MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Will what remains of this white oak make it after today's storm?

Question: Hello,

I moved into a home with several white oaks last summer and wondered about their health as the autumn and then winter set in and many of their leaves remained on the trees.  Then this afternoon, in the high winds that came with the storms, half of one of the trees peeled away from the trunk, revealing the heartwood.  I wonder if you could give your impression of the health of this tree (furthest left tree in the first picture) and whether the remaining portion might continue living after today's event.  

Many thanks!

responder: Aaron Steil  Replied April 06, 2023, 11:35 AM EDT
response: While it is likely that this tree will continue to grow and live, I would advise that you remove it.  This tree has become a significant safety risk considering its size and location near the house.   Additionally, it will never again be a quality tree. What is left of the tree will leaf out and new branches will eventually grow, but there is so much damage that the tree will never be attractive again and what remains is at a significant risk for further failure, potentially damaging property or hurting people.    More information about finding and hiring an arborist to remove the tree can be found in these links:  https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/Choosing-an-Arborist https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist  Also, the retention of leaves after they die in the fall is not necessarily an indication of poor tree health.  Some species, including most oaks, retain their dead leaves through the winter.  They are referred to as marcescent leaves and it is normal for this particular species.  Further questions can be directed to your local county Extension office. This local resource is very helpful since they are familiar with trends and issues in your part of the state. Click on this link to get connected directly with a staff person in your county Extension office and ask your gardening question. https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/ask-gardening-question  Happy gardening! --Aaron

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 08, 2023, 1:41 PM EDT
response: Hi Aaron,Thank you very much fir taking the time to consider my situation and giving advice on what to do next.  It is greatly appreciated.Best,Marline-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 4/6/23 10:35 AM (GMT-06:00) To: Marline Sewell <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Will what remains of this white oak make it after today's storm? (#0094032)
Can someone please ID this beautiful tree?

Question: Can someone ID this beautiful tree?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 31, 2023, 8:51 PM EDT
response: Milton, That is a native tree called white fringe tree or a Southern name Grancy Graybeard, Chionanthus virginicus. It grows throughout the state, but uncommon. Available commercially at some garden centers and most native plant nurseries.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 31, 2023, 9:05 PM EDT
response: My humble gratitude,   I’ve lived in a community (Woodside Plantations) in Aiken for nearly eight years and I participate in the community garden. This tree is only a step away, and this is the first time I’ve noticed it. How could I have missed it? Simply gorgeous!   Now that I know what it is (thanks to your botanical sagacity) I’ll try to find one either locally or elsewhere — perhaps online.    Again…thank you,-Milton ZelmanOn Fri, Mar 31, 2023 at 8:51 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 19, 2023, 8:36 AM EDT
response: Milton, Woodlander's Nursery is in Aiken and is mail-order; they may have this tree. Also Nurseries Caroliniana in N. Augusta grows this tree.
Douglas Fir pests

Question: I found 3 doug fir  trees in the same area that appear to have been attacked by bugs. I do not know if they were alive or dead when assaulted. Can you identify the bug responsible?

responder: Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice  Replied April 03, 2023, 6:42 PM EDT
response: Hi Melody, Thank you for your question.  Unfortunately, due to the state of the trees, it will likely be impossible to tell what killed them. I am also curious about the absence of bark on the trees. Did you remove the bark? If not, it could have been a mammal that killed the trees, not an insect.  If it was an insect, it could have been from an infection of the Douglas-fir beetle, which means other large, mature Douglas-fir trees nearby are also at risk. This beetle typically breeds in downed woody material on the ground and attacks large, stressed Douglas-fir trees.  An effective treatment is a naturally occurring beetle repellent, MCH (methylcyclohexenone), applied to downed logs or standing green trees to prevent DFB attacks (which start in April). MCH pouches are most often applied in a grid layout within a stand to deter infestation effectively Best, Alex Gorman, OSU Extension Forester

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 04, 2023, 12:58 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Alex, for your interesting response.  We did not remove the bark from the trees, the bark is in pieces scattered around the trunk of the tree on the ground. Where might I procure MCH pouches?Thank you, MelodyOn Mon, Apr 3, 2023, 3:42 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice  Replied April 04, 2023, 4:35 PM EDT
response: Hi Melody, The cost of MCH bubble caps is about $2-4 each, and they may be obtained from many different distributors online. MCH is currently classified as a general-use pesticide. Bubble caps should be stored in a freezer, refrigerator, or cold room.  Best, Alex Gorman, OSU Extension Forester

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 04, 2023, 4:49 PM EDT
response: Thank you On Tue, Apr 4, 2023, 1:35 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What is killing my indoor bay plant?

