MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Large growth in a tree

Question: We have a large tree that has developed a growth. We are not sure if we need to do something to remove it, or what it is exactly.
i will attach an image. Any insight would be helpful.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied September 03, 2024, 3:35 PM EDT
response: Is the growth on the main trunk or on a branch of your Maple tree. It appears to be a fungi, although not exactly like those shown on these web pages.  https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/common-pest-problems/documents/Trees%20with%20Mushroom%20Growth.pdf https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/maple/branchesfungi.html If the tree appears healthy otherwise, I would remove the grown and monitor the tree. If there are other problems, consult a certified arborist.  https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 4:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you, the growth is high up in the tree on the main trunk, is there any harm in letting it be?  or should we attempt to remove it with water pressure? thank you,  On Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 02:35:20 PM CDT, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied September 03, 2024, 6:30 PM EDT
response: Its hard to say since I could not confirm if it was a fungus. Removing it is a better idea than letting it remain. Growths like this do not belong on trees.  If possible check the bark to see if the growth had roots into the cambrium, the circulation layer of the tree, right under the bark. If so keep an eye on the tree to see if anything else develops.
Tree

Question: Trees across my yard appear to be developing this orange stuff.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 09, 2024, 8:15 AM EDT
response: This is natural for Scotch pine. As they age and get larger in size their bark turns the orange color you are seeing.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 09, 2024, 8:22 AM EDT
response: Will this influence the trees growth?     Get Outlook for iOS  From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Monday, September 9, 2024 8:15:21 AM To: Makenzie Ricker  Subject: Re: Tree (#0153806)     You don't often get email from <personal data hidden>. Learn why this is important       WARNING: This email originated from outside of NYAP. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender AND know the content is safe. Contact the Help Desk with any questions.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 09, 2024, 8:34 AM EDT
response: No, rather it is a function of how the tree is growing. Many trees that have bark that changes the way that it looks over time. The bark of Scotch pine is one of those trees and sometimes, like the photos you have shown, this can be somewhat striking.
Blight (?) on chokeberry tree

Question: Would you be able to tell me what this blight (?fungus) on my chokeberry tree might be and what can I use to treat it?

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied September 03, 2024, 8:20 PM EDT
response: Hi Myra,  It looks like your chokecherry has cytospora, which is a disease caused from stress. In this case, it's likely because of the torn limb that was lost.   We have a fact sheet on this disease: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/cytospora-canker-2-937/  Unfortunately there is no cure for this disease. While pruning can be an option, there isn't a way to prune this out on your tree without seriously altering the structure and integrity of the tree.   Fortunately, it's a slow-progressing disease and it doesn't kill immediately. Going forward, focus on good cultural controls, such as proper water, good pruning cuts, and avoiding additional stress. Eventually the tree may need to be addressed for removal, but not immediately.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 11:10 AM EDT
response: Thank you so very much for your time and information.  It is disturbing that it might have to be removed but I will do what I can to keep it alive and growing!  Myra FrazelOn Tue, Sep 3, 2024 at 6:20 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
grass question

Question: Good morning,

I had just left you a message about a weed I am trying to identify, here is a photo of the grass type weed.  I would like to be able to get rid of it in my lawn. 
If you have any ideas how I might be able to do that would be great.

Thanks for your time
Tom Haug

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 9:39 AM EDT
response: Just checking the progress on this question. Any Idea what this grassy weed is?

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 09, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT
response: Is there anyone that can tell me what this grassy weed is and how I can kill it? Thanks Tom Haug

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 17, 2024, 12:10 PM EDT
response: Hello Tom,  Thank you for your question and apologies for the delay.  From your message, it sounds like you may have phoned into the volunteer hotline.  Has anyone from the volunteer hotline been able to respond to your question? Thank you,

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 17, 2024, 12:14 PM EDT
response: I haven't heard a word from anyone.

responder: Thank you for contacting us. Hope this information was helpful.  Replied September 18, 2024, 10:21 AM EDT
response: Hi Tom It is hard to tell from the photo but it could be Quackgrass. Here is a link for more information: https://blogs.cornell.edu/weedid/quackgrass/  Here are a few websites that you might find helpful on lawn care: https://turf.cals.cornell.edu/lawn/lawn-care-the-easiest-steps-to-an-attractive-environmental-asset/advanced-care/weeds/ https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/eco-resilience/our-land-our-water/lawn-weeds We also have more information on our website: https://ccedutchess.org/gardening/lawns-and-ornamentals/sustainable-lawns
Red oak planted this year: leaves turning black/brown

