MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Eastern Redbud Dying

Question: Hello,

I was wondering if you can tell me what is happening with my Eastern Redbud and what I can do about it. I have had this tree for over 10 years and has been doing great until around June 2022. It didn't bloom or get any leaves last year and around December 2022 the branches have started falling off.

I have attached photos. If there is any other information you may need, please let me know.

Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely,
Brenda

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 05, 2023, 2:27 PM EDT
response: Hi Brenda,  Unfortunately if the redbud didn't leaf out or flower last year and seeing the borer holes on the trunk, it is most likely dead and should be removed. If it is very tall and not something you feel is manageable for removal, we would recommend a certified arborist to assist with this.  We are not sure exactly the cause of decline and often when insects infect a tree or plant it is a secondary response due to another stressor the plant is suffering from. Insects can sense the trees stress pheromones and then take advantage of that. We can't say for sure that it was ambrosia beetle or another bark beetle but an article from Ohio State speaks about this process and you can read that for more information. It looks like the soil around the base of the tree is compacted and possibly lacking organic matter so the tree could have been failing due to that. Trees benefit from mulch or leaf litter at their base and typically out to drip line of the branches (where the branches extend out to) and while this isn't usually that applicable in a small yard setting, making sure they have organic matter feeding the soil composition at least 2-3 feet out from the trunk helps trees to thrive and live longer in urban and suburb settings. Mulch or other organic material helps to retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool in the heat of the summer.  If and when you choose to replace the tree, be sure to mix in some soil amendments of compost and or some topsoil to add nutrients back into the planting area.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 05, 2023, 7:30 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily,    Thank you very much for taking the time to let me know about my tree, even though it is disappointing, and thank you for the valuable information you provided.    Have a wonderful day!    Brenda

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 06, 2023, 11:35 AM EDT
response: sorry for the sad news and you're welcome
Basil leaves

Question: Hi,
I’ve been growing basil (genovese & blue spice) inside under grow lights for about 6 weeks or so now, and I noted this on the leaves a couple weeks ago. Was this caused by too much light?
Thanks,
Sonya

responder: Barb  Replied April 04, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT
response: HI, I think it is "sun" burn or sunscald.  For comparison, there is a pic of sunscald on basil in the article below.  To confirm, I emailed the pics to a professor and I'll get back to you as soon he gets back to me. Barb https://ag.umass.edu/greenhouse-floriculture/photos/sunscald-on-basil-foliage

responder: Barb  Replied April 07, 2023, 1:36 PM EDT
response: Hi again, My expert doesn't think it looks like typical sunscald so I wanted to check to see if you've sprayed your plants with anything. Barb

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 07, 2023, 2:08 PM EDT
response: I have not sprayed them with anything, but I do water them about once a week with Neptune’s fish & seaweed fertilizer. I have been using half strength though. On Fri, Apr 7, 2023 at 1:36 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Barb  Replied April 12, 2023, 7:38 AM EDT
response: Hi again, I passed on what you said and this is his response: No, I think the blue basil could have possibly been a light issue, but if the symptoms are not spreading, I would not worry about the blue basil at all. It looks fine to me.The Genovese, however, looks like it has a nutrient or salt toxicity arising from either low pH or high EC i(salt concentration) n the potting medium. Testing would be ideal, but in lieu of that, your grower could leach the pot with clear water (water until a volume equal to the pot size has come out the drain holes) the next time it needs water. This would help the high EC, but not low pH.   You could test for pH or just try leaching the pot with water and see if it improves.  Let me know if you have any other questions. Barb
Blueberry tip growth

Question: One of my blueberry bushes has a growth on a number of small branches. It bends the tip of the branch over and fills the space.

responder: Sean Warner, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied April 07, 2023, 5:45 AM EDT
response: Good morning Danice.....  This can be a common gall in blueberries caused by the blueberry stem gall wasp. Some cultivars are more susceptible than others,   The best way to eliminate this is to snip these tips off as soon as you see them. We have included a couple of links to help youhttps://www.canr.msu.edu/blueberries/uploads/files/BlueberryStemGallWasp-WEB-final.pdfhttps://harvestny.cce.cornell.edu/submission.php?id=78

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 12, 2023, 4:27 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your help! Danice JacquesSent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 4/7/23 5:45 AM (GMT-05:00) To: Danice Jacques <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Blueberry tip growth (#0094388)
Should I hard prune my dead-looking Skip Laurel bushes?