Question: After treating this bay plant for months with an alcohol spray to kill scale, the leaves have started turning this silver color, dehydrating, and falling off. None of my apps can identify the issue. Can you help, please?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 04, 2023, 9:51 AM EDT
response: Dear Barbara While alcohol can be wonderful for inhibiting insects, the mechanism by which it works - desiccation (drying) - can also do significant damage to your leaves over time.  Leaves have lipid layers and the alcohol can dry leaves and interfere with the lipid layer that protects the surface of leaves.  If this is the issue, then new leaves should not show this problem.  Also, if you are spraying your plant, I suggest you use limited amounts, applying the alcohol with a q-tip to specific areas instead of spraying the entire plant or leaf.  Do not over water your plant; just keep it evenly moist as it recovers. All the best, Roxanne

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 05, 2023, 11:40 AM EDT
response: Dear Roxanne, Thank you very much for this response. I had wondered if the alcohol mixture (1 part alchohol to 9 parts water) might be a factor since I was spraying every leaf and stem to get rid of scale. Would you suggest I remove the dessicated leaves or prune the stems way back? Your advice is much appreciated!Barbara On Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 09:51:40 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 05, 2023, 11:43 AM EDT
response: It might be a little untidy for awhile, but I suggest you do not remove partially desiccated leaves or prune the plant until you see some good strong growth this spring.  The partially desiccated leaves can still help the plant photosynthesize some food. You can remove any dead leaves.
pepper seedling diagnosis

Question: 2nd year home garden. Young peppers, recently potted up.  Mix of Grand Bell and Sweet Carnival Bell on the larger end. Smaller ones are unknown Pablano from a grocery store pepper my kids wanted to grow. They were started about 3 weeks behind the others. 

Bells are in a mix of peat seed mix and compost, with a dusting of blood and bone added. The pablanos went into some left over Kelloggs potting mix with a bit of compost and dusting of blood and bone. All recently watered with fish emulsion.  

Over the last two days the older plants have begun to show this weird yellowing starting between the veins.  Its been a bit cloudy and damp lately so they could just be unhappy about not getting to dry out but Im inexperienced and concerned about disease with the introduction of plants grown from a random grocery store pepper.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 04, 2023, 4:08 PM EDT
response: Hi, Joe This looks like classic chlorosis. There is some nutrient missing, perhaps nitrogen. You might try adding a slow-release balanced fertilizer.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 05, 2023, 5:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I unpotted one to see what was going on while I waited and noted the roots were brown and dying back.  I repotted the whole lot in a new, more loose/airy mix and I treated with a balanced fertilizer as you suggested!  They seem to be greening up already and its only been a couple of days! On Tue, Apr 4, 2023 at 3:08 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 06, 2023, 2:21 PM EDT
response: That's great to hear!
White fungus (?) on columbine plants

Question: Seen in the local plants section of a nursery near my home.  These white patches were on several columbine plants, I'm not sure of the exact species.  It looks like a fungus to me, but I haven't been able to find anything that seems to match.  Note in the closeups that there seems to be a small dark dot at the center of a lot of the white areas.  This seemed to only be on the tops of the leaves, though there is a small area of dark spots on the bottom of the leaf I flipped over (pic included).

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 March 31, 2023, 3:16 PM EDT
response: This looks like powdery mildew, a fungal disease. There are different species of powdery mildews, but there is one in particular that is specific to Columbine (Aquilegia sp.) plants, the aptly named Eyisiphe aquilegiae. The tiny black dots are perithecia; they are the protective structures that enable the fungus to overwinter. Powdery mildew spreads by spores, especially in highly humid conditions (such as when plants are crowded close together, as in your example).  Although unsightly, powdery mildew rarely causes serious damage to plant health unless it suffers repeated heavy infections. If an eyesore, gardeners can treat powdery mildew with a registered fungicide. (Check the product label for control of powdery mildew as well as use on Columbine, though products do not always list all possible plants they are safe for use on.) We don't have a specific brand to recommend; many are available that will work to control this disease.  Here is more information about powdery mildew on our website.  Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 31, 2023, 4:12 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your help!  I had thought it might be a powdery mildew but couldn't find anything online that looked quite the same, with the black dots.

