MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Deer Tree Damage

Question: We believe this to be deer damage.  What can we do to help the tree survive? We will put protection around it, but what can we do for the shredded bark? Is there something we can put on the shredded trunk?

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 October 01, 2024, 10:39 AM EDT
response: Hi,  It is the season for deer to rub antlers on trees unfortunately and young easy to reach trees are more appealing to them.  There isn't anything you can do to fix the bark. You can gently cut off any hanging pieces but don't peel off any more. Instead of a tree tube, it would be better to let the air flow get to it, so using a wider fence around the tree to protect deer from being able to reach into it would be helpful. You can make the mulch ring a little larger around the area to reach the fence. Something like chicken wire or rabbit fencing is good as long as its tall enough or wide enough that they can't reach over it to get to the trunk.  Monitor the trees' health, especially next season as it re-leafs since this damage does look rather extensive. We are getting enough rain right now but you can monitor the soil moisture into winter to make sure it receives enough water headed into winter when it will be dormant. Next spring into summer, you can check the soil for water needs but feeling it about 6 inches below the mulch and water slowly and deeply to soak into the roots as needed. This will help the tree with any additional environmental stress so hopefully it can recover. You can refer to our page on Watering Trees and Shrubs for more guidance.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 01, 2024, 12:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the information!Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer  On Tue, Oct 1, 2024 at 10:39 AM, 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 October 01, 2024, 12:21 PM EDT
response: you're welcome
Plant Identification

Question: Could you please help me to identify this plant?

Thank you.

responder: Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied October 01, 2024, 4:14 PM EDT
response: I'm not able to identify it based on these photos. My first guess is sweet cicely, Myrrhis oderata. This article is about 5 common plants with fern-like foliage, (I'm having trouble with photos loading today). It shows how similar the foliage of a few plants appear. I think your best chance for a firm identification is to take a stem to a local plant nursery or to a Master Gardener Volunteers Clinic. Photos of the base of the plant showing the large stems, and photos of the flowers are also helpful. I find the scent of the foliage is a key diagnostic when identifying these ferny plants, especially those like anise or carrot family. Until we develop "smell-o-vision", in-person examination is still the best. The main office of the Washington County Extension Service (info here) will be able to give you clinic hours for the Master Gardeners. Call your local plant nursery to find out when their help-desk experts on plant identification are available.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 03, 2024, 6:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for this information. We will check on those suggestions.  On Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 01:14:43 PM PDT, Ask Extension wrote:
What bug is this?

Question: Hi All - 

Just wondering what kind of bug I've found in my house. I didn't include something to show scale but it's probably a few milimeters in size. It's easily noticeable and the picture taken was from about 1 foot away. The fabric is from a couch cover. 

Thanks in advance for any insights! 

Best, T

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 30, 2024, 5:52 PM EDT
response: I can't really tell much from the photo but it looks like the remaining parts of a dead dragonfly.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 01, 2024, 11:55 AM EDT
response: Thanks - actually it was a living bug.   What kind of pictures would help identify these things? Is there a particular angle that is best?   From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Monday, September 30, 2024 2:52 PM To: Tim  Subject: Re: What bug is this? (#0156700)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 04, 2024, 3:19 PM EDT
response: trying taking such photos in a well light place and get a bit closer, a few inches from the bug. have your camera focus point directly on the bug. to answer your question about it being a living, that sample doesn't really like a complete insect except to say it looks like a dragonfly with a broken abdomen. could also be missing parts of the head. so bottom line, it could be alive with broken parts.
Edible mushrooms

Question: Can you determine if any of the mushroom in these pictures are edible? Thanks.

