MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
How do I care for winter stressed boxwoods?

Question: Hi, This winter in Fort Collins was particularly tough on my boxwoods.  They look super stressed with dried out and burned leaves.  What should I do now to help them?  We’re watering every 3 or 4 days, but that’s about it.  Are they gonners or can we save them? Thanks, Chris North

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied April 18, 2023, 3:33 PM EDT
response: Hi Chris,  First, you are not alone. This is an annual (chronic) problem and the inability for the shrub to adapt to dry, cold winters. It's very common and something you'll likely see most years.   You can shear back the brown to remove most of the damaged leaves (and hope that the buds are still viable). Then consider lightly fertilizing (not a full-strength fertilizer) to stimulate new growth.   In the fall, you can wrap the shrubs with burlap to help minimize browning. If you visit the Midwest or east coast, you'll sometimes see this. It can help prevent desiccation.   Fortunately, while it looks bad, this usually doesn't kill the shrub.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 18, 2023, 3:58 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much Alison!  Really appreciate the advice.Chris On Apr 18, 2023, at 1:33 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Identifying a shrub or plant

Question: Need help identifying this shrub and plant that both grow in my woods.
Thank yiu

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 18, 2023, 2:01 AM EDT
response: Hello Kathy -  The shrub is called a Morrow's honeysuckle.  It is considered to be an invasive weed, native to Japan, Korea and parts of China.  The plant with the attractive foliage is a Mayapple.  It is native to Michigan and is found in states east of the Mississippi river.   I hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 18, 2023, 3:24 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response and information - I have always liked the Morrow’s  Honeysickle, just didn’t know it was invasive! So good to know.KathySent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2023, at 2:01 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Fungal infection on plum tree

Question: I purchased a plum tree 6 years ago from VanAtta's in Haslett Michigan. The trunk of the tree is diseased with some of the trunk losing its structure. Some of the bark is falling off.  The tree also has goldish color substance emitting from the trunk. I sent pictures to the Nursery Manager at VanAtta's and he said it looks like heart rot, sorry to say. The branches are still producing buds. Is there any way to save this tree from the fungal infection?  I will send you pictures for your review. Thank you, Jim, a former MSU grad. 

(Redacted personal info for privacy)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 19, 2023, 5:54 PM EDT
response: Splitting bark is due to death of the underlying cambium layer, often due to mid-winter cold damage one to several years ago.  Splitting opens the tree to infection by wood rotting fungi.  Sorry to say there is no effective remedy to this condition.   Cold damage tends to be more of a problem if trees continue to grow into the late fall.   This is more common on rich and/or well fertilized soil.  Painting trunks with white latex paint when young helps to avoid trunk heat build-up on sunny winter days, which leads to abrupt temperature drop at sunset and subsequent bark cracking.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 19, 2023, 6:38 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response On Wed, Apr 19, 2023 at 5:54 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Boxwoods have sporadic grown leaves throughout plants

Question: Hello!  I Have boxwoods in three locations on my property.  In two of these, the plants look great!  The third  - there is a row of 6 where there are sporadic brown leaves throughout all 6 plants.  This seems to be rather uniform through each plant, though there are specific branches that appear to have lost leaves.  This location is drier than the others - we do water but we have had such a dry summer, winter and now spring as well that might be partly to blame.  Note in the overall photo the row of boxwoods extends along the retaining wall front to back on the right side of the photo.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 18, 2023, 1:39 PM EDT
response: Hello and thank you for your question. This looks like "winter burn," and the condition isn't lethal to your boxwoods. Please read the information below, from an two outside sources:  With winter damage, plants typically have dry, brittle and brown leaves, and many people assume these plants are dead. The good news is that plants are amazing in their resiliency and more often than not they will put out new growth and fully recover this spring.  You may elect to prune out affected branches. Now is the time to assess the damage. Then, working with pruners sterilized in a ten percent bleach solution, remove dead wood. Prune branch by branch back to live wood.  I hope this is the information you wanted and that it helps you to understand what has happened to your shrubs. Jeanne

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 18, 2023, 1:56 PM EDT
response: Wow this is so helpful!  Thank you so much for the reply.SO glad its not lethal.RegardsCarol  On Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 01:39:14 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Stressed, dying or dead