Question: Do you know what’s going on with my oak? We planted earlier this summer.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied September 03, 2024, 5:14 PM EDT
response: The leaves show some signs of leaf disease.  That is common and not fatal.  However, I see you have not removed the wrapping.  Take it off and toward the end of October you can put on protection against sunscald and critters.  This should be removed around the beginning of April.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter    I also think the leader of your tree has been broken off and so two side branches are trying to become the main leader.  I suggest you have a certified arborist take a look at your tree.  I will give you a link to that also.  Go to this site and click on Find An Arborist.  Put in your zip code when prompted an a list of certified arborists in your area will appear.  https://www.treesaregood.org/ Otherwise, wait until the tree is completely dormant this winter and trim those two branches back or just trim one back and tie the other to a bamboo pole to make a new leader.  It will take a year or so for that to become the leader and you can then remove the pole.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 5:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for that feedback! Just one clarifying question, you mentioned I haven’t removed the wrapping. What wrapping are you referring to? On Tue, Sep 3, 2024 at 4:14 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied September 03, 2024, 8:24 PM EDT
response: It looks as though the white wrapping is still around the trunk.
What's happening to my mint?

Question: My mint looks pretty gnarly, its leaves are brown with holes. I cut it down a few months ago and it seemed to started growing back well but soon enough this happened again. Is it a pest or disease? Anything I can do to prevent it?

responder: Jennifer  Replied September 04, 2024, 6:37 PM EDT
response: Hello Natalie, This looks like leaf miner damage. It is caused by the larvae of a small fly. The flies lay their eggs in the leaf tissue and the larvae feed between the layers of leaf surface. The damage looks like loopy paths, or mines, until it gets extensive.  You can prevent these insects from becoming a problem by removing the infested leaves as soon as you notice them. Look for them in nearby weeds to control them there, too. You can protect young plants from infestation by using a row cover. Encourage natural enemies by cultivating pollinator plants that can support the parasitic wasps that prey on the flies. Because the larvae are between the leaf layers, pesticides are not very effective.  You can find more information here: UC IPM: Leafminers https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/VEGES/PESTS/vegleafminers.html Utah State Extension: Leafminers https://extension.usu.edu/vegetableguide/leafy-greens/leafminers Happy Gardening!  Jennifer

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 2:03 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Jennifer! :) Not sure if I'll have any luck saving my mint but it's nice to know what's going on. Best,NatalieOn Wed, Sep 4, 2024 at 3:37 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Jennifer  Replied September 07, 2024, 9:18 AM EDT
response: You're welcome! Good luck!
ID please

Question: Can you ID plant in woodland setting?

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 03, 2024, 3:10 PM EDT
response: Can you tell us how tall the plant is? Does it have any fragrance (herby? minty)? Does the stem look/feel like it is angular/square (it looks round in the photo, but we can't quite tell). Is this a current photo, or from an earlier time this season?  It could be something in the Ambrosia (ragweed) or Amaranth family. Your answers to these questions can help us home in further.  Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 5:45 PM EDT
response: HiThe plant is about 2 feet tall. I didn't detect any minty fragrance. The stem appears round and small. It feels rough to touch, but I couldn't really see any hairs. The leaves definitely have hairs, especially where the leaf meets the stem.  Also, all the leaves are simple and they don't seem to have any of the trilobes that I see in ragweed.  I am not an expert, obviously.Thank you.  On Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 03:10:25 PM EDT, 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 September 04, 2024, 1:56 PM EDT
response: Thank you for providing this additional information. I checked with a few of our experts here, and we are coming up with great ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) as the most likely possible match. The flowers are characteristic of ragweed, and the hairs on the leaves are also concurrent with those from the Ambrosia family. Several references note that the leaves of this species (especially the newest ones) can be unlobed. We are also thinking that because it is in the woods/shade, there might be some different physiology to the leaves that are not dissected or lobed yet.  Christa
Hydrangea care

Question: My hydrangeas are droopy and now the leaves are showing some discoloration and holes per the attached picture.  Should I prune?  And if so, should I prune all or just some?  Where should I cut on the stem?  Thank you.

