succeed.  Thanks, Hania
What to do with my infested roses

Question: I have 2 knock rose plants that were thriving and now they have become totally invested and eaten alive.  I did try using various products to fight the infestation.  My question is, should I cut the plants all the way back and start again?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 11:52 AM EDT
response: Sorry, I meant to type "knock out" roses.

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 03, 2023, 12:11 PM EDT
response: Hi,  Cutting way back would be drastic right now but might be something you can try if you want to, but given it's now July, do pruning before the end of the month so it doesn't interfere with winter dormancy later this year.  The damage that is show looks like mostly roseslug sawfly (we're now entering the feeding period of adult Japanese Beetles too, so there might be some overlap) but overall the foliage looks pretty good on the plant, so it shouldn't be too badly stressed more just an unsightly look to it. You can watch for the caterpillar like worms from the sawfly or Japanese beetles and pick off if they are manageable. the Beetles tend to have gripping legs so personally I wear gloves or just knock them into a bottle of soapy water. The larvae for the sawflies may be present under the leaves, or they could be in the adult stage now. You can also read the recommendations for the sawflies from NC State Extension but be cautious about using horticultural oil now as the temperatures are over 85 degrees as it can burn the foliage on the plants. If you don't want to cut all the way back right now (or even if you decide to) you can avoid drought stress exacerbating any plant damage by monitoring it for watering needs if it's not already being irrigated periodically.  Let us know if you have further questions with this.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 8:03 AM EDT
response: Emily, Thank you so much for your thorough and detailed response regarding my knockout roses.  I will follow your suggestions to prune before the end of the month and look out for caterpillar like worms and Japanese beetles.  Thank you for the link to NC State and  and I will monitor for watering needs.   Cindy

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 05, 2023, 5:51 PM EDT
response: you're welcome
black cherry leaves with strange growths

Question: Our black cherry tree is dropping leaves with these strange growths.  Any ideas?

Thanks,
Ned

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 30, 2023, 5:14 PM EDT
response: Hello Ned,  These are galls (plant tissue deformities, somewhat like a tumor but less serious) and they are quite common on many species of shade tree and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These may be the kind called "spindle gall" which are caused by mites. Despite the eyesore and abundance some years, galls are not harmful to the trees and can be ignored. Treatment is not recommended as any pesticide used to suppress the mites (or in the case of other gall types, insects) risks harming pollinators or other organisms in the process; plus, mature trees would be costly and impractical to treat.  The leaf loss might be due to the galls alone or, more likely, is being exacerbated by some other factor unrelated to that. Wild native cherries are vulnerable to an array of pests and diseases, so it's hard to say what is going on. The ongoing drought might be causing it stress, and trees can respond to soil moisture shortages by shedding some foliage because that reduces how much moisture they are losing. If the canopy is becoming sparse in recent years (not just from any current leaf drop), you may want to have a certified arborist assess the tree. Some are employed by tree-care companies but others consult independently. While arborists can't cure every ailment, they can help make a diagnosis, as well as look for sources of tree stress that might be able to be addressed to improve its vigor or to slow decline.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 7:25 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the quick and thorough response.

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 03, 2023, 10:17 AM EDT
response: you're welcome!
How to get rid of a weed

Question: This weed is everywhere in my yard. I tried a powerful vinegar solution, but it didn't work. Any suggestions?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 30, 2023, 10:25 AM EDT
response: It's unlikely that any home remedy type solution will control this weed. Household vinegar isn't generally strong enough to kill plants and will at best damage the foliage, only for the weeds to come back from the root. Additionally, other home remedies containing salt and household soap can damage other plants and the health of your soil so they are not recommended.  I believe the weed you have is creeping bellflower. If you want to avoid using herbicides you will need to hand dig and remove the roots. You can also use a broadleaf herbicide, however this weed has some resistance to 2-4,D, a common ingredient in herbicide blends. As a result it may require multiple applications.   https://mbgna.umich.edu/invasive-of-the-week-creeping-bellflower-campanula-rapunculoides/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2023, 8:43 AM EDT
response: Thank you!On Jun 30, 2023, at 10:25 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Serviceberry problem

Question: I planted an entire pollinator garden and this serviceberry is one of the linchpins.  It looks like it’s growing well except for this orange rust.  Is there anything I should/could do this year for it?  What can I do going forward next year?  I want the birds to be able to eat the berries, but that won’t happen this year, maybe next year?  Or do I need to pull it out?  That will make me very sad.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 18, 2023, 9:52 AM EDT
response: Hi.  Thank you for your question.   You have rust on your serviceberry.     As serviceberry is in the rose family (Rosaceae), it is susceptible to many of the same disease and insect pest problems seen in other species within the family (e.g. apples and pears). This includes rust diseases. Cedar-serviceberry rust affects twigs, buds, fruit and foliage and can disfigure these plant parts or result in witches’ brooms.  Wet spring weather and stresses in the environment have made many serviceberrys susceptible to rust this year. The rust disease does require two hosts, a juniper (eastern red cedar is actually a juniper) which is not damaged by the rust, and a serviceberry, (apple, hawthorn, etc.) where we see affected growth.  About rust disease: https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-fr-t-05.pdf https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rust-diseases-trees https://extension.psu.edu/cedar-apple-and-related-rusts-on-ornamentals Nothing can be done this year except good sanitation to minimize the rust spores in the area. The rust will not hurt the tree.  We have it on a tree here in our landscape and it is fine.  We recommend not spraying if possible for the birds and insects.   See the recommendations in this fact sheet:  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/cedar-apple-rust#managing-rust-on-apples%2C-hawthorns%2C-and-other-plants-in-the-rosaceae-family-1172760   If you choose to spray next year to control with an appropriate fungicide. Fungicides are preventative and protect uninfected plant material. They do not cure the plant of disease. Multiple applications of fungicide are necessary for good control.     Best regards, Tracy