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 30, 2024, 5:05 PM EDT
response: We are not able to identify the mushrooms to species, and we don't comment on edibility because it's easy to misidentify poisonous mushrooms as edible in some cases, especially from photos. Based on their overall appearance and pattern of growth, these could either be a species of wood decay (was there an old tree removed from that area months or years ago?) or mycorrhizal, which means they are growing harmlessly in association with the turfgrass roots. If you are concerned about the possibility of a pet or child eating them, you can pull them off with gloved hands (or scrape them off with a shovel) and dispose of them. They may regrow if the conditions support more fungal growth (especially wet weather), and until the fungus' food source (like old wood) is depleted, but otherwise, no action needs to be taken and they will eventually stop reappearing.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 30, 2024, 6:28 PM EDT
response: Grear answer, Miri. I thought you wouldn't be able to comment about edibility. I remember reading about a respected mycologist who accidently killed himself by eating mushrooms he had picked.  There were a couple of trees taken down in that area about 2 years ago, so I guess they are a wood-decay variety.   Thanks,   Paul

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 October 01, 2024, 9:17 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Flowering crabapple tree trunk crack

Question: The trunk of our flowering crab is splitting at the bottom, right where it comes out of the ground. Is there anything we can do for this?
Thank you

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied October 01, 2024, 8:55 PM EDT
response: Sadly, no, there isn’t anything to be done except to pull the mulch away from the trunk. Mulch traps moisture and can promote fungal infections.  https://trees.umn.edu/sites/trees.umn.edu/files/2021-10/frost_cracks_and_cankers_faq_sheet.pdf  https://northerngardener.org/winter-damage/

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 02, 2024, 5:38 PM EDT
response: Thank you.very much Sent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 7:55 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied October 02, 2024, 8:44 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your note.
Tree damage

Question: WE have a Maple tree that was damaged in last weeks wind storm. Should I wait through the winter and see if it heals and does not blow down or just take it down now? 

Thanks

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied October 02, 2024, 4:35 PM EDT
response: Hi Michael, I am sorry to hear about your tree.  I can see that there was what is called included bark (between the branch and the trunk - include bark is considered a weak point in wind storms or with snow load).  At this point you will want to just the tree compartmentalize naturally.  Do not add any sealant or covering.  I do see some lateral growth (a few leaves and buds) above the tear. Although small right now these will continue to fill out over time to balance the tree canopy out.  Also you just may want to watch the main trunk and make sure it doesn't start to lean to the full canopy side.    Thanks

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 02, 2024, 6:25 PM EDT
response: Amy, thank you very much. I appreciate your help with this and Happy Apples (not so happy this year unfortunately...) Michael Thille, D.C.<personal data hidden>On Wed, Oct 2, 2024 at 1:35 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Tree identification

Question: Can you tell me what kind of tree this is?

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 30, 2024, 11:07 AM EDT
response: Hi,  This is a Lace leaf Japanese maple, Acer palmatum dissectum. There are too many different cultivars to be able to tell you which one it is though.  Let us know if you have further questions about it.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 30, 2024, 3:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!!!Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Monday, September 30, 2024, 11:07 AM, 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 October 01, 2024, 9:50 AM EDT
response: you're welcome!
What are the flying bugs shown in the photo?

Question: I have flying bugs in my RV, interested in my African Violets, have captured a few hundred on my ZEVO Flying Bug sticky electric machines (love them).  I have finally figured out how to enlarge a photo on my smartphone.  I hope you can tell me what these flying "torpedos" are.  They are ruining my life!  Thanks (I titled the photo "black tornado" but that is not a bug name!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 29, 2024, 1:39 PM EDT
response: I just wrote a book and it disappeared.  There were NO errors!  Why didn't it send?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 30, 2024, 5:50 PM EDT
response: Based on what I can gather from the picture and your description, it seems you have fungus gnats. They're usually found in soil, especially over-watered soil. I found this resource that may help you manage them.  Control, Non-Chemical: As noted above, using sticky traps can help control fungal gnats. However, altering environmental conditions of houseplants is the single most important step in managing this insect. Keep the soil surface dry to eliminate favorable egg-laying sites for the insect. You can do this by allowing the top inch of the soil to dry out before you water. Alternatively, you can water from the bottom to provide moisture for the roots while keeping the soil surface dry. In addition, you can cover the soil with a ½ to one inch layer of coarse sand or fine gravel, which will help keep the surface drier and make the soil less attractive for egg-laying.  Fungus gnats are often more of a problem in the fall when houseplants that have been outdoors for the summer, and have become infested, are brought back indoors. It may take three to four weeks of modified watering and use of sand/gravel to get fungus gnats in check. Checkout the link I provided above for more details on how to control fungus gnats. Hope this helps.
What is this large grass plany

Question: Hi. This large clump grass has been growing in my yard this year. I didn’t plant it. I just noticed these large seed heads today. I never saw it bloom. What is this? If it’s invasive, I’ll get rid of it immediately. I haven’t had any luck on the I.D. with iNaturalist or my Master Gardener friends.

