MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Gopher damage on lawn?

Question: I have piles of dirt like the one in the photo I've uploaded in several spots on my lawn, in front and behind the house. I've been told by friends that it's from gophers, and that alot of people are seeing the same dirt piles on their lawns this summer. Is it from gophers? is there something I can do?
thanks!

responder: Dr. Dana Sanchez  Replied August 05, 2024, 7:18 PM EDT
response: Gophers and moles both make dirt mounds when they push excess dirt out of tunnels they're building. Trap designs and methods differ between those species, so species ID is important. Also, their diets differ greatly, so management of this problem may be best-managed through considering if a change in conditions or management of your lawn might help move this out of the conflict zone. Specifically, moles are insectivores: They swim through the soil as they pursue prey such as earthworms and other insect larvae such as grubs. During this dry part of the year, it is possible if you're watering the lawn, that you're helping encourage those prey species to move closer to the surface (following moisture) and thus inadvertently encouraging moles to move closer (and thus their mounds, too) to the surface whilst following the prey. On the other hand, you might be seeing pocket gopher sign, and pocket gophers eat the richest, moistest vegetation they can find but at or near the surface.  To identify which creature is making the mounds in your yard you really need to look at (or photograph) a super-fresh mound. The clue to species ID is where you see a little slightly-depressed plug. As an animal stops pushing dirt out, the "plug" forms as those last footfulls of dirt slide partway back into the tunnel. Molehills have the plug right in the middle, whereas the plug in a gopher hill will be slightly to one side of an often "fan"-shaped mound. Towards the bottom of each of these pages you'll see sketches and examples of traps appropriate to the species: https://icwdm.org/species/rodents/pocket-gophers/pocket-gopher-damage-prevention-and-control-methods/ https://icwdm.org/species/other-mammals/moles/mole-damage-prevention-and-control-methods/ Burrowing animals play important roles in our ecosystems, so whenever possible, tolerating their presence and/or excluding them from a yard with a below-ground "fence" of hardware cloth around the perimeter, can help conserve the many services they provide.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 8:05 PM EDT
response: Hi Dana,Wow! That's a lot of great information. I so appreciate your expertise and advice.  Jane Sent from jane's iPhonejane klonsky 61210 mount vista dr  bend, or 97702  On Aug 5, 2024, at 4:19 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Root shooter.

Question: A shooter tree is coming up from the roots of my 9 year old Redbud tree. Should I cut it off flush with the ground.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 05, 2024, 5:31 PM EDT
response: Yes.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT
response: I'd like to expand on that reply.  Redbuds are often grafted.  That means that roots from one type of redbud will have a top from a different variety.  Those sprouts are usually from the roots and they will have the characteristics of the root stock variety.  I always cut mine off at ground level.  They'll come back so it's an ongoing redbud maintenance chore. Rick Coke

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 13, 2024, 10:19 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the information. This particular tree is one of ten trees from the Arbor Day Foundation that made it through the storms and freezes in the last 10 years. It’s just now starting to bloom and turning out to be a pretty tree. Again Thanks. WGT Sent from my iPhone On Aug 9, 2024, at 11:06 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 16, 2024, 7:55 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.
Skip Laurel Problems

Question: Hi, I have 5 skip laurels, 2 are doing great, one so so and 2 that are about 25 feet away from a large maple tree are doing poorly. Their leaves are light green and they aren’t getting any bigger. This is their second summer. Last summer they all did pretty well. Any idea what’s wrong and how to fix it?