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 10:05 AM EDT
response: Won’t fungicide render the fruit, if any, bad/inedible to birds?  I’ve planted the serviceberry for pollinators and birds, so I wouldn’t want to ruin that.  Sent from my iPad  On Jul 18, 2023, at 9:52 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 18, 2023, 10:48 AM EDT
response: Hi.  I would not recommend that you use a fungicide on the tree if you are using it specifically for the birds - the fact sheet included states: Trees and shrubs in the Rosaceae family are highly attractive to bees, birds, and other wildlife. Avoid using fungicides if possible.  I wanted you to have all the information so you can make your own choice that is best for your situation.  Enjoy the wildlife you are attracting!
Tunnel in Asian Lily stalk

Question: What could have made this tunnel in Asian Lily stalk? 
I thought I saw a bee-like flying insect carrying a small purple petal fly into the hole. 
Now the hole is closed up.
Is this something that I should destroy?

Thanks!

responder: Kevin K.  Replied July 02, 2023, 7:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you Jeanne for your question to "Ask Extension " regarding the pest damage to your asiatic lily.  I believe that the insect that made the hole is a lily stalk borer. These borers attack a number of different perennials, including lilies, hollyhocks and asters. The gray-brown, one-inch-long adult moth lays eggs in fall on plant debris around the garden and on weeds such as ragweed, thistle and burdock. The eggs hatch in spring and the inch-long, brown larvae bore into stalks of newly emerging perennials. The larvae tunnel and feed on the stem pith and emerge in midsummer, leaving another hole in the stalk. They then feed on other stems or pupate in the soil. The flower bud above the feeding area usually dies, but the plant remains alive.  Certain borer larvae will continue eating until the bulb is consumed, endangering the entire plant.      To control, cut off and destroy any flower stalks as soon as you see the damage.   Then, in fall, cut off and destroy all the old foliage from lilies to lessen the problem next year.  To make a positive identification cut the stem in half and try to get a picture of the offending insect.       It is possible that another insect is utilizing the hole for nesting.  Again, the stem would need to be cut to identify the opportunistic interloper.      I hope that you find this information useful and as always Happy Gardening.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 2:37 PM EDT
response: Hopefully this will help identify the insect.  I was originally reluctant to destroy the plant in case they were helpful bees.  Any ideas?

responder: Kevin K.  Replied July 05, 2023, 4:24 PM EDT
response: Jeanne,       I have sent your photographs to an Entomologist for identification.  I will let you know what he can determine.  Thank you for the quick follow up.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2023, 4:54 PM EDT
response: Any further word on the tunnel in my lily stalk?

responder: Kevin K.  Replied July 24, 2023, 4:08 PM EDT
response: I'm sorry but I haven't heard anything from the entomologist.  I suspect that he can't identify it from the picture.  I will gladly forward any information to you if I get an update.  As always Happy Gardening.
Black Eyed Susan Leaves

Question: Looking for help on what is causing this.

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 30, 2023, 5:17 PM EDT
response: The speckling type of leaf damage is called "stippling," and several insects as well as mites can cause feeding symptoms that looks like this. We see the shed skin left behind from a leafhopper on one of the leaf undersides, and combined with the relative size of the stippling (more coarse than fine), this appears to be the culprit. Control of leafhoppers can be difficult because they readily run or jump away at the slightest disturbance, but fortunately they rarely need treatment and plants grow just fine with moderate stippling damage.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 6:14 PM EDT
response: Did you also see the black marks on the 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 July 03, 2023, 4:25 PM EDT
response: Sorry we forgot to address the dark spots. It is most likely due to an environmental factor with our dry conditions this spring and early summer. You can pick off the leaves with the dark margins and discard them. Monitor for further further symptoms and any spread and feel free to send further photos or the entire plant if you notice more of the darkened spots on leaves.  Emily
Peach gunk?

