MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Maple Tree dropping more than normal "helicopters"

Question: Hello,

We have what I believe is a "black maple" tree in our front yard. This year, it seems to be dropping an abnormal amount of "helicopters." We have lived here for 12 years and I do not remember it ever being this many. I'm curious as to why and if I should be concerned about the health of the tree? I have attached pics.

Thanks, Sara

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 September 04, 2024, 4:35 PM EDT
response: Sometimes trees have mast years where they produce more seeds or fruit. We see this often with maple seedlings and acorns on oak trees, but other tree species do this as well. It is a reproduction response. Maybe there was a lot of wildlife feeding on the seeds and the tree produced more to compensate. It could be a natural cycle for this type of tree. We can't ID the tree from this vantage point but if you send in a photo of the leaves, terminal buds at the end of the branch, and the leaf arrangement, we could positively ID or narrow it down.   It could be also be a stress response to a problem, but if the tree appears to be overall healthy without major dying branching or fungal growth around the base or on the trunk, it shouldn't be anything to worry about.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 7:59 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your response! I added a few more pictures in case you are able to identify the tree. I do not see any fungus around the trunk (although I'm not sure I would know what to look for) and all of the branches look healthy (green and full).Best,SaraOn Wed, Sep 4, 2024, 4:36 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 September 05, 2024, 4:10 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This looks like a Sugar maple. The samaras or seeds are 'U' shaped which is one of the distinguishable characteristics.  The last photo you provided we can see borer holes in the trunk and a girdling root at the bottom. The tree could be producing so many samaras as a stress response to the borer holes. Once a tree has borers there really isn't anything you can do except to assess its overall health and remove limbs or take it down when it becomes a safety risk. Reducing its environmental stresses could prolong it. Watering in times of drought and potentially removing the girdling root may help.  We would recommend consulting with an arborist to assess the tree and provide any recommendations.  Feel free to reach back out if you would like input on their diagnosis.  Emily
I found a dead cicada but with colors I have never seen before

Question: Hi so I was outside and I found a dedicated on the ground but this kiddo was black and like gold and the normal stick it as I've seen are like more green and I've never seen a scared of like this and I can't find anything on it online either so I'm wondering if this is like some sort of different species than the normal dog day cicadas or if it's just some sort of mutation

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 04, 2024, 8:53 AM EDT
response: Looking at your photo, it looks like a dogday cicada to me. Many are green but they can also be brown. Here is the description from the UMN website. Below is the link if you would like to read in more detail.They are stout with a green or brown body and black markings on the body. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/cicadas

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT
response: Oh OK thank you On Wed, Sep 4, 2024, 7:53 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Squash

Question: I recently took over a garden through a non-profit.  I am trying to determine what type of squash this is.  Interested in your thoughts.  Thank you! Jack

responder: Thank you for your question! and have a great gardening season.  Replied September 04, 2024, 5:17 PM EDT
response: My guess is that the plant is a variety of Hubbard Squash. This article may give you some more information: How to grow Anna Swartz hubbard (Cucurbita maxima) | Extension (unh.edu)  Thank you for your question and have a great gardening experience.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 5:22 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your prompt reply.  It’s nice to know what I am growing.  When it does come in, I am going to have A LOT of it!On Wed, Sep 4, 2024 at 5:17 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Should I get rid of a hornet’s nest 40 feet from my house?

Question: I noticed a big nest in a tree on a hill behind my deck.

Would it be dangerous to leave it where it is? No one has any reason to go near it? Would the hornets die off soon in the fall?

