MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
My Spruce Trees Are Not Happy

Question: Hello. Hopefully I have correctly identified these trees as spruce.  They were planted near a dirt road, approx 7 yrs ago, that does not get salt treatment in winter.  I suspect they don't get enough sun.  On the south side of the road is a heavily populated state land with large/tall trees and brush.  Very little if any mowing/trimming was done around the trees this year but this disease/infestation has been present for many years. Also, I suspect the trees were sitting awhile before they were delivered in burlap and planted on a very hot day in July.  We have not performed a soil test but intend to do so soon.  Di we cut off dead branches?  Should we fertilize? Do we need insecticide?  We really want to save these trees.  I have many more photos but was only able to attach 3.

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 08, 2024, 11:19 AM EST
response: Please find additional phots attached.  Thank You

responder: Thank you for contacting us!  Replied November 08, 2024, 4:20 PM EST
response: Hello Barbara, Before I can figure out what you have, I am going to ask you to do a test. If you could take one of the needles and see if it rolls between your fingers. If it does, it is a spruce. If it doesn't it is a fir. So when you have done that.....I can better access your trees. Thank you,

responder: Thank you for contacting us!  Replied November 11, 2024, 5:06 PM EST
response: Hello Barbara, Since i have not heard back from you Concerning whether this is a fir or spruce, I will give you recommendations on evergreens. I am not sure what 'infestation or disease' you are talking about. The only thing I see on the bottom limbs is lichen. Lichen occurs when the branches are dead and the lichen is formed as it is rotting. They look quite healthy considering where they are planted. I would remove all weeds to the drip line from below the trees. I would then mulch the trees, 2-3 inches of hardwood mulch. They probably could stand a treatment of fertilizer, but I would wait until March-April to do that. If you want to trim the dead branches back, you can. But understand that evergreens will not produce more branches or needles in the lower areas.  I have included several publications for your reference.  https://extension.umn.edu/managing-woodlands/managing-spruce-fir-forests https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pine_spruce_or_fir_getting_to_know_michigan_evergreen_trees If we can be of further assistance, please contact us back.

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 13, 2024, 3:25 PM EST
response: Hello Diane: sorry for the late response. The trees are on my son's property.  The needles do easily roll between my fingers.   BarbSent from my iPhone On Nov 8, 2024, at 4:20 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Did I plant this?

Question: This is very pretty but I have no clue what it is. Hoping you do so that I can tell if I should keep it or dig it up.

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 November 08, 2024, 9:12 AM EST
response: Plant ID relies heavily on flower traits, but the foliage in this case resembles Cleome, also known as Spider Flower, a commonly-grown annual that can seed around. Although native in South America, it isn't native here, though at least it isn't invasive in natural areas, just occasionally weedy in gardens. It will not survive the winter if it's already sprouted (because it's not cold-hardy enough), though any unsprouted seed might. Even if you dug it up to bring it inside for the winter, it might not fare well due to insufficient light and low indoor humidity, though we don't know if anyone has had success doing so.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 08, 2024, 9:18 AM EST
response: Thank you. It’s been years (pre-Master Gardener training) since I planted cleome. Thank you for your quick response!PamOn Fri, Nov 8, 2024 at 9:12 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 November 08, 2024, 9:29 AM EST
response: You're welcome!
Pharoah Ants?

Question: I have ants in my apt that seem to never end and come out of baseboards. behind cabinets and under trim. We've had pest control out 3 teams and nothing seems to help.

responder: MJ Replied November 07, 2024, 7:07 PM EST
response: Hi Alexander, Have you contacted your landlord about this? If the ant nest isn’t found and  treated the problem may not be solved. The ants may be coming from other parts of the building. See this page: https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/ants Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 08, 2024, 12:10 AM EST
response: I'm trying but I really need a more professional opinion. They've had several bug people come out but I'm still in hot water.Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension Date: 11/7/24 6:07 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Alexander Irlbeck Subject: Re: Pharoah Ants? (#0159403)

responder: MJ Replied November 08, 2024, 8:50 AM EST
response: We are volunteer master gardeners and don’t know more than professionals. Perhaps ask the landlord to try someone new. I’m sorry. Best of luck.
Coneflower Problems

Question: Hello, we have a 800 square feet of native prairie gardens in our yard, with one of the primary flowers being purple coneflower. This year we noticed many of our coneflower plants getting white spots on the leaves, and some of them would also get yellow and brown spots. The heads of the coneflowers would also sometimes start turning black and rotting. Our questions are; how should we handle these diseased coneflowers as we cut our garden back this fall and is there anything we can do to prevent this from spreading or occurring again?