Question: I have an arborvitae I planted about 5-6 years ago. This spring I noticed that is turning brown. It is in a part of the yard that does not drain well. 
I thought I would seek a second opinion before cutting it down. 
I would like to save if possible.
I would appreciate your opinion.
Thank you

responder: Karen M    Replied April 17, 2023, 7:17 PM EDT
response: Hi Jacob! There could be several things wrong with your plant (sorry for that bad news!). So I have some questions & several links for you to help us decide.  1. Is most of the damage on one side or all over?  2. Is the plant near the sidewalk/driveway? (winter salt damage) 3. Are you seeing any type of insect damage?  Winter Burn | Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic (wisc.edu)  Protecting trees and shrubs in winter | UMN Extension  Trees, Shrubs, and Groundcovers Tolerant of Wet Sites (psu.edu)  Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)  It is possible to keep arborvitae that has winter burn. You need to prune the damaged limbs. From your pictures, it looks like a lot would have to be pruned.  It is possible there is damage from standing water. The water soaked ground doesn't let the roots breathe which causes damage to the plant.  For a "second opinion," please click on the link to find an arborist. It is important to use a certified arborist. The link I sent you will help you find one in your area.  I've sent you quite a bit of info. Please let me know if you have more questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2023, 9:59 PM EDT
response: Thank you, that is very helpful and valuable information. The link for plants that can tolerate wet ground will help choose a replacement.JakeSent from my iPad On Apr 17, 2023, at 7:17 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Karen M    Replied April 18, 2023, 12:19 PM EDT
response: It's sad (in my opinion) to cut down a tree; but exciting to make plans for what to put in its place! I encourage replacing plants with native plants. I would be remiss not to include the link to Ohio's Native Plant Month website (especially since it's April!). I also like the Audubon website because you can put in your zip code to find out what grows best in your area. Our feathered friends need all the help they can get!  Native Plants | Audubon  Ohio Native Plant Month  If there are any other questions we can answer, please let us know. Happy planting!!
Tick ID

Question: Picked up this Tick in the Mt Hood National Forest west of Wamic oregon, curious about identification.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied April 17, 2023, 5:52 PM EDT
response: Hi Brian,That is an adult male tick from the genus Dermacentor. I can't tell which Dermacentor species that is from the photo though. It’s most likely a Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) or an western dog tick (Dermacentor similis) considering where you got it.  Luckily, ticks in the genus Dermacentor cannot transmit Lyme disease. Only ticks in the genus Ixodes can do that. Dermacentor ticks can transmit other diseases (Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, etc.), but cases of these disease being transmitted by tick bites in Oregon are extremely rare, so I don't think you have to worry about those. As precaution, if you get a fever in the next 2 weeks, go to your doctor and mention you had a Dermacentor tick bite so they can treat you with antibiotics.  Hope that helps! Yours, Bill Gerth Faculty Research Assistant OSU Plant Clinic

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 19, 2023, 12:04 AM EDT
response: That is what I was hoping you were going to say, thanks Bill!Sent from my iPhone On Apr 17, 2023, at 2:54 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Peony plant with holes in buds

Question: Hello

Hi I have a peony plant in my yard that I noticed today has its buds almost hollowed out. The only insects on it were ants which I know are not harmful to the plant. It’s most likely a Sarah Bernhardt and a couple years old. I have about 20 other peony plants around it that seem to be fine. I’m not sure what might be doing this to the plant and other than the buds having holes in them it looks totally normal. I did not notice this a couple days ago when I last looked so I’m thinking it happened within a couple days. I’m worried about the plant recovering and also would this become an issue for my other peony plant. I guess my question is there anything I should do for the plant? I know it won’t bloom this year and is there anything I can do as a preventative for my surrounding peonies which are all similar types Sarah B, Shirley Temple and Dr. A. A friend did mention it might be roll leaf caterpillar and to treat with neem oil or bacillus Thuringeisis. Any advice or input would be so much appreciated!!!

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 17, 2023, 2:51 PM EDT
response: Hi,  Before you treat for anything, you should find the culprit. If you haven't see any caterpillars, then try going out with a flashlight at night and see if you notice slugs or snails as they can eat holes into leaves and flower buds. If you do notice the slugs you can try any of the bait or trap methods listed on the link provided.  If you notice different caterpillars, please send in a photo and we can help diagnose for proper control.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 18, 2023, 8:18 AM EDT
response: Hi! Thank you for getting back to me. I will definitely look to see if I see anything in the evening. I know ants are common and friendly on peonies but are red ants ok for them? I see a lot them on my peonies and specifically going into the hollowed out buds. Just wondering if this also makes a difference?Thank you for any input!Sent from my iPhone On Apr 17, 2023, at 2:51 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 18, 2023, 9:42 AM EDT
response: No - any type of ant is just seeking out pollen from the peonies. They are probably going into the holes since it is an easy way to get to the any pollen that is in there.
Animal Scat in Washington

Question: Hello, 

I found this scat while visiting Washington. Can you tell what kind of animal it came from?