Question: Hi, we have a row of 15 skip laurel bushes that had grown to 8ft and were doing incredibly well until this winter. They are all completely brown and dried out with no visible green anywhere. My question is, should we at least try to hard prune them to see if they come back? We had invested hundreds of dollars in creating a privacy hedge and want to see if we can save our investment. Is it worth the effort and how do you hard prune a laurel in an effort to revive it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 10, 2023, 10:08 AM EDT
response: Hello...anyone there?Sorry for brevity. Sent from my iPhone. JennyOn Apr 4, 2023, at 11:34 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿  Dear Jenny, Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online. YOUR QUESTION #0094361: Should I hard prune my dead-looking Skip Laurel bushes? Hi, we have a row of 15 skip laurel bushes that had grown to 8ft and were doing incredibly well until this winter. They are all completely brown and dried out with no visible green anywhere. My question is, should we at least try to hard prune them to see if they come back? We had invested hundreds of dollars in creating a privacy hedge and want to see if we can save our investment. Is it worth the effort and how do you hard prune a laurel in an effort to revive it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States. If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.  This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.

responder: Charles E. Stamper, Ed.D.   Replied May 16, 2023, 10:47 AM EDT
response: Hello. Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay. Can you please send your picture and question directly to the Agriculture Agent? I have included the contact information below.  Phillip W. LongExtension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources<personal data hidden><personal data hidden>Jefferson County Extension Office4200 Gardiner View AveLouisville, Kentucky 40213-1877
Killing well established weed trees

Question: Hi we have well established weed tree that we are trying to kill. It's right on a fence line and adjacent to flower beds. If I cut it down to small stumps and target treat it with an herbicide will it have implications for the soil? We've tried to remove roots but the network of roots is substantial.

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied April 04, 2023, 6:07 PM EDT
response: Hi Timothy, I would recommend chopping as much of it down as possible. At that point, you can apply glyphosate to the cut areas (making sure to read the label and instructions), at which point the glyphosate will move throughout the plant and hopefully kill it. You might continue to get some suckering, at which point you can just continue to prune those down - eventually, the energy reserves will be depleted and the tree will die. You could omit the glyphosate and continue cutting sprouts until, again, the energy reserves are depleted and the tree can not fuel further growth (although this will probably be a longer process).  Glyphosate is non-selective and works upon direct contact, so know that nearby plants can be harmed if the glyphosate drifts due to high wind or high heat.  Let me know if you have any other questions! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 04, 2023, 9:10 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the info! Will triclopyr work as well? Or is glyphosate a better choice? -TOn Tue, Apr 4, 2023 at 4:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied April 05, 2023, 2:44 PM EDT
response: Hi Timothy, Triclopyr will work as well! Triclopyr might even be more effective on woody species than glyphosate, and it shouldn't affect nearby grasses. However, it doesn't bind to soil (unlike glyphosate), so it can have the potential to leach through the soil or be absorbed by other plant roots if applied there.  Let me know if you have any other q's! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 05, 2023, 2:53 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your help, Hania! I'm most concerned about soil leach into the adjacent flower/garden beds so it sounds like glyphosate would be the safer choice. I plan to apply with a brush to minimize the spread.  On Wed, Apr 5, 2023 at 12:44 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied April 05, 2023, 2:57 PM EDT
response: Happy to help! Just make sure to read the label thoroughly before application to make sure you're handling the herbicide as safely as possible. :)  Hania
What animal lays a single egg on the ground?