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 August 06, 2024, 11:47 AM EDT
response: Hi,  Are you providing additional irrigation this summer? It has been dry and Montgomery county is headed into a severe drought area.  Do you know if they were in burlap or container grown when planted? Was the burlap removed or the roots loosened from the container? Sometimes there is an internal girdling root that is impossible to see and it can cause some plants to struggle while others are seemingly fine.  It could be that the plants closer to the maple aren't getting quite as much water since there could be some root competition from the maple near by.  You could try to check around the base of the plants too to see if you notice any issues. You can refer to our Cherry laurel diagnostic page to keep an eye out on stressors and symptoms of other issues that could arise.  Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 12:36 PM EDT
response: Thanks.  They were in containers and I tried to disrupt root binding before planting. I tend to agree that it’s likely a water issue but I was afraid I was watering too much. Also, could these skip laurels benefit from acidic fertilizer like miracle grow? I’ve fertilized them with evergreen granules from vigaro and also some Jobes evergreen spikes.  Jim Priovolos On Aug 6, 2024, at 11:47 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 August 06, 2024, 1:13 PM EDT
response: We wouldn't recommend adding any fertilizer now with the heat and you should really only need to add fertilizer to shrubs after doing a soil test which indicates a deficiency or the pH level being off for optimal growth. If you fertilize the adjacent lawn area or use organic mulch or leave fallen maple leaves in the bed over the winter, that would be plenty of natural fertilizer for the plants.  You can find soil testing information here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-and-soil-testing-labs/ Also just check for watering needs before supplementing. You can feel the soil under the mulch about 6 inches down to see if it is necessary then water deeply to soak the entire root zone letting it dry in between watering.
Question about brassicas

Question: Hi, many of our brassica plants have come down with something we have not seen before. I did a little research online and wonder if this is black rot or something else? Attached you can find a pic of an affected collard leaf. If so, what can we do about it? Thank you so much!

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied August 12, 2024, 10:24 PM EDT
response: I am sorry it has taken so long to respond to your inquiry. It does look like your collard greens may have black rot. Black rot is a bacteria that shows it's symptoms on the plant leaves. Your plant can have black rot and still have edible portions of vegetable. It you have plants that are severely impacted I would recommend disposing of in the trash. There is nothing your can apply that will reverse the bacterial damage.   It is important not to plant brassicas in the same soil after black rot. If your plants are in the ground you must rotate them to another area and not plant them in the original space for 3 years. When you plant next year, make sure to allow spacing between plants. This allows air flow and the bacteria has a more difficult time adhering to the plant. Below is a link that gives some additional information on black rot.  https://extension.umn.edu/disease-management/organic-management-black-rot

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 13, 2024, 3:47 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much, Amy. Too bad. What a crazy year with all this rain!Warmly,Leigh On Mon, Aug 12, 2024 at 9:24 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Bitter nightshade

Question: How do I get ride of this? I chopped it back last year and sprayed weed killer on it. It’s back bigger than ever this year. I understand it’s poisonous.

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 August 06, 2024, 9:43 AM EDT
response: This can be a particularly persistent weed vine. What herbicide did you use last year? We would suggest a non-selective systemic herbicide like glyphosate or triclopyr and probably repeated applications. You can cut the stems and paint or squirt onto fresh cuts to see if that is more effective than applying to the leaves.  It is poisonous but relatively so. If you have pets or small children that may eat the berries you would want to remove those so they can't eat them. Also it would be dependent on the dose and size of the person/animal as to how toxic they can be. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens has an interesting article on it.  The birds and other wildlife love the berries so removing those before they can be eaten and spread could be helpful as well.  If you just keep at it eventually it will exhaust its root storage and should stop returning.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 5:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  On Tue, Aug 6, 2024 at 9:43 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 August 07, 2024, 9:37 AM EDT
response: you're welcome!
Lawn Infestation

Question: What is this weed infesting my lawn and how/when do I treat it?