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied November 05, 2024, 10:31 AM EST
response: Diagnosis from a photo is difficult but it looks like a fungal infection and sanitation is an important part of control. Cleaning up and discarding (don’t compost) as much stem and leaf litter as you can will help bring it under control. The drought this summer severely stressed plants and made them more susceptible to fungal infections. Hopefully next summer isn’t as hot and dry. https://extension.psu.edu/echinacea-diseases

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 05, 2024, 1:15 PM EST
response: Hi Evelyn,Thanks for your response! For cleaning up and controlling the infection, is it ok to use the same tools/clippers between plants? And if we use the same clippers on other (non-coneflower) plants, can the infection spread? Thanks again,Jacqueline On Tue, Nov 5, 2024 at 9:31 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied November 05, 2024, 1:26 PM EST
response: Fungal pathogens are usually species specific but to be safe one can pour a little rubbing alcohol on the blades and light the alcohol with a match. Doing so will sanitize the clippers without damaging the blades like bleach would.
Spider enablement?

Question: This house spider took up residence above my door trim this summer and I fed it a couple of flies. When fall came I tried to shoo it outside, but it hides in the crack. 

If it lives to next spring, am I going to have millions of baby spiders in the house?

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied November 08, 2024, 5:53 PM EST
response: Hi Jim, I can't see enough detail in your photo to ID your spider with certainty, but because they are common in around houses and the overall look of the spider, I suspect it could be a giant house spider (Eratigena duellica).   Because the spider appears to have a thin abdomen, I suspect it is probably a male. Males also have enlarged tips to the leg-like structures at the front of the head (pedipalps), so that is something you could double-check to verify the gender. Here is a link to a photo of a male giant house spider with the enlarged pedipalps so you can see what those are like... https://bugguide.net/node/view/141957 For comparison, here is a link to a photo of a female giant house spider with a more rounded abdomen and pedipalp tips that are not enlarged... https://bugguide.net/node/view/1840137  If your spider is a male, unless it finds a girlfriend, you don't have to worry about babies. Hope that helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 08, 2024, 7:48 PM EST
response: Thank you for the great info
Weed identification

Question: Trying to identify this weed -- attatched

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied November 04, 2024, 7:16 PM EST
response: Hi Kenneth and thanks for your question and picture of your weed. It looks like you may have two weeds growing in the picture. The thick, reddish stems with the fleshy leaves is probably purslane but I think I see bindweed growing amid the purslane in the top of the picture. I'll attach articles about both so you can decide if they match. If they don't, send a close up picture of the leaves so I can get a better ID.  https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/weeds-purslane-common-portulaca-oleracea/  https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/weeds/field-bindweed  Good luck,

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 04, 2024, 9:20 PM EST
response: Rhonda:   Nicely Done-- Nailed it.  Now I just need to finish my study for Laws and Safety, pass this and the Right of Way exams and away we go-- By the book!   Thank you!!          Kenneth L West Motorcycle Safety Instructor Program Specialist  Oregon State University      E: <personal data hidden> M:<personal data hidden> O: <personal data hidden>           From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Monday, November 4, 2024 16:16 To: West, Kenneth L  Subject: Re: Weed identification (#0159225)     You don't often get email from <personal data hidden>. Learn why this is important       [This email originated from outside of OSU. Use caution with links and attachments.]
What is wrong with Patton Pear Tree?