Question: Hi Extension,

I found an egg laid on the ground in my yard.  It doesn't look like it was dropped because it seemed to have been half-buried.  What kind of animal lays a single egg on the ground?  It's about the size of a chicken egg.  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 April 06, 2023, 1:04 PM EDT
response: We think this might indeed be a chicken egg or something similar (from a large-ish bird, that is) that a predator like a fox might have run off with to bury and was interrupted. Reptile eggs (snakes, turtles) would not only likely be smaller but would be laid in clusters and likely in a more sheltered spot. We are consulting with a wildlife specialist to see if he has any ideas and will respond again as soon as we have more guesses.  Miri

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 07, 2023, 2:43 PM EDT
response: I agree with Miri. I've also seen escaped domestic ducks lay eggs in unexpected places, so it could be a domestic duck egg in addition to a chicken egg.  If you can send more photos, we may be able to help more.  Thank you, Luke

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 10, 2023, 5:39 PM EDT
response: Hi Luke and Miri, Thanks for weighing in, I've attached a few more pictures of the egg.  When I measure it, it seems bigger than a normal chicken egg.  It's also very uniformly white, there doesn't seem to be any markings or patterns.  My mowers are supposed to start mowing later this week, so I will move it off to a nearby mulch bed.  Will whatever is inside hatch if there's no bird sitting on it?  Thanks.Regards,WilliamOn Fri, Apr 7, 2023 at 2:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 11, 2023, 11:39 AM EDT
response: It looks like it could be a duck egg.  I feel quite confident if it's been sitting out unincubated that it will not hatch. You can check to see if it was fertile by putting a flashlight behind it and looking for arteries and veins inside, or if it is pretty opaque.   Best, Luke

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 11, 2023, 1:34 PM EDT
response: Hi Luke and Miri, There doesn't seem to be arteries and veins when illuminated, there is a mass in the middle which I assume must be the yolk.  Very interesting, I left it by the mulch area so we'll see if the fox comes back for it, although it's been several days.  Thanks!Regards,WilliamOn Tue, Apr 11, 2023 at 11:39 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 11, 2023, 5:39 PM EDT
response: Yeah, looks like the yolk.  Take care, Luke
Seed pod identification

Question: Found this in my feont yard under pine trees. Not a pine cone. I am trying to identify it. I am not even sure if it is local. Can you help?
Thanks, Dave

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 04, 2023, 11:17 AM EDT
response: Hello Dave,  We don't recognize the pod as belonging to a local species or commonly-grown plant in our area, but it seems to resemble a baobab tree seed pod. These are sometimes used in floral arrangements or in dried wreaths, and the plant (a few related species, actually) are native to Africa and/or Australia. Perhaps a squirrel ran off with the pod, or it just fell off something discarded or which was being used as decoration in a nearby yard and blew around to the area where you found it.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 04, 2023, 11:50 AM EDT
response: Dear Miri,    Thank you so much. Don't know how it got there. Funny. It didn't look like anything I could find locally also.   Thanks again,   Dave

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 04, 2023, 1:45 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
ID this tree/shrub

Question: I am wondering what tree/shrub this is from our Ely forest.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied April 03, 2023, 8:17 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Mardi,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Based on the photo you submitted, I believe the tree/shrub is speckled alder (alnus rugosa). Here is a link to the MN Dept of Natural Resources website about this shrub: https://webapps15.dnr.state.mn.us/restore_your_shore/plants/plant_detail/17 Here is another link from the Missouri Botanical Gardens: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277838&isprofile=0AllImages This shrub is native to your area up there in Ely.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 03, 2023, 1:13 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Maureen!  Mardi"Be the change you wish to see in the world."On Mon, Apr 3, 2023 at 7:17 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied April 03, 2023, 3:13 PM EDT
response: You are welcome!
What’s causing rose leaves to turn yellow with dark spots?