Question: The peaches have a clear gelatinous goo that have formed on them. What is it? What to do about it?  Would they still be safe to eat?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 30, 2023, 11:43 AM EDT
response: Hello Eben, This goo that you are seeing is a defense response from the tree. It occurs when they plant or the fruit has been damaged. Sometimes that damage is just from something hitting the tree. Oftentimes, this is caused by an insect boring into the fruit. This is likely what is happening to your peaches. Unfortunately, the fruit is not likely to be good. Robby

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: If this is an insect boring into the fruit - is there something I can use to spray?To prevent the spread to other peaches?Sent from my iPhone On Jun 30, 2023, at 11:43 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 30, 2023, 2:21 PM EDT
response: Hey Eben, I am going to attach ID-21, our disease and insect control program for homegrown fruit. There is a good chance that you are either having issues with plum curculio or oriental fruit moth. If this is the case, it is likely that you are going to want to use Surround Crop Protectant or something with pyrethrum as the active ingredient. Robby
Stuff on golden tickseed

Question: I noticed this rot/mold/gunk on some golden tickseed in my wildflower / pollinator garden today… any advice on what this is and if I should do anything to remove 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 30, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT
response: The brown nubs on the stem appear to be adventitious root buds (growths that would form roots but which often don't), which while normal if forming close to the soil surface, were likely caused by herbicide exposure in this case. The curled, deformed foliage in that area on the plant also suggests this. Were any weeds sprayed nearby, or a nearby lawn treated, in recent weeks? If not, was composted manure added to this planting bed this season, or new mulch applied that might have had a weed preventer in it? Sometimes sensitive plants absorb just enough wind-blown herbicide from another yard (or farm across the street) to be affected. In either case, there is no remedy and you can just trim off the part of the plant showing symptoms. If the exposure was not too great, it should eventually outgrow the damage.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 12:19 PM EDT
response: I'm guessing they were actually adventitious rootbuds since these plants were so tall they tipped over and were partially on the ground until I staked them (which is when I noticed the damage). Would it have been better to just leave them flopped over? could I snip off and try to propagate/plant the rootbud portion?--- Justine

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 30, 2023, 4:56 PM EDT
response: Hello Justine,  That could be a reason, sure...the dampness of lying close to the ground (well, when plants are irrigated at least, given our shortage of rainfall this year so far) can stimulate roots along stems on some plants. The unnaturally curled/distorted growth around that area, though, suggests herbicide was involved, even if not applied by you. You can try to propagate the stem by allowing those roots to develop in soil, but we don't know how easily this species roots that way, so it can be an experiment. If herbicide exposure was involved by chance, the plant (or this part of it at least) might not be able to recover, propagated as a separate cutting or otherwise. In that case you can just cut that part off and discard it and see if the roots send up more normal growth.  Miri
Ant identification

Question: I found a trail of these in my house this morning.  Took a picture of the winged one.  The others looked like common sugar ants that were coming from underneath an exterior concrete slab.  I would like to know what we are dealing with so I can tackle it appropriately.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2023, 10:51 AM EDT
response: I am not sure which ant but have some questions to help determine which one. Need focused pic.  Pic of wing.  Need pic of ants’ body showing the constrictions between the head and abdomen. Does the ants have an odor when crushed? Let me know if you have any additional questions. Thank you for contacting us. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 10:17 PM EDT
response: The smaller worker ants have a slight odor when crushed, almost like ammonia.  I have only seen one more flying ant since my initial discovery.  Hopefully the attached pictures will help, it was about as good as I could get. Sent from my iPhoneOn Jul 3, 2023, at 7:51 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 11, 2023, 12:18 PM EDT
response: Aaron: Your additional pictures are very helpful. The ant is a carpenter ant. Rich
Star Magnolia Fungus

Question: How should we treat white fungus on the underside of the star Magnolia branches?

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied June 29, 2023, 4:42 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon Rhonda and thank you for reaching out to ask2. Extension.  This discussion came up earlier this morning and apparently is happening all over to Magnolia trees. You have magnolia scale on your tree and it looks as if it is not a new infection.  Scale is an insect.  Scale can go undetected because adult scale females can be mistaken for buds.  The following is the information taken from the earlier conversation between State extension personnel and other Master Gardners.  ”An Arborist recommended systemic neonicinoid to slow it down this summer. I said no to that, as I have pollinator gardens all around the tree and throughout my property. The Arborist also prescribed two fall applications of horticultural oil to kill as many scale as possible, and likely annual oil treatments for rest of tree’s life. This is due to tree’s height and challenge to assure full oil coverage.Since the magnolia scale is present across the US, it is very difficult to control. But it overwinters on the tree and not in the ground. So hypothetically removing the tree should removed the risk. However the same conditions which led to the infection to begin with are still present. After reading the edu sites it seems that it will take very careful continuous monitoring. As for the soil, one strategy would be a preventive soil drench recommended by several edu sites. And after that there a several options for treatment should scales develop which is very likely. I can see why Gary Johnson did not recommend it. It seems that you will be in for a yearly job of close observation and timely chemical control.” Most of the people that have this on their trees have taken them down because scale is very hard to control.  They are not going to replant another Magnolia. I’m really sorry.  You could call an arborist to come out and look at it.   I don’t think you’ll get the tree to recover.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 12:22 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your help.Rhonda BristolOn Thu, Jun 29, 2023, 3:42 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: