MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Lanterfly spotted in Parkville, MD

Question: Hello I spotted this strange bug on some weeds growing thru the bushes of my front yard. The weeds grow every year and I would pull them out but I have never seen these bugs on them before. I took a picture and looked it up and found out it was a lanternfly. Will the government come out to spray the neighborhood to rid us of these bugs. Please respond that you received this message. Thank you!

Katrina & Amos 
Owners of the property

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 08, 2023, 6:59 PM EDT
response: What should I use to kill 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 09, 2023, 1:08 PM EDT
response: Hello Katrina and Amos,  Extension is not a regulatory agency so reports of Spotted Lanternfly [SLF] can be sent to the MD Department of Agriculture [MDA] as they are the agency collecting data about sightings. The linked page provides the contact info. for MDA. SLF has been present and abundant in Baltimore County for several years now, so while the MDA will gladly accept reports from this area, they are already aware of its occurrence there. MDA does very little spraying on private property because their focus is on slowing the insect's spread to areas where it is not yet present or abundant. They also may be focused on removing high populations of the insect's preferred host plant, the non-native and invasive Tree-of-Heaven, which requires herbicide treatment to eradicate efficiently and effectively.  Both the MDA and Extension strongly discourage the use of pesticides to manage SLF in home landscapes because the products used to kill them can affect a wide variety of other insects, including potentially pollinators, in the process. There are no lanternfly-specific insecticides. Low-toxicity options don't work very well since these insects are active and jump about easily when disturbed, making it easy for them to evade sprays.  Fortunately, with the exception of vineyards and hops growers, SLF does little harm to most plants. We can't identify with certainty the plant in the photo they are congregated on from the limited foliage visible, but based on the traits that we can see, plus the fact that they are common garden weeds and preferred host plants of SLF, we think it's a wild grape. (Several species of grapes are native in Maryland, and their seeds are often spread by birds since they eat the fruit on mature vines later in the year.)  A few options for chemical-free management of SLF are given on the main Extension SLF page linked above. Some gardeners are having success with vacuums or knocking them into tubs of soapy water to drown. Sticky traps are the least desirable method unless they can be well-shielded from accidentally capturing other animals, like birds that could get the adhesive caught in feathers, causing serious health risks to them.  Miri
Roses Suddenly Died

Question: My roses up and died almost over night. I noticed a week ago that they were looking sickly. I bought some Neem oil a few days ago and started spraying them. It didn't seem to help. I finally had to cut them all back today. The stems are spotted all the way down to the base, so I'm worried they'll come back just as diseased. I just went out to take some pictures of the stems and noticed lots of small green caterpillars on the pile of cut stems.  Could it be caterpillars?  What could be making my roses sick and how can I take care of it?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 18, 2023, 8:09 AM EDT
response: Hi Holly,  I don't think it's an insect issue that killed your rose, this looks like herbicide damage on the leaves.  Was there any herbicide spraying in the area of your rose?  Roses are very sensitive; the wind may have carried the chemicals on to your rose bush from a neighboring location.  Thank you for using Ask Extension.  Pam Voss MSUE Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 18, 2023, 1:32 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Pam! No, we don't use herbicide other than Neem, and the roses are in the middle of our property, though I guess it's still possible the wind to have carried it from somewhere. Is there anything I can do for them?Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android  On Sun, Jun 18, 2023 at 8:09 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2023, 11:00 PM EDT
response: You could cut it back, as you would in the fall or spring.  Continue to water and fertilize, it may come back.  pv
Type of rose

Question: I think my grandma planted this rosebush in my mom’s yard more than 45 years ago. Mom pretty much neglected it, so I moved it to my house and it’s bloomed only once per year since then. I’d like to know what type of rolls it is and if there’s anything I can do to make it bloom more than once.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2023, 10:16 AM EDT
response: Hello,  What a great story and a cherished family heirloom.  The rose in your photo appears to be a Climbing Rose, I can't be certain of the specific cultivar due to fact that there are so many varieties.  Climbing roses have been hybridized for many years. Climbing rose can grow to 12 - 15 ft, flowering mainly in early summer, with later flowers if the plant is kept dead headed and fertilized.  Stop fertilizing the rose 6 weeks before expect frost in the fall.  Climbing roses need rich soil, ample water and 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight if they are to produce their best flowers.   Thank you for using Ask Extension.  Pam Voss MSUE Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 3:07 PM EDT
response: I appreciate the information, Pam! It's such a beautiful bloom that I hope to see more of it throughout the season. And you aren't kidding that it climbs -- it's over the roofline of my garage and I'd trim it, but a lot of buds are still there :) Thanks for taking the time to reply to my question. Have a fantastic weekend!KrisOn Fri, Jun 9, 2023 at 10:16 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
ants on my cherry bush

Question: For the first time, the cherry bush I planted 3 or 4 years ago actually bloomed.  Now it looks as if ants are going to destroy any possibility of cherries. What can I do?