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 March 31, 2023, 4:15 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
What killed my Douglas Fir

Question: Last summer a large mature Doug Fir died in my yard, located in the SW Hills, Portland. Attached are pictures of the inner surface of the bark.  What appears to me to be larval forms are in burrows in the bark, as are the small black beetle-like insects.  You can see one of these insects toward the top of the photo with the ruler.  Did this insect have something to do with the death oh the tree?  If so, are the other nearby Doug Firs at risk?  If so is there anything I can do to protect them?  Thank you.

responder: Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice  Replied March 30, 2023, 3:52 PM EDT
response: Hi Jeff, Thanks for your question and for sending along pictures. I am sorry to hear about your Douglas-fir. Your tree most likely died from an infection of the Douglas-fir beetle, which means other large, mature Douglas-fir trees nearby are also at risk. This beetle typically breeds in downed woody material on the ground and attacks large, stressed Douglas-fir trees.  An effective treatment is a naturally occurring beetle repellent, MCH (methylcyclohexenone), applied to downed logs or standing green trees to prevent DFB attacks (which start in April). MCH pouches are most often applied in a grid layout within a stand to deter infestation effectively I have attached fact sheets about the Douglas-fir beetle and MCH. Let me know if you have any questions.  Bets, Alex Gorman, OSU Extension Forester

responder: Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice  Replied March 30, 2023, 3:53 PM EDT
response: Here are the attachments I mentioned.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 02, 2023, 8:35 PM EDT
response: Dear Alex, thanks very much for this information.  Can you please tell me how I could obtain some MHC pouches for my remaining Doug Firs?  Thanks,  JeffOn Mar 30, 2023, at 12:53 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice  Replied April 04, 2023, 4:36 PM EDT
response: Hi Jeff, The cost of MCH bubble caps is about $2-4 each, and they may be obtained from many different distributors online. MCH is currently classified as a general-use pesticide. Bubble caps should be stored in a freezer, refrigerator, or cold room.  Best, Alex Gorman, OSU Extension Forester
Laurel Hedge

Question: We have a laurel hedge that has an area where the leaves are yellowing and have brown spots.  

How can we treat it?

responder: Best Regards,   Replied March 30, 2023, 4:03 PM EDT
response: Dear Ruth,  Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about your laurel hedge. Can you please send a photo of the entire plant so we can see the pattern of the damage? Also, when did you first notice the damage?

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 30, 2023, 5:05 PM EDT
response: We just noticed the yellowing and dark spots the month.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 30, 2023, 5:09 PM EDT
response: We just noticed the yellowing and dark spots this month.  It seems to be in just one area of the hedge and at the top of the plant.

responder: Best Regards,   Replied April 01, 2023, 12:45 AM EDT
response: Dear Ruth,  Thank you for the additional photos. Given the location and pattern of the symptoms, your plant has most likely suffered environmental damage from sun, wind, or extreme temperatures. I suggest you wait a few weeks to see what new foliage develops. If the new shoots do not look normally green, get in contact with us again. Meanwhile, the most severely damaged leaves may drop off, but this would be expected in the case of weather damage.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 02, 2023, 4:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much.On Fri, Mar 31, 2023 at 9:45 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hornbeam with leaves thru the winter

Question: We have 2 Hornbeams that were planted in late fall. They did not lose the leaves like the other larger variety we have. But the leaves are quite curled and dry. Is there any benefit from pulling them off, or should we leave them on?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 30, 2023, 1:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Kurt.  Hornbeams are deciduous trees, so leaves dying would be expected.  Some trees drop the leaves, and others are slower to do so.  I can't tell from just the photo whether the tree is dead.  Perhaps you can read the following Extension article to see if you planted it correctly, so it got the right start initially. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/ec1438.pdf I suggest you wait to see if new foliage emerges.  If not, remove a twig to see if it's still alive.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 30, 2023, 1:51 PM EDT
response: Thanks.On Thu, Mar 30, 2023 at 10:04 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Disease Diagnosis on Eastern Red Cedars

Question: 3 year old Eastern Red cedars. Affecting most specimens over 1 acre. Full and partial sun locations.