Question: There are odd marks on the branches of my Patton Tree.  They are on so many branches that it caught my attention. Some of the branches have also curled.  I have attached photos.  
This tree has not bloomed or provided fruit for 5 years.  It is about 17 years old.
Please get back to me.  This is the second time I am sending in the request. I assume I did something incorrect last time.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied November 05, 2024, 5:07 PM EST
response: I am sorry to tell you that I believe your tree has armored scale.  The only effective treatment for this insect is systemic and the timing is crucial to avoid killing bees.  I suggest you have a certified arborist tackled this problem as if, left untreated, they will kill your tree.  Here are a couple links.  One about scales and the other on contacting a certified arborist.  In that one, click on Find An Arborist and put in your zip code when prompted.  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scale-insects#using-pesticides-2669961    https://www.treesaregood.org/

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 05, 2024, 6:40 PM EST
response: Thank you for your response!  We have already had 3 arborist to the yard. They were not fruit specialist. How do we find one of those?  Secondly, we are currently spending the winter down South returning in April. Is that too late for treatment?LolaOn Tue, Nov 5, 2024 at 2:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied November 05, 2024, 8:38 PM EST
response: A certified arborist would be aware of treating scale on any type of tree.  Take a look at the list provided to you through the Trees Are Good website and actually talk to them on the phone.  Question them.  If you have to use a systemic insecticide, it would not be used until after the blooms have dropped.  However, any fruit that season should be destroyed.
Overwinter rose of Sharon

Question: Hello,
I impulse purchased a large rose of Sharon, white Chiffon, from my local ace. It was appropriately 85% off being end of season with snow coming. She has been outside all season so may have already had one soft overnight freeze? She is hardy down to zone 5. I’m 5b (potentially 6 with the new configurations). What’s the best way to try and overwinter her?
I’m thinking repot into something bigger. Water every other week. (Please correct if wrong). Do I want to put her in my basement office area where it’s cooler (low 60s) with a grow light on for 8 hours? Or main floor where it’s a bit warmer (up to 70) with a lot of natural light?
Thanks for considering!
Jen
Zip code 80122

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 06, 2024, 4:07 PM EST
response: Jen,  Thank your for utilizing the Ask Extension service. You did get a good bargain on this shrub!  Yes, you can overwinter this plant. Is it currently in a 1 gallon pot? If so, it would be good to transplant it into a bigger pot. These end of season plants are usually root bound and it would be good to give the roots more room to spread out. A 5 gallon pot should be sufficient. Use a good potting mix and try to spread out the roots as you fill in with potting mix.   Water thoroughly after transplanting until the water runs out the bottom. Doing this in a utility sink or even the shower will help with the excess water. Check the plant after a few days to see how moist the soil is. A moisture meter can be helpful but you can also just use a finger and push it down into the soil. If the soil is moist 3-6 inches down then do not water the plant. Check again in a few days and only water when the soil feels dry. You do not want to overwater or have the roots sitting in soggy soil.   A cooler area would be best as this will slow down the growth rate a bit. You want to fake some dormancy with this perennial. A good sunny window or grow light will work well.  In the spring, wait until after the last frost to plant outside in the landscape. Harden off the plant by putting it in the sun for a few hours a day gradually increasing the sun exposure until it is in full sun all day. Plant in a full sun area in your landscape.  Good luck with your shrub. If you have any further qestions, you may reply to this email.  Debbie M.

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 06, 2024, 10:35 PM EST
response: Hi Debbie, Thanks for the amazingly helpful response.  Hope you stayed warm and safe with this snow!  Appreciate it, Jen   Sent from my iPhone  On Nov 6, 2024, at 2:07 PM, Ask Extension wrote:    ﻿
Need to restore some wetland grasses

Question: Hello,
I live in Massachusetts near the NH border. A neighbor just removed some wetland grasses from my property- he was over the line and obviously I am livid. I would like to restore the grasses and am not sure where to begin. The grasses serve to soak up water and also act as a buffer between the yards. Any suggestions appreciated- we have a lot of cattail already. low and tall suggestions are helpful. It would also be helpful if the plants didn't creep too much and mostly stayed where planted.

Much thanks!

responder: Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension  Replied November 07, 2024, 2:45 PM EST
response: Hello Paige,  Thanks for reaching out to the UNH Extension Infoline and sorry to hear that your neighbor took out some of your plants.  The best resource that I think would be helpful to you is the "Native Plants for New England Rain Gardens" fact sheet. This contains information about site requirements for plants and has a chart with many native plants that do well in wetlands with information about each plant including bloom time, height, hardiness, sunlight requirements, etc.  Here is a link- https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource005899_Rep8265.pdf I hope this helps. If you have further questions, please feel free to ask!