Thank you.

responder: Dr. Dana Sanchez  Replied April 17, 2023, 11:43 AM EDT
response: That scat looks like it was produced by an elk eating very moist spring vegetation.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2023, 12:35 PM EDT
response: Thank you!On Mon, Apr 17, 2023, 8:43 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: [This email originated from outside of OSU. Use caution with links and attachments.]

responder: Dr. Dana Sanchez  Replied April 17, 2023, 1:11 PM EDT
response: Happy to help!
Blistering summer sun

Question: In front of my living room windows, I’d like to place (in pots) two upright conifers to add a little privacy to my flat front house.
The job description is dwarf conifer upright, lots of very hot sun and narrow space. We already have a row of short plants, iris, a small Loropetulum and agastache, but I hope to nestle something taller in the border, thus 2 tall pots.

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied April 17, 2023, 2:39 PM EDT
response: Hi Jennifer- I'm assuming your question is "what conifers will grow tall and slender and take hot sun"? Fine Gardening lists three favorites: ‘Split Rock’ hinoki cypress, ‘Tiny Kurls’ Eastern white pine and Whipcord Western cedar but I don't know if you can find them here.   I would suggest going to a reputable nursery and looking at their dwarf conifer selections. Then ask their help desk which ones might grow in heat and slender conditions.   Another good resource is Conifer Kingdom near Silverton where they can probably recommend a great plant for you. Be sure to bring your great picture so they get the idea of where the trees will grow. Here's their contact information: https://www.coniferkingdom.com/our-plants/conifers/ Good luck,

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2023, 2:51 PM EDT
response: Thank you RhondaIt’s going to be an exciting search. Thanks for the direction and the advice.Best, Jennifer SimsSent from my iPhone On Apr 17, 2023, at 11:40 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Azalea question

Question: My azalea leaves are looking very strange.  I have attached a picture - can you tell me what I need to do to help it?  Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 16, 2023, 6:23 PM EDT
response: So sorry about the strange appearance of the leaves of your azaleas.  It looks like they may have spider mites or lace bugs.  You can take a piece of white paper and place it under the mottled branch and tap the branch.  Red, yellow, green or black dots should appear on your piece of paper.  This would tell you that they are spider mites,  however, the treatment should be the same for the different pests. I found these articles may help:  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/azalea-rhododendron-insect-pests/  https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP567  Please note that the diseased leaves may fall off.  If they do, please make sure you clean them up as soon as possible to prevent further disease spread.  Thanks for using Ask a Master Gardener!  Leslie EMG

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 22, 2023, 12:24 PM EDT
response: I am redoing a perennial bed.  The soil has a bit of clay.  What should I add to it to make it better?  Thank you. On Sun, Apr 16, 2023 at 6:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 01, 2023, 6:21 PM EDT
response: Clay soil is not that bad!  I always thought it was horrid, but it really helps hold moisture !  I would add any of the bagged soil conditioners.  I like pine soil conditioner, bagged manure or compost.  Much luck and watch temperatures and unexpected frosts!
What is this and how do we treat it

Question: Hi, we use non chemical fertilizer for our grass and it’s lush and green. This is the trouble spot. It’s between the front walkway and our driveway. I think it also has what looks like scallions :)  we don’t know how to get rid of this light green stuff.  Thanks in advance