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 September 04, 2024, 12:22 PM EDT
response: Hello; Thanks for submitting your garden and landscaping questions to the University of Maryland Ask Extension Service.  Please see this UMd Extension webpage on Maryland's social wasps (including hornets):   https://extension.umd.edu/resource/social-wasps-yellowjackets-hornets-and-paper-wasps/.   Yes; Hornets will die-off after fall frosts. If there is no reason to be near the nest then you can just continue with your outdoor activities as hornets will have other things to do and will only get defensive if they or the nest are threatened. And what a beautiful nest it is for you and visitors to see (from a distance).   Good luck in your landscaping efforts. Thanks; Christopher

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 1:21 PM EDT
response: Christopher:Thank you so much for your advice. It's hard for me to admire their creativity, although I realize it is an amazing feat. I don't like them!! Best,FranOn Wed, Sep 4, 2024 at 12:22 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Problem with aster seedlings

Question: There is something wrong with my white wood aster seedlings.  The new leaves are very brittle.  They are well watered.  I have given them half strength Miracle Grow.

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 September 04, 2024, 3:56 PM EDT
response: Are they staying too wet? What kind of soil mix did you use? It looks as if they were blasted by frost (which we know they weren't).  Could any herbicide have gotten just on the center of them? You mentioned that you watered with half strength Miracle Gro. Did you mix it in a container that could have had some herbicide residue in it still? How often are you using the Miracle Gro- maybe they are getting a build up of fertilizer salts?  Look under the leaves to see if there are any signs of insects or damage from insects. Aphids, or other sap sucking insects perhaps? Feel free to send us back any photos if you notice anything. Can you pluck off those center leaves and let new ones grow? The older leaves look healthy enough that they should produce some new leaves. Let them dry a bit in between watering. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 7:30 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily,  I checked the leaves but did not see any insects.      I think they are planted in a seed starter mix. I keep the soil moist.  I have about 16 pots of these asters, And others are fine.   I have had the watering cans for years, and they have never been used for herbicide. I am the only one using them.     I use Miracle Grow every two weeks.   I’lll removed affected leaves and cut back on watering.   Andrea   Sent from my iPhone  On Sep 4, 2024, at 3:56 PM, Ask Extension 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 September 05, 2024, 3:08 PM EDT
response: ok try that and let us know if symptoms change or return.
Butterfly weed dying back

Question: My butterfly weed has been dying back.  Sometimes it flops over before dying  back.  It was planted last fall.  This problem is occurring in others beds too.

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 September 04, 2024, 2:58 PM EDT
response: Similar to the Amsonia questions, we think this may be planted to buried a little too deeply with mulch. Butterfly weed thrives in hot dry soils that are more nutrient deprived.  Is it in full sun? Does it get watered often? If so is it from an overhead sprinkler? Try tugging on the stems and see if it easily comes out of the ground. If so examine the base for fungal mycelium or fruiting bodies of Southern Blight.  The black spots on the leaves could be a fungal or bacterial leaf spot which at this time in the season is common. Especially after a humid summer and then some rain events. It shouldn't be enough to cause harm to the overall plant though and at this point you can just clean up the leaf and plant debris when it dies back at the end of the season to keep the pathogen from overwintering in the soil.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 7:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily,   These plants are in full sun.  They get some water when the irrigation runs, generally 1x per week.  It is overhead watering. I am not happy with that arrangement. I can look into having the nozzles adjusted.     I will tug on the stems.   Andrea  Sent from my iPhone  On Sep 4, 2024, at 2:58 PM, Ask Extension 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 September 05, 2024, 3:05 PM EDT
response: ok let us know if you see any sclerotia from or mycelium threads that would indicate southern blight.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 12:59 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily,   I pulled plants, but I did not see anything.  However,  I did find something growing on the ground around the plants.      What are these?     Andrea Weir   From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Wednesday, September 4, 2024 2:58 PM To: Andrea Weir  Subject: Re: Butterfly weed dying back (#0153876)

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 September 06, 2024, 2:13 PM EDT
response: Those are birds nest fungi, a type of artillery fungus that can cause dark spots on leaves or on sides of your house/fence etc. Its a wood decay fungus and common in mulch, also harmless to the plants.
Amsonia Blue Ice dying back