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 07, 2024, 8:00 PM EST
response: This is amazing. I thank you so much for your help!Paige From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Thursday, November 7, 2024 2:45 PMTo: Paige Impink Subject: Re: Need to restore some wetland grasses (#0159192)
lawn fungus or spores

Question: For several years I continually have had fungi (or spores?) the size of baseballs and softballs in my front yard. They initially are quite hard and later open up with a foul smell and dark puff. For the past few years I dig them up and throw them out. Any ideas on lawn treatment for eradication?

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 November 04, 2024, 11:39 AM EST
response: This is a type of Scleroderma 'puff ball' fungi. They are non pathogenic, most likely growing on decaying matter in the lawn. It could be under the turfgrass in the soil, maybe old tree roots or something that was buried. They are harmless and you can just remove them. They will most likely regrow from any spores left in the soil. Just be sure to wear gloves or wash hands afterwards, just to be safe and continue to remove as needed. There isn't a treatment that will be effective at removing them.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 07, 2024, 2:21 PM EST
response: Thank you for the timely response. Most appreciated! On Mon, Nov 4, 2024, 11:39 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 November 07, 2024, 3:28 PM EST
response: You're welcome!
What type of weed?

Question: Hello,

I’m trying to identify this plant. I’m pretty certain it’s a weed and probably invasive. Please advise. TIA!

Peach Ford

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 03, 2024, 1:11 AM EST
response: Hi Peach -  Yes, it's a hairy bittercress:  a Weed.  The botanical name is Cardamine hirsuta.   It's not native in the USA.  It is a common weed here, though. Here are some links about controlling this plant:  https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-hairy-bittercress  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/identify-and-manage-hairy-bittercress-in-nurseries-greenhouses-part-1 I hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 03, 2024, 10:05 AM EST
response: Thank you, Denise! It’s kinda pretty but sounds like it will spread EVERYWHERE! I’ll pull it out. Thanks for your expertise!Peach FordOn Sun, Nov 3, 2024 at 1:11 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Root Knot Nematodes?

Question: Hi, I am digging up my Dahlia Tubers and have found them to be very bumpy and not smooth skin like normal. I would like to confirm this is root knot nematodes vs lenticils. Almost all I have dug up look like this. I will have to destroy them. I believe if it is root knot nematodes. they appear wet in the picture because I wash them off to see better. They were in dry soil. Not clay. Please advise. Thank you

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 07, 2024, 5:51 PM EST
response: Hi Heather, the pictures do seem like root knot nematodes. You should send samples to a diagnostic lab for identification of the problem. What kind of root knot it is can also depend on what part of the country you are and I do not see this information in the question. In Michigan, M. hapla is the main root knot nematode but the symptoms do not seem like hapla to me so I suppose you are in a state further south. Thank you

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 08, 2024, 7:34 AM EST
response: Hi,Thank you for the information. I live in West Michigan. So it seems it may not be Root knot nematode if it doesn’t look like it is the  M Hapla? Do you have information on where I could send it for identification? I have an entire row with this and I would rather not destroy them if I do not have to. Thank you for your time. Please advise.HeatherOn Nov 7, 2024, at 5:51 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 10, 2024, 7:58 PM EST
response: I have not worked with dahlias so I am not exactly sure how does northern root knot look in dahlias but based on other crops, I think there is more going on than just northern root knot.   Kindly submit samples to the MSU plant diagnostic lab.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
Pine tree growths and bees

Question: Our pine tree recently has had bees around it for about a month and has some strange golf ball sized growths appear along with some needles turning brown. Is it dying or have disease? Had sawflies this summer also

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied November 04, 2024, 10:04 PM EST
response: It appears your pine is impacted by pine gall rust. There are two types, pine-oak and pine-pine, both are funguses. The impact on your tree is determined by how large and how many of the galls are on the tree. From your photos it appears your tree has a lot of dead needles/branches. Branches with galls can be pruned out if you wish. There is little that can be done to control or eliminate pine galls once a tree is impacted by them. Below is a link to information regarding pine galls.  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/pine-gall-rusts

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 05, 2024, 9:45 AM EST
response: Thank you.  Any idea on why the bees are hanging around the tree also for several months?  Sent from my iPhone  On Nov 4, 2024, at 9:04 PM, Ask Extension wrote:    ﻿

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied November 05, 2024, 6:19 PM EST
response: I apologize for not answering that portion of your question.  If pollinators are congregating in one area they likely have a nest nearby. Look for possible holes in the ground, the tree or nearby areas.