Thanks,

Heather 
Baltimore City

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 September 30, 2024, 10:58 AM EDT
response: That looks like Black Fountain Grass, which is invasive.  We are glad you are going to remove it as it can move quickly.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 30, 2024, 2:25 PM EDT
response: Thanks. Someone else said Chinese fountain grass. Put it goes!   Thanks again,    Heather

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 30, 2024, 3:12 PM EDT
response: You can use the images on the linked Maryland Biodiversity Project page for that species if they help with ID. The tufts you pictured are actually the flowers (we see dangling pollen); seeds will form later in a seed head that essentially looks the same. Late September into early October is when MBP has most of its flowering observations, so the plant is right on time with its typical bloom period. Unfortunately, this species is currently found in most of the state, so if you see seedlings appearing in future years, they can be removed before they bloom or go to seed. (Admittedly, grass ID before the plants bloom or produce seeds can be quite challenging sometimes.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 01, 2024, 11:40 AM EDT
response: Dear Miri,   Thanks so much. I'm glad it's not spewing seeds. I will dig it up as soon as I get back in town next week. And I'll keep an eye out for others.   Heather

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 October 01, 2024, 12:31 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
A strange Growth in potted Plant

Question: While cleaning up my outdoor flowers and plants I found this very strange fungus(?) growing out of the soil next to the potted calla lily. Scary, is it hazardous? Looked at first like black plastic fibers!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 30, 2024, 2:05 PM EDT
response: I cannot identify the fungus, however generally these are harmless as long as you don't eat them.  Fungi can be present in soils for a variety of reasons, and they increase soil health.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 30, 2024, 3:16 PM EDT
response: I was concerned because I heard that some black fungus can infect people, usually by breathing it in. I have an immune disorder and this thing was black. Sorry you can't identify it! But thanks for responding.BeverlyOn Mon, Sep 30, 2024, 10:05 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 30, 2024, 3:19 PM EDT
response: I believe you might have heard about black molds that can grow in houses when they are too wet.  The one you showed outdoors shouldn't be an issue.
Crepe Myrtle bush

Question: My crepe myrtles have had what appears like aphids and a black coating on the leaves. The landscape rock underneath has also turned dark. This was the 3rd year with this issue. Neem oil has not helped. Any ideas what the issue may be?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 30, 2024, 9:14 AM EDT
response: Hello Sherryll, What you are experiencing is black sooty mold. That is the black coating on the leaves, rocks, and anything else that is below the aphids. Black sooty mold is a fungus that colonizes the excrement (honeydew) of aphids. The mold itself is generally not considered damaging, though it can prevent the plant from photosynthesizing if it is covering most of the plant.  You can wash the black sooty mold off of the plant using a strong water spray. This works better if the sooty mold has only been there for a short while. The best long term control of the black sooty mold is controlling the aphids themselves. There are many natural enemies of aphids such as ladybugs and lacewings. If these are not controlling the aphids well enough, you will need to use an insecticide. Most insecticides will kill aphids quite easily. I would recommend using something with the active ingredients of pyrethrin or pyrethrum as these are organic and will break down quickly in the environment - not killing as many beneficial insects. Good luck! Robby

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 30, 2024, 11:05 AM EDT
response: Robby,Thank you so much for this information!  If we go the insecticide route, should that be done next summer when the bush gets new leaves?Sherryll Jones On Sep 30, 2024, at 9:14 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 30, 2024, 11:53 AM EDT
response: Hey Sherryll, Yes, when you start to see that the aphids are a problem again, that is the time to spray. You will likely start to see that the leaves become shiny from their highly sugary excrement (honeydew). That sugar is what the fungus is eating and will tell you that it is time to spray if you don't catch them beforehand. You may also start to see wasps, bees, and ladybeetles show up to eat the honeydew. If you spray late in the day, you should be able to avoid spraying any beneficial insects. Robby