responder: *Please Note: If there is mention of trade names in this response, it is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement of one product over another, nor is discrimination intended against any product.  Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Please contact us again with any gardening questions you may have, or call the MSUE State Hotline at 1-888-678-3464  Replied August 09, 2024, 11:08 AM EDT
response: Hello Michael, Unfortunately, I'm unable to identify the plant. The photo wasn't clear enough for me to see the details of the leaves. Also, it appears that the plant has been mowed, so I can't see a full leaf.   I do have a couple of suggestions about what the weeds might be. Check out the links below. One of these may be a match.  http://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=454&cname=Narrowleaf+plantain  https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/research/weeds/weed-id-bio/grasses-parent/grasses-pages-perennials/common-carpetgrass.htm  If neither ribbed plantain or carpetgrass is a match, could you send a couple of other photos? Dig up a plant that hasn't been mowed (if possible) and take photos of it. The picture might be clearer if it's isolated from the other plants.    Thanks, and I'll wait for your reply.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 12:21 PM EDT
response: Hello Margo, I have attached two more photos.  The lawn has grown out since I took the first one, so one photo is the plant in the lawn but not mowed.  The other is one I dug up.  I don't think I have the  two weeds you mentioned.  Please let me know what you think.  Kind Regards, Michael Taljonick  On Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 11:08 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: *Please Note: If there is mention of trade names in this response, it is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement of one product over another, nor is discrimination intended against any product.  Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Please contact us again with any gardening questions you may have, or call the MSUE State Hotline at 1-888-678-3464  Replied August 12, 2024, 11:21 AM EDT
response: Only one of the photos came up, but it is clear. I believe your plant is large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis), also known as hairy crabgrass. If you look closely at the leaves, you will see stiff hairs along the edges.   The following article from the University of Minnesota describes hairy crabgrass and gives information on the management of the weed. I think you will find it helpful. https://extension.umn.edu/weeds/crabgrass  If you are still unsure about the identification, please don't hesitate to contact me again, and I will pursue this further.   Have a great week,  Margo MSU Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer
Possible fungal infection on birch tree?

Question: Our 10 year old birch tree looks like it has Stem Spot. 
Wondering how to treat it.
It is within 10 feet of our shallow well and concerned it might be
contaminate with chemicals if we treat it.
Wondering if we could keep it over the winter for the birds if we need to take it down.
Does the fungus spread to our other trees? We have Maples, Pines and numerous oaks.
Thank you

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied August 09, 2024, 8:39 PM EDT
response: Stem spot is not a recognized birch disease but rather a description.  The following websites give detailed birch disease descriptions.  Compare what you are seeing with these.  I suspect that you are dealing with canker rot. 1. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/birch/index.html    (Click on the trunk areas) 2. https://www.gardenia.net/disease/canker

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 10:47 AM EDT
response: Is it OK to keep over winter without treating? Can the fungus, Canker  spread to nearby to Oak and Maple trees? I don't want to use chemicals secondary to risk to our well. Plan is to keep over winter if the fungus doesn't bother other trees and birds. Can you advise me?  Thanks! Mary D Hall

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied August 12, 2024, 1:22 PM EDT
response: Since canker is caused by a number of different fungi, it is impossible to predict if it will infect your maple and oak.  Those trees are susceptible to some cankers. As the second website above shows there are lots of cankers and it lists which trees are susceptible to which fungi. These organisms are wind blown so your other trees will likely get some of these fungi but they may or may be susceptible.  See: https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/canker-diseases/  If these are high value trees you can send a specimen to the Plant Disease Clinic for analysis as to which fungus is involved and whether the other trees are susceptible. See:   https://pdc.umn.edu/  The following article is quite technical but it gives some good diagrams on how pesticides can enter wells.  https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/pesticides-groundwater
Is This Rosette Disease?

Question: I have one rose bush that has extremely thorny new growth, terminating in buds. The color is often red, which new growth often is. It hasn't spread to other bushes. I would really like to know soon. I am sending photos.

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 August 05, 2024, 12:41 PM EDT
response: The excessive thorniness is a concerning symptom, and our assessment of the photos is that Rose Rosette infection is likely, unfortunately. If you are uncertain and want to monitor the plant for now, be sure to sanitize any pruning tools used on the plant so they don't contaminate another rose with infected sap. Over time, symptoms of plant viral infections like Rose Rosette will only worsen, not wane, so that can be one way to confirm that this particular disease is likely responsible.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 1:08 PM EDT
response: Dear Miri, thank you. I have already dug up the entire bush and root ball. I bagged it and put it in the trash along with my gardening gloves. Is there anything I should do with the soil around the root ball, or to treat any nearby bushes? No others have symptoms at this point. The infected bush was planted only at the end of May, by the way, so that may give you an idea of how much growth the roots had.  FYI, the variety was a hybrid tea, Maurice Utrillo, purchased at Home Depot from Bell Nursery.Sent from AOL on Android  On Mon, Aug 5, 2024 at 12:41 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 August 05, 2024, 3:57 PM EDT
response: Fabric gardening gloves could just be washed and be fine, but nothing needs to be done to the soil. The virus that causes Rose Rosette Disease is transmitted by mites and otherwise needs to inhabit live rose tissues (roots, branches, etc.) to survive. It doesn't lie dormant in soil, and what few small rose roots might be left behind after shrub removal will not live for long. The virus only infects roses, and there are no cultivars reliably resistant to that pathogen as far as we're aware. The nearly-microscopic mites pick up the virus from infected "wild" roses (usually invasive species, like Multiflora Rose) and blow around on the wind, which is how they can reach roses in garden settings. Therefore, whichever rose(s) in a natural area that has the disease might serve as the source for future infections of any roses remaining in the yard, if it hasn't died from its own infection in the meantime.  Miri
Train a weeping blue spruce