responder: MJ Replied September 03, 2024, 8:53 PM EDT
response: Hi Debbie, The holes in the leaves are just normal wear and tear from bugs, hail or wind. Hydrangeas are usually pruned in the spring. But if the drooping heads bother you, cut them off. Here's more information that should help you. This photo appears to be of a smooth hydrangea:  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-hydrangeas-best-bloom Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 10:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response!Sent from my iPhone On Sep 3, 2024, at 7:53 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: MJ Replied September 04, 2024, 6:07 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Black fungus on white oak tree

Question: Hi, I have a lot of Oregon White Oak trees in my yard. I noticed that one of them looks dead as all of its leaves were brown in August. I saw this black fungus on the trunk today. At least I think it's fungus? Do you have an idea what it is and if it contributed to killing the tree?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 09, 2024, 2:35 PM EDT
response: I am not familiar with the black fungus-looking body. But I will circulate the photo to some experts and expect to hear back. How many of these black bodies are there?  Meanwhile, to investigate further the health of the tree, examine the twigs and buds to see if they are still alive. The buds should be fresh and fleshy if you pull them apart. The twigs should be pliant and green under the bark.   A variety of things can cause oak leaves to turn brown early in the season. Leaves can drop early while the twigs and buds remain alive to sprout next year. But if the twigs and buds are dead, then it is a serious health issue. And if other oaks nearby still look healthy and green, I would suspect it is a more serious issue specific to this tree.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 09, 2024, 10:20 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your reply. There are nine black patches on the east side of the tree. They are all on the lower part of the trunk, none up high. The brown, dry leaves are still attached to dead branches. There is a small climbing hydrangea at the base of the tree that also appears to be dead or dying. I wonder if something is in the soil? The other oaks in the yard have green leaves and appear to be fine and many are quite close to this one. On Mon, Sep 9, 2024 at 11:35 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 13, 2024, 1:25 PM EDT
response: I heard back from the Oregon Department of Forestry forest pathologist and she identified the fungus as Hypoxylon, which is a common wood rot and canker disease.  It generally is found on trees that are declining for other reasons, and it is not usually a serious pathogen of healthy trees. So I think your oak tree has other problems and if the neighboring trees are still healthy, it is an isolated case.   Then the question is, what else is wrong with your oak? Common problems include root diseases or possibly insect infestation. Also, impacts from development of sidewalks, foundations, roads, or changes in water drainage that flood the rooting zone can cause oak decline.   We are currently on the lookout for a new exotic insect, the Mediterranean oak borer. It has not been detected in Linn County to my knowledge, but it is something to check for. See https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/fact-sheet-mediterranean-oak-borer.pdf
Central oregon berry bush

Question: We saw this plant on a hike around Clear Lake in Oregon. What is it?

responder: Sheryl Casteen Replied September 03, 2024, 3:32 PM EDT
response: Dear Dana, That is an elderberry plant, can be a bush or a tree.  Elderberry juice and syrup are sold as medication for cold sufferers. You can find them growing anywhere there is enough water.  They are very hardy, good food for the birds and other berry eating animals.  Here are some links for your review: https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/sambucus-nigra https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/elderberry-in-the-garden Thank you for your questions.  If you have further questions, please contact us again.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 3:49 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Sheryl.Sent from my iPad On Sep 3, 2024, at 12:32 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Sheryl Casteen Replied September 03, 2024, 11:24 PM EDT
response: Anytime.  Have a great week.
Gall on buttonbush

Question: Button bush has infestation of galls.  Other than removing infected area, how would you treat.   Bush was planted in a damp area that gets morning sun, would you move to sunny area and otherwise how would you treat?  See attached photos thanks

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 8:16 AM EDT
response: Is it best to leave alone ?   Bush is planted in damp area.  Will it resolve?

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 04, 2024, 9:13 AM EDT
response: We have good news for you. Leaf galls are common and harmless for your Buttonbush, and they don't require treatment.  Here is our page on them:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/tree-and-shrub-galls/ Galls are just abnormal tissue swellings, in this case, from a tiny eriophyid mite. There is nothing that you need to do.   No need to move your Buttonbush in regards to galls but they do naturally want to grow to fairly large, up to 12'x8', (though they can be pruned) and also tend to flower better in full sun.     Christine
Brown patches and thinning in sunny spot with year old sod