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 30, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT
response: Thank you again!Sherryll Jones On Sep 30, 2024, at 11:53 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Peace lily w/ blackening leaves

Question: This is a house plant question. My peace lily is suffering…I recently repotted because I was worried about root rot, but the roots seemed healthy. I’ve had this plant for almost 30 years and I’d be crushed to see it not survive.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied September 28, 2024, 12:12 PM EDT
response: If you have had this plant for 30 years, you obviously know how to care for it. Review these web pages and check to see if you are doing anything different. Has the plant been moved to a new location and the lighting is different? What kind of soil did you use to repot it in? Is it the kind that has fertilizer included and you are also in the habit of fertilizing your plant? Did you water it extra-well when repotting?    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/spathiphyllum/ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/peace-lily https://extension.sdstate.edu/care-peace-lilies Others who had a similiar issue.  https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=737088 https://web.extension.illinois.edu/askextension/thisQuestion.cfm?ThreadID=23066&catID=31&AskSiteID=34

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 28, 2024, 12:35 PM EDT
response: Hello and thank you for your quick response!I read through the links you provided, but I still am unsure of what to do to rescue this plant. I repotted it in miracle Grow houseplant soil that doesn’t specifically call out fertilizer, but it does have a note that it feeds for up to six months so maybe? I haven’t added any extra fertilizer since replanting 2 weeks ago and did water well after repotting. I have moved the plant near brighter light, but there IS a floor vent nearby so will find a different space. Is it possible that it’s a fungus that I need to treat? Should I remove all of the damaged leaves, even if that’s most of the leaves of the plant?Best Regards, Jenn TrunkOn Sep 28, 2024, at 11:12 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied September 28, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT
response: Feeds for six months means that there is fertilizer in the potting soil. It is mentioned in the fine print some place on the package. I did not see any sign of a fungus, but keep an eye on the plant for that as well. I would hold off on any fertilizer for awhile and see what happens. You can trim off any dead or yellow leaves. They will not return.  As long as you have one or more green leaves, the plant is capable of growing.  I noticed a white peg in the soil. Is this fertilizer? If so, remove it for now. Think of it this way. If you feed a human too much food, they get fat. If you feed a plant too much fertilizer, they die. Good Luck!
Birch Issue

Question: I put in 6 birches last fall and many of them are suffering from this same issue, though not all. It tends to be showing up lower in the canopy, but there are a few areas up high like this. Davey Tree came out and was stymied. I'm hoping it's just this weird wet season we had that seemed to add all kinds of fugi and bugs to my yard, but wondering if I need to be proactive to protect my new trees in anyway or just wait and see. THANK YOU for any help you can offer!

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied September 28, 2024, 6:10 PM EDT
response: The plant disease clinic is able to identify what is wrong with your birch. There is a cost for the diagnosis because it can be complicated. Leaf diseases are rarely fatal and lots of tender loving care can help your tree fight of diseases. Make sure your trees get 5 gallons of water per week until the ground freezes. Admittedly, it is much easier to water trees when temps are in the 70’s than the upper 30’s. Recommending a treatment isn’t possible without knowing what is the cause. And treatment probably isn’t necessary. Besides watering clean up and remove as many as the affected leaves as you can after they fall to the ground.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 29, 2024, 11:25 PM EDT
response: Hi Evelyn, Thanks so much! I looked at the website page about the testing, but wasn't clear on how it worked. For future reference - is it priced per test? How do you know which tests to run? Meanwhile I'll keep watering and will do as you say regarding the leaves. This year was crazy with bugs  (SO MANY MORE) that I'm also wondering if something is eating it.  Thanks again, this service is so wonderful. SarahSarah TaffeeM:<personal data hidden>https://www.linkedin.com/in/setaffee/ On Sat, Sep 28, 2024 at 5:10 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied September 30, 2024, 8:11 AM EDT
response: https://pdc.umn.edu/submit-sample if you go to this page there is a phone number to call and the clinic will answer your questions and provide pricing.