Question: Hi,

I’ve had a Celestial Night rose for about a year that has never seemed to thrive but also hasn’t demonstrated noticeable problems until now. The lower leaves are turning yellow, and some also have dark green spots (pictures). Is this a mosaic virus or something else?

responder: Travis County Master Gardeners  Replied April 03, 2023, 8:30 PM EDT
response: Hi Nicole,  Your Celestial Night rose is suffering from Black Spot - a fungal infection that is extremely common on roses grown here and is aggravated by warm and humid weather - just as we have had recently. Black spots appear on the leaves, the leaves turn yellow, die and drop off. The spores, now on the ground, multiple and cause a greater infection.  Controlling black spots takes a lot of persistence. You must make sure to remove any fallen leaves from under the bush, steralize any shears you use, and treat the infected plants, Then respray the plants periodically throughout the summer. This makes growing roses in Austin quite a challenge and a lot of work.  The good news is that there are black spot resistant roses such as Knock Outs that are much easier to grow. While the flowers are not quite as showy or traditional as the Grandiflora or Hybrid Tea roses, they are hardy, bloom profusely and continually during the growing season and are resistant to many diseases, including black spot. (I am not of course suggesting that you abandon your Celestrial Night rose!)  The following link provides a lot of information on black spot and how to deal with it.  https://www.thespruce.com/black-spot-on-roses-4125530  Good luck Liz S.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 04, 2023, 11:44 AM EDT
response: This is so helpful! Thank you, Liz!!On Mon, Apr 3, 2023 at 7:30 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
plant ID

Question: Hello, Can you identify this plant for me, please?  It is growing in a shaded, moist, rich soil environment and spreading with rhizomes.  Thank you in advance for your help. Bob

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 April 08, 2023, 3:44 PM EDT
response: The leaves are only emerging, so a positive ID is tricky. It almost looks like a Solanum, like the weedy nightshades. If you bruise a leaf, is there a distinctive scent? I hope you'll share photos in the next few weeks as there is more plant to see.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 08, 2023, 6:58 PM EDT
response: OK, thanks. I'll see if it flowers.

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 April 09, 2023, 6:13 AM EDT
response: A few leaves fully emerged so the whole shape can be seen is probably enough. When they are out, send photos of this wider view, and a closer one of a leaf with growing tip.
What is wrong with the skip laurel?

Question: Can you tell me what is wrong with the skip laurel?

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 03, 2023, 12:21 PM EDT
response: Hi,  It is hard to say for sure what could be the cause of the dieback of the schip laurels. It could be a few different things. Usually if a large section is dying like this, it could be caused by a root problem.  Do you notice if the soil is very wet in this area or maybe there is a down spout nearby that contributes to excess water running into the area? Perhaps the roots are staying too wet and thus being deprived of oxygen and causing die back in the upper growth.   It could be phytophthora which is a soil pathogen.  It is widely present but can harm the plants in wetter areas from the water splashing the disease on the foliage. If you use an irrigation system where water is being sprayed onto the leaves, this could contribute to these symptoms. It could also be partially from winter die back from the extreme cold snap we had back in December. Broadleaf evergreens like Cherry and Schip Laurel can suffer from winterburn or instant freezing temperatures as they dry out in winter winds. You can read more about this in a blog article from last April. You can prune out the damaged branches by trimming them down to the branch node. Maybe the plant will recover and send out new growth. If it does monitor the leaves for any specific signs or symptoms and feel free to send them back in.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 03, 2023, 12:32 PM EDT
response: Thank you again. Very helpful.Sent from my iPhone On Apr 3, 2023, at 12:21 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 04, 2023, 11:46 AM EDT
response: you're welcome
Brown leaves on winter- blooming camelias

Question: Can you tell me what is causing the brown spots on my winter-blooming camelias? They are on the West-southwest side of the house.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 03, 2023, 12:04 PM EDT
response: HI,  It looks to be a sign of winter burn. We had a fairly mild winter throughout the state, but with the extreme lows in December, many broad leaf evergreen plants suffered some damage. When the temperatures fall drastically over a short period of time it can cause damage for various reasons, especially more tender board leaf evergreens like camellias that tend to be in their most northern part of planting range. They look other wise to be healthy. The leaves won't 'heal' but remain brown and eventually fall off as new growth emerges this year and pushes the old dead leaves out. You can also trim any dead or dying branches or leaves to help stimulate new growth. You can read more information on this in our blog article from last April.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 03, 2023, 12:26 PM EDT
response: Thank you very very much. This is really helpful and puts my mind at ease.Sent from my iPhone On Apr 3, 2023, at 12:04 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 04, 2023, 11:43 AM EDT
response: you're welcome!