MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Pruning trees and open trunk

Question: Is it too late to prune maple trees, butternut trees, willow, and lilacs? 
There are some dead branches and some branches that are at face height in our pathway that should be removed. If so should wound seal be used?
If not now, when is the best time? 
The trunk of the Willow cracked open during a bitter cold winter on the north side several years ago. Is there anything that can be done? The tree still alive. 
Thank you for your help.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied October 14, 2024, 5:09 PM EDT
response: Below is a lot of good information on pruning trees - when, why, and how. Each of your trees needs different consideration. Your maple tree should not be pruned in spring or it will run sap. You should plan this for another time. Now is fine to prune off any dead branches. Also, whenever the tree has grown out into an area that interferes with walking, traffic etc. yo do not have to put anything on the cuts. Trees are very good at sealing off wounds. You can see that on your willow. This was probably a frost crack but the tree has managed it well. It looks like it is still leafing out on all sides. If you are concerned about safety, I would have an arborist come out to look at it.  Some trees should be pruned in the dead of winter to avoid insect damage and disease. Oaks and Birch fall into this category. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 20, 2024, 8:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information.Have a wonderful fall season!RuthSent from my iPhone On Oct 14, 2024, at 4:09 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Spruce dying from the inside out

Question: We have lived in our home since 2019. Our backyard spruce was probably around 8 feet when we moved in and is now closer to 13 feet. Late this summer we noticed our spruce tree's needles were turned brown on some of the branches closest to the trunk. I read online that it could be needle cast. We have not done any counter measures, but it does seem to be getting worse. I'm hoping a volunteer could take a look and recommend a solution. Thank you in advance!

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied October 14, 2024, 1:18 PM EDT
response: Hi Katie,  This actually looks like normal needle shedding - the inner needles of spruce shed after a couple of years. Also, the innermost canopy is the most shaded, so those needles are not providing any benefit by photosynthesizing, but they still lose moisture and the tree needs to support them. The tree will naturally shed needles that are not providing overall benefit.  In drier years, there may be more needle shed than others. Spruce tend to be high water-using trees, so providing regular water ALL YEAR is essential (including in fall and winter). These trees don't adjust well to fluctuating soil moisture. As we get into colder months, try to water twice per month on days when it's above 40 degrees.  As the needles shed, you can leave them below the tree as a natural mulch. This will provide organic matter and help with soil moisture retention.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 14, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT
response: Thank you.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Monday, October 14, 2024 11:18 AM To: Katie Barron  Subject: Re: Spruce dying from the inside out (#0157667)
Coast Range Oregon

Question: What is this?

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 11, 2024, 9:30 PM EDT
response: I took the picture off of Vincent Creek in the Smith River drainage.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied October 12, 2024, 10:04 PM EDT
response: What a beauty, Phil! That is an adult female shield-backed katydid (Family: Tettigoniidae, subfamily: Tettigoniinae). I am not a specialist in this group of katydids, though, so I can't tell you the genus or species. I can tell it's a female because of the long egg-laying structure (ovipositor) at the end of the abdomen.  In North America, there are just over 120 named shield-backed katydid species in 25 genera.   Here is a link to a photo of one that looks quite similar to the one you found... https://bugguide.net/node/view/1317525 Enjoy!
We seem to have carpenter bees.  What to do?

Question: Hello again.  We seem to have evidence of carpenter bees underneath a 2nd floor patio (see photo).  Can you confirm?  And whatever you think they are, what is the least harmful thing we can do to send them packing and to possibly not return?  And, if that won't be effective, what' the next least harmful thing?  We're trying to approach this as sustainably as possible.  Thanks so much, Steve

