MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Diseased oak tree?

Question: This is one of two 40 foot trees in my backyard. The change in the bark is on one quarter of the tree at the base. Started out as a small crack, but has gotten bigger over the last six months. I’m concerned if it is diseased that it may be dangerous and fall. The two trees are fairly close to each other, but the other tree has a smaller trunk and seems to be OK.

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 27, 2023, 12:00 PM EDT
response: We can't determine the cause of the cracking from the photos, but suggest you have the tree(s) evaluated by a certified arborist. They cannot cure every ailment or reverse any existing decline, but they can help make a diagnosis as well as look for sources of tree stress that you might be able to address in order to prolong its life or improve its vigor. Some arborists are employed by tree-care companies but some consult independently, in case you are wary of a bias towards expensive or unnecessary treatments. They also may have access to specialized tools to help detect any existing wood decay to see how extensive or localized it may be, which will speak to how high-risk or not a tree would be for falling. Some arborists have extra training with assessing hazard trees, so that might be something you ask about when finding someone to hire for a consultation.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 4:46 PM EDT
response: Thank you for replying!  I will have the tree evaluated as you suggested.  On Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 12:00:57 PM EDT, 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 July 27, 2023, 5:28 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Wooly aphids?

Question: What is this pest? I’ve never seen before (I’ve lived in Oakwood for 25 years) and in trying to research online I’m thinking it most closely resembles wooly aphids or mealy bugs? It seems to be killing parts of my oak tree and also getting on my summer annuals. Please advise what it is and how to get rid of it! Thank you!

responder: Joe Lansing  Replied July 28, 2023, 8:18 AM EDT
response: Hello Margot, After looking at your pictures, I confirm that the pest you are seeing is indeed a wooly aphid. To control this pest, it is best to use a very strong stream of water to wash the pest off, if it doesn't come off this way then use a brush to loosen the pest from the plant and then wash it away. Removed diseased twigs from the trees. resources: Subfamily Eriosomatinae - Woolly Aphids and Gall-making Aphids - BugGuide.Net Woolly Aphid Control: How to Get Rid of White Fluffy Bugs Appearing in the Southeast (goodhousekeeping.com)

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 06, 2023, 1:19 PM EDT
response: Hello again,  I hve tried several times blasting water on where I can see them concentrated in my oak tree but to no avail, they have spread and gotten worse since I first identified them with your assistance. Some of the branches are just too high for me to make an impact with water. They made the oak leaves turn brown and drop early as well as damaging some of my annuals. I definitely do not want these in my yard next spring!  I am a bit confused as to what I have read, do they die off in the first frost and don't come back?  Or do the eggs survive the freeze and hatch in the spring?  Wondering if I need to apply a systemic insecticide now or wait until spring.  Please advise as these are a horrible pest to have taken over in my yard- there is that stickey white fluff everywhere!  :(

responder: Joe Lansing  Replied October 06, 2023, 7:16 PM EDT
response: Hello Margot, The best treatment that I would recommend is using neem oil or natural insecticidal soap.
Animal scat?

Question: Something is eating micro greens grown on our deck, left scat. Trying to determine what animal and how to discourage it.  Will net the greens.
When found it was black color, discolored to brown when dried.

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 26, 2023, 2:48 PM EDT
response: It is difficult to tell what size this is from the photos but given all the seeds and the fact that it ventured onto the deck, it is most likely a racoon. Netting the plants should work - they are fairly dexterous though, so maybe also getting a liquid or granular scent deterrent would be helpful. They can be found at home improvement stores or garden centers. If you didn't want to spray the scent since it is on your deck and you may get drifts of it while sitting outside, you could try a motion activated solar light positioned towards the plants too.  Good luck! Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 3:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your very prompt reply.  The scat was 2.5” long, .5” diameter, in one massWell net the boxes and add another activated  light. We have one.GJ My new email is <personal data hidden> Please update your contactsOn Jul 26, 2023, at 2:48 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 July 26, 2023, 4:34 PM EDT
response: Yes sounds like a racoon then. Good luck! The granular form of animal deterrent isn't as 'smelly' as the liquid so maybe just sprinkling some around the deck would discourage as well.
Possible tiny melon/cucumber?