Question: Hello- We planted a Weeping CO Spruce ‘Blue Falls’ in June of 2022. (In Denver). It is healthy and as you can see in the photo, beginning to turn sideways. I love the interesting shape of these trees, but I am wondering if we can do something to train it to start curving back upwards- I don’t really want it to drop to the ground. Any suggestions as whether/how we can do something to direct the growth? Thanks so much!

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied August 06, 2024, 12:58 PM EDT
response: Hi Tracey, espalier trees are shaped by selective pruning and gently bending branches toward a stable guide (e.g., stick). I would apply the same principle here. Use tree straps (attached photo) to avoid damage by a string that would dig into the bark or even deeper into the branch. You need at least opposing 2 straps: one that prevents the stem to move into the direction the 2nd strap is pulling and one that pulls VERY GENTLY into the direction where you want the stem to go. Tighten the latter every 2 weeks or so a bit and after a while you will notice that the stem will become more upright. Obviously, the thicker and woody the stem is, the longer this will take. The opposite would be a newly grown, barely finger-thick branch that is still very flexible.  Hope this gave you and idea on how to proceed (with patience!). Good luck with this endeavor!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 1:07 PM EDT
response: Perfect- thank you so much! On Aug 6, 2024, at 10:58 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
What is this plant?

Question: I have this plant growing inside a pot with other plants.is it a weed? The third picture is just of my deck, so you can see there's a lot going on.

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 August 05, 2024, 3:14 PM EDT
response: Yes, that is a weedy plant that you do want to remove and put in the trash or you will have it all over next year. It is called Mulberry Weed and those little balls are actually blooms. Here is our page on it:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mulberryweed/   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 3:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you! i got rid of it! Patricia Sent from AOL on Android  On Mon, Aug 5, 2024 at 3:14 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 August 06, 2024, 3:21 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Tree identificaion and leaf issue

Question: Are you able to identify a tree from a leaf? A picture is attached.. This tree is usually leafed-out all summer but this year it's been dropping leaves . Any idea what the issue is based on the attached picture? The tree is probably 20 ft tall...if that helps.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied August 04, 2024, 1:12 PM EDT
response: Hello We may be able to with a little more information and a picture close up ( taken from one or two feet away)of a branch showing several buds  and leaves on the branch. To add pictures, click the link in your email and go into your question on the website. Click the “Drop files here or choose them” below the response box to attach them.  You can upload .jpg, .png, .gif, .txt, or .pdf.  NOTE- each picture must be 8mb or less.  Have you ever noticed any flowers on the  tree, - if so what color are they and about what time of year do they bloom? Do you see any fruits, nuts or seeds on the tree?  From the pictures you have given the leaves have anthracnose. That is a fungal disease that particularly happens in years with a lot of rainy weather. Nothing can be done for anthracnose now. It is treated in early spring with fungicides sprayed all over the tree in early spring as buds begin to open.  Rake up as many fallen leaves as you can this fall to minimize the fungus carrying over next year. If we get a droughty time this summer or fall, slowly water the tree root zone to keep soil moist but not soggy. Keeping the tree watered during drought helps it to recover for next year.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 04, 2024, 2:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you for this info. We'll treat appropriately in the Spring.    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Sunday, August 4, 2024 1:12 PM To: aimee43 <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Tree identificaion and leaf issue (#0150046)

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied August 04, 2024, 2:33 PM EDT
response: You are welcome. Here is a bulletin for you. http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/anthracnoseoftrees.pdf