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 16, 2024, 12:13 PM EDT
response: I would need to see a picture of the insect to be able to offer you an identification. Carpenter bees make very large (~1/2 inch) diameter holes that are nearly perfectly circular. Have you seen large insects that look like bumble bees, hanging around these holes? Carpenter bees are also highly territorial and you would see them near the nest.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 20, 2024, 3:25 PM EDT
response: Thanks.  The holes are not nearly perfectly circular, and we've never seen any insects.  We recently had the area painted, so maybe they flew off then.  Can I safely assume I can plug up the holes with wood putty and paint over them at this point, especially since there seems to be no activity there?  Steve On Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 21, 2024, 2:23 PM EDT
response: There are so many different things that could have caused this and I really can't comment on whether or not it is safe to putty over the holes. It is possible that whatever damaged the wood has moved on and will not return. It is also possible that they have left immature stages inside of the wood and that these stages will continue to cause damage from within. If you do putty over the holes and repaint, I would recommend keeping a close eye out for signs of continued activity. These signs might include powdery sawdust-like material or wood shavings raining down on surfaces below the damage. A pest management professional could inspect the area with specialized equipment to detect the presence of burrowing insects.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 21, 2024, 2:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much.  We will proceed with this in mind.  Much appreciated!  Steve On Mon, Oct 21, 2024 at 2:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identify grass type

Question: Hi, I am moving my yard towards native plants. Is this grass that I have native? Can you tell me what it is and whether or not it is native? If not native how do you recommend the best way to remove so that it doesn’t  keep coming back? Thank you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 10, 2024, 9:17 PM EDT
response: Hi, can you tell me what this grass is and whether or not it is native? If not native, what is the easiest way to remove as it looks like that would be difficult.

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 October 11, 2024, 10:40 AM EDT
response: This appears to be Silvergrass, Miscanthus sinensis, which is a non-native and invasive species. An established plant can be difficult to remove, and can either be dug out or carefully treated with systemic herbicide (likely glyphosate). More than one attempt of either method (or both, in combination -- digging and then spraying what was missed as it regrows) may be needed before it's fully eradicated. If you're worried about it going to seed before you can get it out this autumn, cutting it back to remove the flower/seed heads will help to prevent that (though the plant will be capable of regrowing, even if it doesn't do so this year since it's essentially the end of the growing season by now).  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 11, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT
response: ThankyouSent from my iPhone On Oct 11, 2024, at 10:40 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 October 11, 2024, 11:27 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Mushrooms

Question: Hello. I found these mushrooms at the base of my oak tree.  Are they harmful to the tree?  Please give guidance as to what I need to do about them.  Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 11, 2024, 1:09 PM EDT
response: Hello Benita, This is the growth of a wood decay fungus called Inonotus (it doesn't have a common name, although some call it oak fungus because it is often found on oak trees). It's an active pathogen (instead of passively decaying already-dead wood), so unfortunately it means the tree will decline and die (and possibly fall as the internal wood degrades). We recommend having the tree evaluated by a certified arborist or licensed tree expert. They won't be able to treat it, as wood decay is incurable, but they can help to assess how at-risk the tree may be for falling, if they can determine or estimate how much structural stability was already lost. Sorry I can't help more. Lesley for DC Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 11, 2024, 6:20 PM EDT
response: Hello Lesley,Thank you very much for this information.  I will call in a tree expert asap!Best regards,Benita  On Friday, October 11, 2024 at 01:09:10 PM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 14, 2024, 10:40 AM EDT
response: Great! Please let us know what happens. Lesley

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 14, 2024, 11:45 AM EDT
response: Hi Lesley,Will do.  Have a great day.Benita On Monday, October 14, 2024 at 10:40:11 AM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:
Big old oak branch broken off with hole

Question: About a month ago, strong winds broke off a very large branch to our grandfather oak tree. It is located in the easement between our homes, so we cleared it out, but now there is a big hole in the tree, and insects are flying into it. The hole is very high so we cannot see what kind of bugs are getting into it. We are concerned about the health of this beautiful old tree. Any recommendations you have for us to take care of it are most welcome.

responder: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension!  Replied October 11, 2024, 11:08 AM EDT
response: The hole in the tree will have predated the branch falling, and may have contributed to the failure of that branch. About all you can do now is to prune off the branch stub back to just beyond the branch collar (the raised area where the branch connected to the trunk). That will encourage healing, though a wound of that size will never really heal. There is another branch below that, to the left, that looks either dead or badly damaged, perhaps from when the other branch fell. If it is dead, it would be good to prune that branch out, back to the branch collar. A dead  branch is another entry point for insects and disease. Otherwise, you can't really do anything about the hollow in the tree. It will serve as habitat for insects and animals as long as the tree is standing. If this tree is located where it could be a safety concern if it falls, you may want to have a tree risk assessment performed by a certified arborist. Beyond that, large trees like this often live on for many decades, even with hollows formed in the trunk. To locate an arborist and verify training in risk assessment: https://www.asm-isa.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=883139&module_id=274045