Question: Hello!! I have a volunteer plant bearing some kind of fruit, thinking in the melon/cucumber family, that was 'planted' by an animal or bird. I have lots of pictures, if someone can help identify! I have tried all the online picture apps with no luck.  I tried the McLennan County and Tarrant County MG groups, but it is not any of their suggestions below: Cuca melon, also known as mouse melon, Mexican sour gherkin, or sandita. (Melothria scabra) or possibly (Melothria pendula).  I thought Queen Anne’s Pocket, but it is not fragrant. (dudaim) I have attached all pics I have and it never gets bigger than a golf ball. The inside does smell a bit cucumber-like, but I have not had the guts to taste it in the event it is not a good decision! It starts out green like a watermelon, but turns yellow/gold.

responder: Robert "Skip" Richter  Replied July 26, 2023, 3:28 PM EDT
response: I don't have a definitive answer for you. Cucurbits can and often do cross, leading to unique genetics. Your photo doesn't have the characteristics of 'Lemon' cucumber, but the foliage and some aspects of the fruit might point to a distant cuke relative.  Does the foliage have an unpleasant odor? That is indicative of some of the numerous gourd relatives. I wish I could offer a more definitive answer.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 3:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your prompt reply! I will check the leaves tonight, but just standing around it, there is no noticeable smell. The outside of the fruit is soft and smooth, the inside has a faint cucumber smell. (no lemon smell) I don’t know if I should try to taste it or not, but it doesn’t seem that it may even have much of a taste if it is edible. I suppose I should just tear it out and reclaim my lawn! I will let you know about the leaves. Seems a shame to waste it if it is at all edible. Thanks! -Beth   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 2:29 PM To: Davis, Beth <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Possible tiny melon/cucumber? (#0112623)
White Oak Leaf problem

Question: My white oak is about 150-170 years old. It is located about 30 feet from our lake. Other white oaks on the lake do not have this condition. I've been aware of the condition since we moved here 17 years ago. Different "arborists" have identified the issue as "wilt, anthracnose, blister, iron or nitrogen deficiency, etc." The tree is too big to spray. Is there a systemic (root) solution for this condition that I could inject into the soil?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2023, 10:35 AM EDT
response: Hello, The oak does have some anthracnose symptoms, (the brown spotting on the leaves) but this is a common fungal disease that does not impact the health of the tree.  What I would be more concerned about is that the leaves appear chlorotic which can be a sign of several things.  I would suggest getting a soil test to rule out nutrient deficiency.  That would be the simplest thing to rule out and remedy.  Here is how you would go about getting that done:  https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-started If that is not the problem, it may be bacterial leaf scorch, for which there is no remedy.  (https://extension.umd.edu/resource/bacterial-leaf-scorch-trees) If that is the case, the tree will need some extra TLC in the way of watering during drought, and possible pruning in the winter to remove dead wood. (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/smart-gardening-to-prevent-oak-wilt)  I am not suspecting oak wilt because of the duration of the symptoms.  Oak wilt will kill white oaks more slowly than red oaks, but I think 17 years is probably more than even a white oak could survive oak wilt.  Here is an article about how to water a mature tree: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-established-trees-and-shrubs I hope this is helpful. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Ruth

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 11:15 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the comprehensive and prompt reply, Ruth. I will follow-up on each suggestion.Ron  On Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 10:35:26 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Discoloration of rose leaves