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied June 09, 2023, 10:34 AM EDT
response: Hi Alice, It's hard to tell from the photos, but I think what you have is a black cherry aphid infestation. These aphids will primarily affect the terminal shoots of the cherry and cause leaf curling. Aphids also produce a sweet substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and is likely why you're also seeing ants.  Here is a resource that describes black cherry aphids and how to manage them: https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=47621. Dormant oils can be applied to manage for the aphids, but it may not be so effective at this point because the aphids are already far enough into their infestation. The resource above recommends using a jet of water to control the aphids, to prune, or to dip each branch into a bucket of soapy water. Thanks! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 10:46 AM EDT
response: Thank you.  That certainly looks like what I have.Who knows.  Maybe next year I will get a cherry or twoSent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 6/9/23 8:34 AM (GMT-07:00) To: "alice.martin1234" <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: ants on my cherry bush (#0104544)
Brown Spots on Fruit Tree Leaves

Question: Good afternoon!  I have several fruit trees in my yard and many of them have brown spots on their leaves, some more than others.  Also, many of them are not bearing fruit this year, which is surprising to me because we haven't had any late frost this year.  Is it due to the unusually wet weather we've had?  Do I need to be concerned about it?  Thank you.

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied June 09, 2023, 10:50 AM EDT
response: Hi! The lack of fruit production may be a result of winter injury. Very low temperatures in winter can damage and kill buds, so you may be seeing the consequences of that cold snap that occurred in December, 2022. Here is a resource that talks about that, as well as some other reasons for lack of fruit production: https://extension.umaine.edu/fruit/growing-fruit-trees-in-maine/lack-of-fruitfulness/.  In regards to the black spots, is this prevalent across all your fruit trees? What kind of fruit trees is it affecting? Thanks, Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 11:56 AM EDT
response: Hello.  The brown spots are on all the fruit tree leaves.  I have pear, peach, cherry, plum, apricot and apple.  The only trees bearing fruit this year are the pear and apple.  Thank you.   From: Ask Extension Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 8:50 AM To: rcmin Subject: Re: Brown Spots on Fruit Tree Leaves (#0104543)

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied June 09, 2023, 2:26 PM EDT
response: When did you start noticing the brown spots? How do you irrigate your trees? Thanks,Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 5:19 PM EDT
response: I haven't watered at all this year yet because of all the rain.  I just noticed the spots this week.  I've never seen them before this year.  Could it be because of all the moisture this year?     -------- Original message -------- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>  Date: 6/9/23 12:26 PM (GMT-07:00)  To: rcmin <<personal data hidden>>  Subject: Re: Brown Spots on Fruit Tree Leaves (#0104543)

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied June 09, 2023, 6:25 PM EDT
response: It's possible that the high precipitation/moisture levels have induced these spots in your fruit trees. The spots do appear fungal, but normally a fungus would be more specific to it's host. Basically, it's strange that you're finding the same spotting on all of these different kinds of fruit trees. Because it has been abnormally wet, perhaps we are seeing something unusual. With that in mind, I think the safest choice would be to bring leaf samples from the different trees to CSU's State Plant Clinic (more information on fees and location here: https://agsci.colostate.edu/agbio/plantclinic/). Hania
White clover die-off

Question: Clover I seeded (with fescue) on a city lot (where a house was recently demolished) last year was doing very well early this season, but a die-off has happened in the last couple weeks in a largely geometric shape where the house had been. Any ideas about cause and remedy please?

responder: eGardener  Replied June 25, 2023, 6:06 PM EDT
response: Hello, happy to help. This was a perplexing question but someone suggested that if the building was on a slab, the soil may have compacted there making it difficult for anything to grow well there.  The alternative is similar. If there was a basement there, the fill could have compacted. It's more likely that the fill may have been compacted by the action of filling it. Or the composition of the fill may not be as supportive of plant growth. If you were to soil test the area in the square and compare it to a soil test of the surrounding area, there may be a big difference in soil composition that makes the square less supportive of plant growth. For instance it could be that the fill is high in lime making the pH too alkaline to support most plants.  Here is a link to the U of MN Extension Soil Test site where you'll learn about their services, prices, and how to submit a sample should you decide to check it out. I would indicate what you hope to grow in that area.  Good-luck!

responder: eGardener  Replied June 25, 2023, 6:21 PM EDT
response: I forgot to add the link. Here it is: http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 10:03 AM EDT
response: Thanks EMG and MNTCA! Sent from my iPhone On Jun 25, 2023, at 5:21 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
What is wrong with my Maple Tree?