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 12, 2024, 8:10 AM EDT
response: Thank you!Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android  On Fri, Oct 11, 2024 at 11:09 AM, Ask Extension wrote:
Decimated Redwing Viburnum

Question: Hi - I planted a redwing Viburnum shrub in the fall of 2023.  It grew this year to be decimated early on by something.  I tried to Neem Oil protect it but I never discovered what was eating it.  Should I cut it all the way back or treat it somehow this fall for next spring?  It is about 5 feet tall.  And it seems like the Amber Jubilee Ninebark which is planted nearby was afflicted at the end of the summer by the same thing.
Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 11, 2024, 12:50 PM EDT
response: I found these photos that I took earlier in the summer, I had forgotten that I'd discovered a caterpillar there.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 11, 2024, 12:53 PM EDT
response: I found these photos that I took earlier in the summer, I had forgotten that I'd discovered a caterpillar there.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 11, 2024, 12:55 PM EDT
response: Photos

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied October 11, 2024, 1:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. This looks like Verticulum   https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/viburnum/leavesbrowntoblackwilted.html  https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/verticillium-wilt Cut a small branch and if you see this, I am correct. https://www.theimpatientgardener.com/verticillium-wilt/

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 11, 2024, 2:30 PM EDT
response: Hi Steve - thank you for your response.  I don’t see that infection in the branch.  Were you able to see the pictures of the caterpillars that I had discovered there earlier in the season?  I’m wondering if I should dig up this shrub, as it is only 2 years old and will be easy for me to remove.Kindly,AmberOn Oct 11, 2024, at 12:48 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied October 11, 2024, 3:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing back.  The caterpillar pictures cannnot be resolved--(160 K) unlike the other pics (4 meg).  Send me a pic of a cross section of branch.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 12, 2024, 8:00 PM EDT
response: Amber C. Senn<personal data hidden>On Oct 11, 2024, at 2:39 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied October 12, 2024, 10:31 PM EDT
response: Hi Amber,  The caterpillars would not do this. There is too much crush damage in the photos.  The best way to fix this would be to use a very sharp razor blade to cut diagonally down a branch like this 0______\____). This shows the brown marking. Disease ID is expensive.  You could leave it until next near.  There is no cure for verticulum Best to you.
Cherry tree

Question: What is this on my ornamental cherry and should I be worried?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 10, 2024, 9:54 PM EDT
response: Iworth135, I'm sorry to hear about your cherry tree. What you're seeing is a fungus, often called a conk. Unfortunately, it is a sign of heart wood rot. Sadly, it is too late to do anything about the internal damage of the tree. I have attached a couple of articles to give you more information, and some suggestions about what to do next. Thank you for contacting the Extension office. Wood Decay Fungi in Landscape Trees / Home and Landscape / UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM) (ucanr.edu) Wood-Decay Fungi / Cherry / Agriculture: Pest Management Guidelines / UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM) (ucanr.edu) Susan, Yamhill County Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 10, 2024, 10:49 PM EDT
response: Thank you. I was afraid of that. Didn't look good to me.Best, LauraOn Thu, Oct 10, 2024, 6:54 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 11, 2024, 1:21 PM EDT
response: Laura, always sad to lose a tree.  Susan, Yamhill County Master Gardener.
Is this a lantern fly

Question: Is this a lantern fly? Relatively recent construction, still some undisturbed forest. Germantown, near 270, Lerner Black Hill apartments (and retirement community), Baltusrol Drive. I didn't see any red but it certainly was spotted. Thank you very much. We saw 2-3 on one weekend walk (about a month ago) so that worried us.