Question: Can you please tell me why the leaves on my climbing roses look this way? Some are yellow and brown and the leaves above them have silver and black edging. What should I do about it? Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2023, 7:59 PM EDT
response: Hello,   Thank you so much for reaching out to Ask Extension!   Your photos are really helpful. Based on the discoloration of the leaves and knowing what the weather has been like this year, I'm guessing you are dealing with some sort of fungal issue on your roses. This is not uncommon in colder and wet environments, very similar to the weather we had earlier this spring.   However, before we can definitely say that this is the case - can you send some closer up photos of the leaves? Would you also be able to describe your management practices: how often are you irrigating the roses, if at all? Are you fertilizing?   In the meantime, I'd like to leave you with a few useful resources about growing roses: from the Denver Rose Society and Plant Talk 1433.   Thanks! CSU Extension Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 6:10 PM EDT
response: Hello, Thanks for replying! We usually deep water once a month, but we were gone the whole month of June and we were going to deep water and then we had a few good showers. I have to admit, because of the rain, we’ve been negligent about watering. We also fertilize monthly, but were gone the month of June so that month got skipped, but we fertilized in July. The new foliage seems to be fine, for now. Here are some closer pictures. Thank you for your help!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 28, 2023, 12:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the pictures of your rose plant.  We would recommend that  you bring in a sample so our diagnosticians can take a look and determine what the cause is.  The pictures are very good but they would like to get a closer look.  A diagnosis is $7.  Master Gardeners are in the office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.  When you select a sample to provide bring something that will show some of the healthy parts and some with the diseased or affected leaves and avoid bringing the sample in late on Friday.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2023, 2:04 PM EDT
response: Ok. I’ll bring in a sample. Thank you.  Where is the extension office? We live in Longmont. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 28, 2023, at 10:06 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 03, 2023, 11:40 AM EDT
response: Hi,  The extension office is in the Natural Resources Building at the south end of the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The address is 9595 Nelson Rd. It's the brick building closest to the intersection of Hover St and Nelson Rd. The office is in the basement of the building. Office hours are 9-4:30 Mon-Fri.
Can I still plant coneflowers this year?

Question: I was wondering if I could still plant some flowers this year? I was thinking coneflowers, black eyed susans, etc that i would buy as potted plants and put in a hole. This is in the Pasadena/Glen Burnie area of Anne Arundel county.

2nd question: does the photo count as "full sun"? It's the north side of the house. The rises to the south, but in the afternoon moves to the north side of the house, so there is a few hours of sunshine. The photo was taken 2 PM July 23.

responder: Answered by University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.  For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC program web page, https://extension.umd.edu/hgic, and blog, Maryland Grows, https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/. Replied July 26, 2023, 6:36 PM EDT
response: Hi Clarence.  The short answer to your question is yes, you can still plant flowers this season, but you should wait until September both to buy them and to put them in the ground.  If you get plants now--regardless of whether you install them in the ground or hold them in their pots--you will you will need to be extremely dedicated to keeping them watered.  The kind of extreme heat we're getting this week can easily damage or kill young plants.   It will be much better and safer for the plants to wait until September to buy them and put them in the ground.  In fact, fall is the ideal time to plant perennials, because they will have the entire autumn to establish their roots and be ready to burst out in the spring.   As to your second question, "full sun" is generally defined as six or more hours of direct sun a day; "part sun" is four to six hours a day.  From your description, I think it prudent to regard the spot you refer to as having part sun.    The good news is that there are many, many native plants--and I strongly encourage you to use native plants--that will grow in part sun.  Here is article from Maryland Extension about recommended native plants, https://extension.umd.edu/resource/recommended-native-plants-maryland.   Here also is a useful handbook on Landscaping with Native Plants from the Maryland Native Plant Society, https://mdflora.org/publications/gardenersguidelines/gguides.html.     Of the two plants you mention, my experience is that both Black Eyed Susan and coneflower do best in full sun, but they can tolerate some shade.  I recommend you consider two part-sun-tolerant varieties of native monardas, Wild Bergamont, Monarda fistulosa, with light blue flowers (see https://extension.umd.edu/resource/wild-bergamot), or Monarda didyma, with deep red flowers.  They are truly lovely plants, and they attract lots of pollinators.  Scroll through the publications I mentioned and you'll find many other good choices as well.  Bob