Question: What is wrong with my maple tree and what can I do?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 08, 2023, 2:57 PM EDT
response: An oak tree next to this maple was cut down and stump removed. Wonder if that damaged the roots of the maple

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 08, 2023, 9:41 PM EDT
response: Hello,  An issue has come to the forefront here in Michigan. It is widespread right now. That is maple anthracnose and/ or maple leaf blister. Your leaves showed characteristic spots. I would say that leaf has either anthracnose or maple leaf blister. Some of your leaves could have both.   "This spring conditions were just right for maple leaf blister and/or anthracnose, the leaves showing irregular black and tan spots. If your fallen leaves are showing black and tan spotting as shown in the pictures here— https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_leaf_blister_and_anthracnose_two_foliar_diseases_that_can_appear_on_s then it is likely one of the two conditions."  They are not life-threatening; you just need to keep trees watered while we are in drought conditions like right now.  Lawn sprinklers that are set to water turf are typically not enough. To properly water a tree, thoroughly soak the entire area under the branches of the tree. Apply one or two inches of water twice a week when no rain is expected. If you use a sprinkler, you can place a flat-bottomed baking dish in the area being watered and watch the level to determine when 1 to 2" of water has been applied.  More details on watering established trees are here:  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-established-trees-and-shrubs#when-to-water-trees-and-shrubs-1261760  I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 08, 2023, 9:49 PM EDT
response: Thanks. I will try that. Hope to get rain this weekend.On Thu, Jun 8, 2023, 9:41 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2023, 9:09 AM EDT
response: You are welcome! Have a wonderful day!
Maple tree withering

Question: My maple tree (planted 2.5 years ago) (2021) withered and lost all leaves mid summer 2022, by late summer the leaves grew back. It shed its leaves again very late compared to my other maples. This spring 2023, it grew normal leaves but with some limb death. Seemingly overnight, the leaves are browning and withering again.

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied June 09, 2023, 8:13 AM EDT
response: Greetings.  It appears like the trees in the background have a mulch ring around them…does this one also?  This looks like a response to severe drought, however the splitting on the trunk might indicate an issue with the root system or winter injury (sun scald).  Have you been watering the tree deeply through stress periods these last 2 years?  If not, I suggest you start here.  Also, the photo does not show the lower part of the trunk.  It is possible this tree is planted too deep.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 4:28 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the reply! Of the 6 trees in a row, 3 are mulched (including this one) 3 are not.  It may be root bound. I’m not sure if we removed its binding when we planted it. (Newbies) how can I correct this now?   Liz Andrews   On Jun 9, 2023, at 8:13 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied June 23, 2023, 7:22 AM EDT
response: I conferred with one of my colleagues and we both agree that these trees are on their way out.  ☹️.  The most concerning part of this is the peeling bark and overall decline (exhibited by all the dead branches in the canopy).  I think instead of trying to rehab these, your time would be well spent to take them out and start over with healthy trees and proper planting techniques.  First though- you should start with a soil test to determine pH and other soil properties.  Hope that helps.
What is cause of browning needles on Alberta Spruce

Question: We have two Alberta Spruce in front of home.  One of the spruces is healthy, the other has patches of browning needles.  I've noticed some spider webs on the affected spruce.  Do I have an infestation of spruce spider mites?  If so, what actions should I take to mitigate the damage?