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 17, 2023, 1:46 PM EDT
response: This appears to be Speedwell (Veronica), a very common lawn weed, especially in areas where the turf is struggling due to low-height mowing, drought, soil compaction from foot traffic, or under-fertilization. This doesn't mean your fertilizer of choice is ineffective, but it might be useful to have the soil in this area laboratory-tested to see which nutrients (if any) are deficient and if the soil acidity (pH) needs adjusting so the turf roots can better access those nutrients.  Most of the Speedwells that appear in lawns are annual, and they are finishing their life cycle now (having sprouted last autumn) and dying off on their own. No treatment needs to be applied. To prevent future weed invasions it can help to core-aerate a lawn (if compacted) and overseed in the autumn with high-quality seed (if you have cool-season turf like fescue, which you appear to have). Fertilization according to soil test results, plus the recommended application schedule along with the above practices, can reduce or eliminate the need for lawn herbicides to manage weeds. (They won't necessarily be entirely absent, but they should be minimal.)  The chives-like plant you mention sounds like Wild Garlic (which, despite being called "wild," are not native). These can be harder to manage without the effort of digging-out each clump (which still might return if you miss some bulbs) or using a systemic herbicide. The linked page provides more information.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2023, 2:23 PM EDT
response: This is extremely helpful thank you!On Apr 17, 2023, at 1:46 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 17, 2023, 5:28 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
White spores on recently trimmed boxwood

Question: Hello, I have eight boxwood plants that were six feet tall which I cut to half size in the fall and wrapped in burlap in hopes they would recover. Today I found white spore or egg like clusters all over seven of the eight. Please advise! And thank you!

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 17, 2023, 1:32 PM EDT
response: Hi,  These are boxwood psyllid and can cause cosmetic damage to the plants. You can try to use a strong blast from your hose to wash them off and that should manage them. If it doesn't seem to help, you can try to use insecticidal soap as recommended on the given link.  In general, you should be doing revitalization prunes in the mid to late march time frame, although wrapping them in the burlap last fall was probably a good idea to protect them. You can view our boxwood pruning video for tips on how to properly prune.  Let us know if you have more questions with this. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2023, 3:21 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much!Sent from a mobile device.  On Apr 17, 2023, at 1:32 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 18, 2023, 9:40 AM EDT
response: you're welcome!
What are these slow moving bugs?

Question: Please blow up this picture. I appear to have these crawling in my bathroom and closet. They are very slow moving, like to crawl up walls. I see a small black tongue once and a while.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 17, 2023, 1:19 PM EDT
response: please bring them to your extension office (put them in a bag or vial with rubbing alcohol) Address: 3410 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33916 Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 5 PM Phone: <personal data hidden>

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 18, 2023, 5:18 AM EDT
response: Thank you, I will collect a few and get them over there.
Bug on the bed

Question: Found this crawling on my bed while making it up. Wonder if it a bedbug?

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 17, 2023, 11:52 AM EDT
response: Hi,  It doesn't appear to be a bedbug. Maybe a type of carpet beetle, they tend to come out this time of year and are attracted to the fibers in materials. You can explore our 2 webpages (links below) to help to try to narrow down what it is. If you only have found 1, it probably isn't something you need to worry about, but you can look around your mattress or on the floor to see if there are many. Usually just vacuuming the area is enough to help control them, if it is a type of carpet beetle.  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/indoor-insects https://extension.umd.edu/resource/identifying-common-household-insect-pests Let us know if you discover more or have further questions with this.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2023, 8:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your response. Sent from my iPhone On Apr 17, 2023, at 11:52 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 April 18, 2023, 9:03 AM EDT
response: you're welcome
Tree Identification

Question: Hello,
I do not really like this tree because it looks straggly. I am thinking about replacing with a tree that is better looking, and also encourages pollination.  Can you tell me about this type of tree, and if it has any benefits?
Thank you,
Eric

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 17, 2023, 11:26 AM EDT
response: Hello Eric,  Unfortunately we can't yet identify the tree in the photos as the images are too small for us to enlarge and too far from the foliage. Can you please send additional pictures showing the leaf shape and (ideally) how they attach to the stem? Are there any blooms or seeds on the tree? Once we can come up with a tentative ID we can then answer your other questions about its wildlife value.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 23, 2023, 8:30 AM EDT
response: Hi Miri, I am so sorry to have sent pictures that have made identification difficult.  I have attached new photos, and hopefully these will work better.Thanks again,Eric On Mon, Apr 17, 2023 at 11:26 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 April 24, 2023, 5:08 PM EDT
response: Hi Eric,  Thanks for the additional photos. This is a Mulberry (genus Morus), and while there is one native species which ranges across a decent percentage of the state, the invasive species is much more widespread (helped along by birds distributing the seeds, as is common for invasives) and is tolerant of adverse growing conditions. If this is the invasive species, we recommend it be removed if you were intending to replant a native or non-invasive alternative.  Miri