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2023, 12:21 PM EDT
response: Thank you! I'll look into the native plants - always better to get something that suits the area. Clarence
Lawn looking bad

Question: The lawn next to the house and under a tree looks really bad. We had the tree pruned to allow more light for the grass. We don't know whether to remove all the grass and lay sod or try to improve what is there. Could you please give me advice? Thank you very much.

responder: Dick M.  Replied July 26, 2023, 10:29 PM EDT
response: First I recommend doing a soil test on your lawn to learn more about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong healthy turf that can resist diseases, moss and insects/grubs and look great. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer Second I see enough grass in the photos that I would lean toward over-seeding rather than tear up the yard and reseed or sod.  The best time of year is Aug 15-Sept 10.  Here are links to articles on reseeding: Renovation of Lawns-PSU  Lawn Renovation & Over-seeding-UMass Renovating A Lawn for Quality & sustainability-UMN Seeding & Sodding Home Lawns-UMN How to Overseed A Lawn-Iowa Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU (good timing info + ...) Establishing A Lawn from Sod-Purdue - fyi Turfgrass species ID & Cultivar Selection (E2912)-MSU - Be sure to get good quality seed and establish good seed-to-soil contact for best germination results.  Raking 1/4'-1/2" of compost into the soil (along with starter fertilizer) before seeding will be appreciated by the turf. More info on lawn care: Smart Lawns Tip Sheets-MSU  Why Mow High-MSU Mulch Leaves into Lawn-MSU Lawn Mgmt. thru the Seasons-PSU Fertilizer Basics_Smart Gardener-MSU  Turfgrass Fertilization Basics-PSU Lawn aeration-UMd Core Aeration of Lawns-MSU - you could do this to loosen the soil prior to seeding.in place of power raking.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 8:40 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your reply!I appreciate it.  BonnieOn Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 10:29 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What is this insect?

Question: We have found more than 10 of these in the house in the last couple days.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 25, 2023, 8:40 PM EDT
response: They are strawberry root weevils.  They are harmless. Vacuum them up.  See:  https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/home-invading-weevils

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 10:46 PM EDT
response: Thank you On Tue, Jul 25, 2023 at 7:40 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Rusty Spots and Falling Branches on White Oak Tree

Question: Two white oak trees in our backyard are developing rust-colored spots on their leaves, and one of them has been losing clusters of leaves and branches (shown in the picture). The other is still developing spots, but nothing has fallen off yet. I am not sure how old these trees are as we moved into this house one year ago. The soil around them is bare but I have not seen any fungi or pests, and they have not needed to be watered so far. Does this need to be treated, or is this something the tree will recover from on its own?

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 26, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Hi,  The shedding could be from squirrel damage or possibly one of the twig-boring beetles; neither is a concern for the trees overall health though.We can't see enough detail in the leaf spots as the file size won't let us zoom in on the photo, but they might be a gall, as there are many that are common in Oak trees ( one of these). Also these are not a concern since they don't harm the tree. Mature trees can easily deal with leaf shed and new leaves will come out.  Supplementing some water in the root zone of these mature trees wouldn't be a bad thing in the high heat. Especially since we have had different degrees of drought like conditions through the state this year. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs If you are concerned for the overall health of your trees, given their size we would recommend consulting with a certified arborist to give you any recommendations or in person advice on maintaining the longevity of these trees.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 8:47 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily, Thank you so much for your help! I do have higher-res pictures but I didn't attach them to the prior email since I didn't want the message to get too big. From the images you linked, it looks like the leaves have jumping or sequin galls, and we do have squirrels in the trees so that may be what's knocking the leaf clusters off. Some pieces of larger branches have come off as well, but they look like old wood, so I figured that was normal; I've attached a picture of one as well.

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 28, 2023, 11:55 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the new images, and we agree that galls appear to be the cause of the leaf symptoms, so not a concern. The fallen branches do look like old and already-dead wood, yes, so by themselves not a problem, but if the canopy is becoming more sparse (fewer live leaves each spring/summer) then evaluation by an arborist would be prudent.  Miri