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 October 10, 2024, 1:40 PM EDT
response: Yes this is a Spotted Lanternfly. They are quite common throughout most of our state now. If you would have seen it jump away, as if you were trying to squash it and it took off, you would see the red under the wings.  The link provided will give you some further information and if you would like to send your photo into the MDA to report a sighting, there is a link on that page to do so. Extension is not collecting data on their population and locations at this time.  While their mass groupings can be alarming, we have found through monitoring their effects over the past few years, that they are mostly nuisance pests and are not harmful to healthy trees. They can be harmful to fruit crops in an agricultural setting and they are being controlled in the commercially. If you find them bothersome around a home landscape, patio, deck etc, you can use a strong spray of your hose to knock them down. Using a pesticide that has been advertised specifically for the SLF can be harmful to other beneficial insects and is often not effective since you wouldn't be able to reach into tree canopies to reach a majority of them. Therefore, we are not recommending homeowners spray pesticide for them.  Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 10, 2024, 6:08 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily,Thank you so much! And I'm glad they're maybe not as terrible as first thought. Where I saw them was a residential area with flowers and woods but no agricultural products.Thank you again.Sincerely,Dale ROn Thu, Oct 10, 2024 at 1:40 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 October 11, 2024, 10:04 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Dying plants

Question: I am trying to figure out why my perfectly healthy plant died in two days and why others in this garden area are dying as well. I have been watering them all summer and all other gardens at out house look great.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 10, 2024, 2:26 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Margaret.  Are you able to tell us what this plant species is, as well as the others that are dying?  Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 10, 2024, 7:03 PM EDT
response: The first picture is an aster but I am having trouble looking at the others right now. I will check when I get home. That plant was green and healthy on September 30 and the picture I sent is on October 1st. Sent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Thursday, October 10, 2024, 11:26 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 10, 2024, 7:24 PM EDT
response: The third photo appears to show powdery mildew, which is common in late summer.  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/aster-powdery-mildew  If you have plants that died seemingly overnight, they probably have been killed by an herbicide, which may have drifted from different target pests.  But without knowing the species, we can't research common diseases.  Let us know!
Soil problem

Question: I planted 15 Rocket Junipers in May and have since lost two in one spot. Photo attached.  The first lost tree was replaced by the healthiest of the 15 trees planted at the end of the row.  It immediately went downhill.  Soil moisture testing reveals wet conditions everytime I probe; I have not been watering the tree.  The two trees adjacent do not suffer this problem.  I've checked for irrigation leaks; there are none.  I am left with the conclusion that I have a "hard pan" under that tree.  I want to replace the tree but will not until I have a solution.  Can you offer advice or a contractor who can test the soil, and it that is the problem, create drainage for that area? Thanks, David MacAlpine

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 16, 2024, 6:11 PM EDT
response: It could be that it is something in the soil in that particular area. I would recommend digging in that area to see if there is an issue with the soil or if you reach a hardpan layer. It could be that this particular area has no drainage and could benefit from some additional drainage. You can work with a company that does landscape construction to try to fix the problem if drainage is the issue.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 16, 2024, 6:45 PM EDT
response: Can you recommend anyone in particular?  Thanks. On Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 4:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 17, 2024, 5:43 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately, we can't recommend anyone in particular, but there are a lot of landscape contractors in the area. A good place to start is asking friends and neighbors for recommendations.  Similar to hiring other professionals, we recommend contacting a few different companies, talk to them about what you are looking for and make sure it falls within their services, and get estimates. You can also ask for verification of  workers compensation and general liability insurance. They may also have references or examples of previous work that they can share.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 18, 2024, 12:30 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the information.On Thu, Oct 17, 2024 at 3:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Plant id

Question: Would you please id this plant for us.  We think it's in the chrysanthemum family, mostly because it's blooming right now.  And, it only blooms now, not at any other time.  We're interested in taking cuttings.
Many thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 12, 2024, 2:02 PM EDT
response: The plant in your photo is Leucanthemum x superbum Shasta Daisy. Shasta Daisy cultivars come in different sizes and flower forms.  Previously this plant had the genus name Chrysanthemum.  The a good way to propagate Shasta Daisy is to divide the plant (like you would for a Hosta).  Dividing a mature plant prevents the center from dying back.  Thank you for using Ask Extension.  Pam MSUE Extension Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 13, 2024, 3:40 PM EDT
response: We determined this is a Montauk daisy.  Note the leaves, especially. Nipponanthemum nipponicum. Also known as a Nippon daisy.    Get Outlook for Android  From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Saturday, October 12, 2024 2:02:49 PM To: oesch  Subject: Re: Plant id (#0157496)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 15, 2024, 5:47 PM EDT
response: Thank you for letting me know.  Pam