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied March 30, 2023, 10:03 AM EDT
response: *Resending to add: Could we please have your permission to share your photos for education purposes? We could include your name for credit, or not, depending on your thoughts. Thanks for considering.   This is a type of rust disease, and unfortunately the news is not good. This is called Cedar Quince rust and the orange growth will girdle the branches, clogging the plants ability to feed itself. There aren't really effective and lasting treatments. They will most likely not survive but you could give them some time and see. (We'd like to hear if they do survive long term).  Most rust diseases have an unusual life cycle where they us two different plant hosts. It can be confusing but if you are interested this page from Ohio offers more details: https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/287   If you planted these (as opposed to volunteerseedlings) you would definitely not want them planted that close to your home as they can grow quite large.    Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 30, 2023, 7:53 PM EDT
response: Please do share the photos. Sad news. Would any fungicides help?I have about 25 of these I grew from seedlings that came from the MD DNR State Tree Nursery. Hopefully a couple survive.Respectfully,DavidOn Thu, Mar 30, 2023, 11:39 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 April 03, 2023, 9:51 AM EDT
response: Hi David,  Unfortunately the use of a fungicide, while it may help some, is not usually recommended since it may not be very effective thus stressing the trees more. Since the fungus easily spreads through the air with the proper weather conditions, you would have to apply multiple applications and may end up with limited success. The Cedar quince rusts are particularly difficult since they can have a wider range of hosts in the rosacea family. You could try to prune put infected branches but if its on the main trunk, it will most not fair well for the young trees.  Sorry for the sad news, Emily
Lawn weed Problem

Question: Can you identify what this is on my lawn and recommend what I do about 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 April 03, 2023, 9:42 AM EDT
response: HI,  It looks like you have nimblewill which is a native warm season perennial, why it is dead right now in your lawn. You can try to remove what you can by hand now, but the best way is to outcompete it with thick turf. Following the links on the webpage provided for Lawn Care will help guide you. The basics are mowing at a higher setting (around 3-4 inches), aerating and overseeding in the fall to establish thicker turf growth, and taking a soil sample to see what nutrients your soil may need to grow healthy turf.  You can also choose to use a crabgrass pre-emergent right now that will help keep other weed seeds from germinating, however this shouldn't be used in the fall before overseeding as it will keep the grass seed from germinating.  Should you have further questions on the right steps for healthy turf grass, please feel free to reach out further. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 03, 2023, 10:10 AM EDT
response: In addition to applying a crabgrass pre-emergent, what can I apply to my lawn for weed control in Montgomery County?Thank you for your advice,Glen  On Monday, April 3, 2023, 09:42:27 AM 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 April 04, 2023, 10:44 AM EDT
response: Hi Glen,  I apologize that I missed you were in Montgomery County with the first response. You can visit the counties webpage  for the approved list of products. Even though a pre-emergent is an herbicide, they are all listed under pesticides. On the PDF link on the page, there are a few products listed for crabgrass and other weed control.  Hope that helps! Emily
Home Lawn Issues- In Leelanau County

Question: We are sending 2 separate emails w/lawn issues"...  this is email #1- 

1)-  Can you help us identify what this is that's eating up our lawn, and causing all these little bubbly (small) tunnels........they appear certain times of the year- and seem to be growing bigger patches across our lawn- even jumping over our circle driveway.... and (2)- what do you recommend we do to prevent this spreading- because they leave bare spots in our lawn....
**APPRECIATE*** your opinion and advice ......

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 03, 2023, 12:13 PM EDT
response: I am having a hard time telling exactly what might be causing this. It might help if you could upload some pictures of the general area and some that are not quite so close-up.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 03, 2023, 12:42 PM EDT
response: I tried to take a picture a little further out, but yet, still being able to see the rise in the little mounds of bubbly effects... Let me know if I need to take a picture even further out...  Thanks for your help, Madeline Houdek

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 05, 2023, 1:39 PM EDT
response: This could be rodent activity of some kind. It could also just be frost heave, or a combination of the two things. The best thing might be for you to talk to someone at your local MSU Extension office. The number there is<personal data hidden> and they are open Monday through Friday from 8am - 4pm. The office is located at the Leelanau County Government Center at 8527 E Govt Center Dr, Suite 107, Suttons Bay, MI 49682