Question: Hello,  

My Amsonia Blue Ice has started dying back.  What is wrong with 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 September 04, 2024, 2:50 PM EDT
response: To our knowledge we haven't seen this with Amsonia species before. It still appears to have good top growth though so it could be from the heat and drought (unusual since it tends to do better in dry soils and full sun), or perhaps the mulch is too deep or soil too rich? Try to pull back the mulch and expose the root crown a little more. From personal experience it seems like the 'Blue Ice' variety has more of an exposed root crown that sends out runners and is rhizomatous as opposed to the taproot fiburous root system of the straight species. Maybe it is buried by a little too mulch or planted a little too deeply. Is it a newer planting? Have you noticed this before? Since its the end of the season we would suggest to just let it go. It doesn't appear to be a disease or insect issue so no need to cut back or clean up the foliage now. The green leaves will still take in energy to send to the root storage.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 7:15 PM EDT
response: Emily,   These planted plants were planted last fall.  They were looking fine until recently.  I’ll try scraping some of the mulch away.     Andrea  Sent from my iPhone  On Sep 4, 2024, at 2:50 PM, Ask Extension wrote:    ﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 1:07 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily,   I started working on the amsonia today.  I noticed something growing on the ground around them (the same as for the butterfly weed - they share the same bed.  In addition, they have blacl spots on the underside of their leaves.   Andrea Weir   From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Wednesday, September 4, 2024 2:50 PM To: Andrea Weir  Subject: Re: Amsonia Blue Ice dying back (#0153874)

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 September 06, 2024, 2:49 PM EDT
response: Those black spots are the peridioles or the fungal spores that spray from the fruiting bodies as they 'explode' from the birds nest fungus. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/birds-nest-fungi/ (we would not recommend ivy as a ground cover as stated in this source).
Broken large branch -- what should we do?

Question: Hello,

A large branch (maybe 6" in diameter) broke off a tree on our property. Do we need to have it professionally treated (the wound sealed, etc.) or removed (very expensive!), or can we let nature take its course.

We've been members for a long time and can provide our membership number if this will help.

Thank you.

Best regards

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied September 03, 2024, 6:53 PM EDT
response: Membership in what? These questions are assigned by computer to UMN Extension Master Gardener volunteers  who then try to answer them.  Clean up the torn area. See these web pages on how to cut a tree branch and how a tree tries to compartmentalize wounded areas. If this is an ash tree, you do not need any paint or other substance applied over the torn area.  http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/tree-wounds-should-they-be-repaired https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/maintenance/stormdamage.html https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/maintenance/treefirstaid.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 4:49 PM EDT
response: Hi, Linda,     Thank you for your quick response.     Sorry about the lack of clarity. I could have expressed my request better.     I reached your website via the Arboretum's website, an organization my wife and I have belonged to for a very long time. As I remember, in the past, the Arb required membership before answering questions. Assuming isn't always the best path.     I'll explore the links you referred me to and see how to proceed with the information they provide.     Best regards,     Bill  "The Lord bless you  and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you  and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you  and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26  On 09/03/2024 5:53 PM CDT Ask Extension wrote:
Weed ID

Question: Is this a weed?  If so, what is it?  Founding a lot with  cone flowers; doesn’t to match the leaves

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 05, 2024, 11:47 AM EDT
response: Hello and thank you for contacting ask Extension.   Without actually seeing the leaf/leaves of the sample plant I would only be able to guess at what it might be.  It looks like a type of knotweed, but it also vaguely resembles a clematis that I have seen before.   For a definitive ID I would suggest that you bring a sample of the plant to the New Castle County Extension Office located at 461 Wyoming Avenue, Newark, DE, 19716.  Their number is<personal data hidden>.  Office hours are: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.   Best Regards,  J.W. Wistermayer  UD NCC Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 4:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your response.Sent from my iPhone On Sep 5, 2024, at 11:47 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Septic drainage field

Question: Can we grow prairie grasses on top of our septic drainage field? Our grasses/wild flowers are now about 24 inches high.