Question: In Mpls. Newly sodded back yard, sun most of the day. Last year edge of sod dug up presumably by raccoons looking for grubs.  and treated  last fall and this spring with Triazicide. Extra watering, not excessively however, helps with a little less thinning but the discrete brown spots seem to persist and enlarge slowly in semicircles and serpiginous distribution. Maybe grubs again but did not find any under sod. Maybe fungus. Maybe sun and needs more water.
Live near Lake of Isles so only fertilize in spring and fall. Sod was from Kleirs Nursery in So Mpls, sourced by Magnuson Sod. Help. Thanks.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 04, 2024, 8:30 PM EDT
response: Hi John, I'm going to send you several links so you can try and determine the problem. You may have to look at individual leave blades etc. There are so many potential issues with turf that I can't identify it from the pictures. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/turf/irregular/other.html https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/cutworms ( I had the worst damage from cut worms this spring than ever). https://extension.psu.edu/turfgrass-diseases-summer-patch-causal-fungus-magnaporthiopsis-poae#:~:text=Summer%20patch%2C%20sometimes%20called%20Poa,%2C%20grounds%2C%20and%20athletic%20fields.&text=This%20hot%2Dweather%20disease%20is,Kentucky%20bluegrass%2C%20and%20fine%20fescues. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/turf/circular.html I would check a few more spots for grubs. Good luck, Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 10, 2024, 4:44 PM EDT
response: thanks for your reply.  Ironically my brother in law is a retired golf course director but in va.  Not the right climate.  I will read all the stuff you sent  On 09/04/2024 7:30 PM CDT Ask Extension wrote:
Can you identify this tall green stranger?

Question: Hays County, Texas, about three miles south of the Travis County line -- while pulling deadwood out of our Chinese Feather Bush (as we've been told it's called), I came across this tall green newcomer -- fast-growing, semi-soft stem (not woody but still stiff). At first I hoped it was a milkweed but, after about two seconds' examination, recognize it probably isn't. My instinct is to just cut it down at the base, but first, my wife and I think we ought to know what it is...? (Also, anything managing to grow in the current heat and dry weather deserves at least a little consideration -- Many thanks! mj

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 03, 2024, 11:33 AM EDT
response: Good morning, Thank you for the picture. It appears to be a type of sump weed. Soon the plant will flower and then the seeds will form. Once in the seed state the plant will put out a lot of pollen. It is considered a "Native American Lost Crop." The Indians attempted to cultivate it.  Plants of Texas Rangelands » Sulfaweed, Broadleaf Sumpweed (tamu.edu)   Best regards, Martha, Beesan, and Jerry  For further inquiries, please contact us at: <personal data hidden> Phone:<personal data hidden>

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 11:41 AM EDT
response: I would not have guessed that in a million years -- many thanks! mjMichael JohnstonCharles A. Dana Professor of Political Science, EmeritusColgate UniversityHamilton, New York 13346  USAHome:164 Hot Spring ValleyBuda, TX 78610Tel:<personal data hidden>Skype: michael.johnston111What a long, strange trip it's been...On Tue, Sep 3, 2024 at 10:34 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identify Tree

Question: What is the name of this tree?

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 03, 2024, 10:32 AM EDT
response: It would help to see a closer photo of the leaves and branches to be sure, but from what I can see from your photo, this looks like a London planetree (Platanus x acerifolia). It has leaves similar to a maple tree (but maples have an opposite branching structure; on London planetrees, the branches are alternate).  Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 26, 2024, 3:06 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your response. Here are two closer pics.Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer  On Tue, Sep 3, 2024 at 10:32 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 September 26, 2024, 4:34 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the additional photos. This does confirm that the tree is either a London Planetree or an American Sycamore, both of which have nearly-identical foliage and bark. (The Planetree is a hybrid between the native American Sycamore and an Asian Sycamore species. It tends to be used more than the native species along streets due to its greater tolerance for urban conditions.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 27, 2024, 4:30 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for the info!!!Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer  On Thu, Sep 26, 2024 at 4:34 PM, 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 September 27, 2024, 4:32 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Dying red maple

Question: One of my red maple in the front yard is dying. When we cut it down it had black wood in the trunk. What would cause this?

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied September 03, 2024, 9:21 AM EDT
response: The black wood is not hazardous. It can be burned or disposed of any way you wish. Dead heat wood turns black.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 10:22 AM EDT
response: Does this kill the tree?RichSent from my phoneOn Tue, Sep 3, 2024 at 8:21 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied September 03, 2024, 12:12 PM EDT
response: Staining is the tree’s response to an infection, the infection could be bacterial or fungal.