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 09, 2023, 11:11 AM EDT
response: The webbing visible in the photos is due to spiders rather than mites, but the needle browning certainly could be spruce spider mite; they feed in the cooler weather of spring and autumn but their damage manifests as we heat-up in summer. Spruces are also not very well-suited to our growing conditions here in the mid-Atlantic, so despite their continued popularity in landscaping, they struggle with our summer weather and heavy soils. Drought stress, given our current deficit of rainfall, might be exacerbating that plant's symptoms.  Feel the soil about six inches deep next to the roots and water thoroughly if it's becoming somewhat dry to the touch at that depth. (If damp when checked, watering is probably not needed yet.) For the mites, blasting the foliage with a strong spray of water from a garden hose can dislodge a number of them -- more so in spring or autumn when they resume being active since they aren't feeding now -- and either insecticidal soap or horticultural oil may be used if a pesticide is warranted.  Be aware, though, that once the needles are damaged, a pesticide spray, even if otherwise plant-safe, can still damage them further and appear to worsen symptoms initially, even if it's working well to suppress the pest. Foliage cannot heal once damaged, and spruces will not replace dead needles on older growth, so these will fall off and any bare branches that may result can be trimmed off if there's no live foliage on their tips. Similarly, heed any precautions on the product label and do not spray plants during temperatures above 85 degrees (not likely a problem since the seasons to target the mites have cooler weather overall). Oil sprays sometimes remove leaf waxes on bluer evergreens, so while not overtly harmful, they may turn a blue-green or muted-green plant into a more olive-green or glossier color as some of the foliage's wax coating is removed by the oil. New foliage emerging later will have its normal color but older treated growth won't regain its former color.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 4:16 PM EDT
response: Thank you for this response!  ChrisOn Jun 9, 2023, at 11:11 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 June 09, 2023, 4:49 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Acer Rubrum Roots

Question: While redoing a garden bed, I discovered two large red maple roots heading toward my foundation.  They are both about 2.5 to 3 inches across and I am wondering if I should attempt to cut through them or what any other solution would be?

responder: Thank you for your question! and have a great gardening season.  Replied June 08, 2023, 9:33 PM EDT
response: Cutting roots is never a good thing. Cutting a few small roots is necessary but the major, large roots are the stabilizing roots. Cutting them will make the tree less stable and more likely to go down in a storm. If you must cut the roots trim the roots as far away from the trunk as possible.  Thank you for your question and have a great gardening season.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 12:54 PM EDT
response: The roots I was asking about are about 17 feet from the tree trunk.  Then would it be okay to just cut through them and not pull them out?Thank you.  On Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 09:33:29 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question! and have a great gardening season.  Replied June 09, 2023, 3:52 PM EDT
response: You should be able to cut through the tree roots without a problem,

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 5:06 PM EDT
response: Thank youSent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Friday, June 9, 2023, 3:52 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
How to address aphids, sooty mold, and sticky leaves on Rose of Sharon

Question: I have sooty (black) mold, sticky leaves and I believe aphids on the Rose of Sharon in my yard (2 trees/i hedge).   In over 20 years I have not experienced this on my RoS. What's going on? 
Is this weather or atmosphere related?  
Why all of a sudden is there an infestation of aphids? 
How is this managed?  I have quite a few growing, all infested.
Are the shrubs in danger of dying off?  
Do I have them removed? 
Will these aphids do damage to other plants in my garden?
I appreciate any guidance you can provide.

responder: Mary Beth B.  Replied June 09, 2023, 12:11 PM EDT
response: Hi Chris,  The problems you describe are interrelated and basically caused by this year's weather. The good news is the damage is probably only aesthetic, and your plants should be fine.  We are seeing unusually high populations of aphids this year, for a couple of reasons. For one, this spring has had a long stretch of cool weather, which is the condition that aphids thrive in. For another, it has been dry, with no heavy rains to wash the aphids off plants.  The stickiness you're seeing is honeydew, which is sort of a nice term for aphid poop. The insects ingest a lot of sap to extract amino acids, and then excrete the excess sugary liquid.  The honeydew feeds black sooty molds. The molds aren't harmful to plants per se, but if the coverage is heavy it could interfere with photosynthesis. Unless the plants are small, that's probably not going to be a problem with your rose of Sharon. Most likely the aphid damage is only going to be aesthetic and temporary. Whether the aphids attack other plants depends on the type of aphid and the type of plants. Most aphids feed on only one closely related group of plants, but some will feed on a wider range of plants. The latter includes the green peach aphid, which is one of the aphids that likes rose of Sharon.   Often a sharp spray of water is enough to knock the aphids off, but with so many to control this year, that might be a big job. This fact sheet has suggestions for other ways to control aphids: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2031-10  Good luck to you! I hope your plants bounce back and go back to being beautiful features in your yard.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 3:25 PM EDT
response: Mary Beth B, Thank you so very much for your quick response to my questions.  This is exactly information I need (plus it was 'good news") to move forward with treating the aphids. I'm confident with this information from OSU.edu experts.  Thank you too for the article with more suggestions and information on the aphids. Chris   On Fri, 9 Jun, 2023 at 12:12 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: To: chris korab