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied September 04, 2024, 6:55 AM EDT
response: https://conservancy.umn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/bf81d09d-cd16-43d1-879e-e9ed92ddf489/content https://septic.umn.edu/news/landscaping-part1  Native grasses are recommended for the tops of mounds.  Concerning trees should you want to add them Tree roots can grow "up", so the rule of 30 feet away should be adhered to. Here are some publications from other states' Extension Services that might be helpful. Use caution when choosing a recommended plant from these lists that the plant is appropriate for Minnesota: https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2144/2014/12/2014-Landscaping-Septic-System-Drainfields-and-Moun... http://www.co.waupaca.wi.us/Planning%20&%20Zoning/handouts/Suggested%20Plants%20for%20Use%20on%2...

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 12:38 PM EDT
response: Thanks for getting back to me. From my photo, do you think that is okay?Sent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Wednesday, September 4, 2024, 5:55 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied September 04, 2024, 4:14 PM EDT
response: Should be fine as long as you followed the planting instructions in the fact sheets.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 12:28 PM EDT
response: Thanks again!Sent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Wednesday, September 4, 2024, 3:14 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied September 05, 2024, 5:31 PM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Weird spots on honeycrisp apples

Question: We have a honeycrisp apple tree in our backyard in Littleton. This year is the second year we've gotten a nice crop of apples. A few years ago, when we had apples, they were small but beautiful and delicious. This year, the apples are much bigger, but they have lots of dark brown spots on them. Even the apples that are still green have darker green spots showing up. What is causing this? Are the apples still good to eat? And how do we prevent this in the future?

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied September 07, 2024, 2:29 PM EDT
response: From the photos you sent, it appears that your apples have bitter pit.  Honeycrisps are a variety susceptible to bitter pit.  Bitter pit results from calcium deficiency.  I am attaching a few fact sheets on bitter pit to help you understand the causes and the best ways to manage it in the future.    https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/ipm/notes_ag/fruit-bitter-pit  https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/bitter_pit_and_cork_spot#gallery  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/controlling-bitter-pit-apples-best-practices-growers-fs-2023-0701/

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 07, 2024, 3:21 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the info! Based on the articles, I’m guessing this happened due to the fact that the tree was aggressively pruned this past winter and then had a huge growth spurt in the spring/early summer. Is it okay to eat apples that have bitter pit?Sent from my iPad On Sep 7, 2024, at 12:29 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied September 07, 2024, 4:18 PM EDT
response: I found a publication from Ohio State University that says apples with bitter pit are edible.     https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-fru-01#:~:text=Cork%20spot%2C%20bitter%20pit%20and%20Jonathan%20spot%20are%20similar%20in,and%20reduces%20salability%20of%20fruit.    Colorado Master Gardeners  - a partnership between Denver Botanic Gardens & Colorado State University Extension, Denver County    O    <personal data hidden>        A    1085 York Street, Denver, CO 80206   E    <personal data hidden>      W    botanicgardens.org    VISIT     York Street    Chatfield Farms    Mount Goliath    Plains Conservation Center                      From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Saturday, September 7, 2024 1:21 PM To: Colorado Master Gardeners  Subject: New response added to your question (#0153854)
What kind of tree is this?

Question: Please identity this tree for me. And is this tree an invasive species?

responder: V/r,  Replied September 04, 2024, 4:59 PM EDT
response: Good Afternoon, It looks like a Tree of Heaven.  The Tree of Heaven is an invasive species that grows just about anywhere its seed lands, in the poorest of soils, with very little water, and even out of cracks in cement. However, it is not only its rapid growth and spread that has made the tree of haven one of most dreaded invasive species.  Tree-of-heaven – Ailanthus altissima - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu) Tree of Heaven: Control Strategies (psu.edu) A Tale of Two Invaders: Tree of Heaven and Spotted Lanternfly - Integrated Pest Management (msu.edu)  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 5:47 PM EDT
response: I’m asking the City of Manistee to let me remove this tree. They have rejected my request.  Are there Michigan policy resources related to invasive species to help me to sway city hall?  For example, are there state guidelines regarding invasive species removal?

responder: V/r,  Replied September 08, 2024, 7:46 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, You can try and contact Michigan Invasive Species Program.  Invasive Species: Trees (michigan.gov)  Good Luck!