MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
bark coming off trunk

Question: i noticed that areas of bark are coming off silver maple

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 21, 2024, 9:32 AM EDT
response: We can't make a diagnosis from the photos of flaking bark, but if the canopy was showing signs of dieback earlier in the year (once the leaves start shedding, it's hard to judge) or if mushrooms are growing out of the trunk, then the tree should be evaluated by a certified arborist. Some bark detachment as trees age can be normal; it depends on the tree, though large flaking pieces of bark aren't typical for Silver Maple. Arborists can't treat or cure every condition, but they can look for characteristic symptoms and sources of tree stress that might be able to be alleviated. Even if there is a portion of wood decay in the trunk (one possible cause of bark loss), it doesn't necessarily doom the tree, as they have ways of compartmentalizing it internally (which won't be visible from outside the trunk) so decay does not spread further.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 21, 2024, 9:42 AM EDT
response: thank youdo you have a list of arborist ? On Mon, Oct 21, 2024 at 9:32 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 21, 2024, 9:42 AM EDT
response: thank youdo you have a list of arborist ? On Mon, Oct 21, 2024 at 9:32 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 October 21, 2024, 10:57 AM EDT
response: The link to the International Society of Arboriculture [ISA] that we included in our reply has a search tool for finding arborists; they are the accrediting organization for someone becoming a certified arborist. Extension doesn't collect this information, so we don't have a list of personnel or businesses to share. Another way to search is by using the Maryland DNR's link to find licensed tree experts (see linked page), as they have essentially the same training.  Miri
Insect

Question: Some gnat/flies near young crepe myrtle.

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 21, 2024, 8:57 AM EDT
response: We will need a clearer photo in order to ID the insects, though superficially, they resemble termites. However, we can't be certain because we aren't able to see enough detail. If they are still present, can you please share additional photos? At the very least, they are probably not a pest of the crapemyrtle itself, as the few insects that do feed on the plant don't look like this or behave in this way.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 21, 2024, 9:37 AM EDT
response: Does this helpSent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Monday, October 21, 2024, 8:57 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 21, 2024, 9:37 AM EDT
response: Does this helpSent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Monday, October 21, 2024, 8:57 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 21, 2024, 11:04 AM EDT
response: A still close-up photo in good lighting would be the most helpful, but the video footage makes us think this looks more like ants. Winged ants, like winged termites, are reproductive members of the colony. They do not damage plants and are merely mating and dispersing so that the females can start their own nests individually elsewhere. Usually, we do not see winged ants this late in the year. As long as nothing is swarming in the house itself (presumably not, since you didn't mention any being a problem indoors), no intervention is needed and they will soon be gone. Birds and other wildlife enjoy eating winged ants, so might help to reduce their numbers soon as well.  Miri
what to plant after killing blackberries

Question: we have a north west facing forested hillside by pleasant Hill, mostly covered with now dying blackberries.  what can we plant that will grow well on the shaded slopes and hopefully prevent other weed growth?  
would prefer native grass, but open to any articles or resources you would have available.  thanks!

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied October 24, 2024, 7:35 PM EDT
response: Native or ornamental grasses are a good choice. Choose one (or many) based on their shade tolerance as this appears to be a shady site.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 24, 2024, 10:12 PM EDT
response: thank you!  do you have any specific species you would recommend? also, can you recommend a good source for the seeds?

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied October 26, 2024, 12:49 AM EDT
response: We have native plant nurseries and also access to the Native Plant Society. I think that might be the easiest way to go. The nursery list is just for information. We make no particular judgement of them. https://oregonflora.org/garden/index.php https://corvallis.npsoregon.org/OSU Gardening with Oregon. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1577-gardening-oregon-native-plants-west-cascades https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/pacific-nw-native-plants-plant-community https://willamettewildlings.com/seed-products/  located in Creswell <personal data hidden> located in Albany Balance Restoration Nursery, LLC <personal data hidden> Wholesale only. We specialize in bare-root N.W. native wetland plants, small trees and shrubs Doak Creek 83331 Jackson Marlow Road Eugene, OR 97405 T:541.484.9206 Variety of native and naturalized trees, shrubs and smaller plants in containers. Second Growth Nusery P.O. Box 11080 Eugene, OR 97440 T:541.485.3250 F:541.345.4481 <personal data hidden> Container plants from tubelings to 10 gallon. All natives. Trees, shrubs, groundcover & herbaceous. Trillium Gardens P.O. Box 803 Pleasant Hill, OR 97455 T:541.937.3073 Wide variety of native plants. Willamette Gardens Esther Gruber McEvoy 3290 SW Willamette Avenue Corvallis, OR 97333 T:541.754.0893 F:same <personal data hidden> http://www.willamettegardens.com Native trees, shrubs and smaller plants, including perennials, annuals, grasses, sedges and ferns.
Tree roots

Question: I have a 40+ year old green maple tree with exposed roots. Over the years I kept adding mulch to the circumference of the tree, each time adding more mulch over roots which 'popped up' above the surface. I have to add that I live in an area which has clay in the soil. I had a tree company that came out to cut down a couple of other trees and one of the tree trimmers mentioned that the amount of mulch I had put down over the years was bad for the maple tree. I am including pictures of the tree surface, what would you recommend that I do regarding the exposed roots.
Thank you

responder: Julie Crick  Replied October 24, 2024, 9:08 AM EDT
response: Hi Bo, Tree care professionals have come to realize over the years that placing mulch next to the trunk of the tree is not a good idea. Rather its best to place the mulch in a donut around the trunk, leaving a 8-12 inch gap between the mulch and the trunk of the tree.  The tree is your yard is growing additional roots up the trunk so the tree can continue to take up oxygen. So, each time a later of mulch is added, the tree adds more roots.   Found this article that explains the issue, and remediation recommendations.  https://blog.landscapeprofessionals.org/tree-care-helping-trees-recover-from-mulch-volcanos/  From the pictures, it does not look like the tree has grown girdling roots. My advice is to note the health of the crown of the tree, particularly the ends of the highest branches. Did they have leaves this summer? Any dieback, or leafless branches sticking out of the crown of the tree? Dead branches or twigs near the top of the tree indicate root dieback; if this is severe in the tree, you may want to consider that before doing remediation to remove the mulch.   The article states to use an air spade to remove the mulch from around the tree; an air compressor will also work, taking care to not wound the roots or the trunk of the tree. The article also states that this process will (and should) take time - as in, you should remove the mulch and then trim back the roots slowly over time until you are down to the root flare, or the point where the trunk becomes larger and the natural roots begin to grow.   Of course, you may also choose to enlist the help of a professional, certified arborists. You can find a certified arborist using the search tool below: treesaregood.org  Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.   Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 24, 2024, 3:25 PM EDT
response: Hi Julie - thank you for your response.I do have a question, should I cover the exposed roots with top soil?Sent from my iPhone On Oct 24, 2024, at 9:08 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Julie Crick  Replied October 25, 2024, 9:07 AM EDT
response: Hi Bo, I would amend my previous answer to say remove mulch in layers of 1-2" at a time and trim the associated roots in that layer. Mulch removal and root pruning could be done every six months to avoid shocking the tree.  Keep watch for girdling roots, or roots that wrap around the tree's stem. Those may need a bit more care to remove, and may require a professional.  Thank you, -Julie
What kind of tree is this?

Question: I saw this tree while I was taking a walk. What is it?

responder: Karen E  Replied October 20, 2024, 4:48 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your tree identification question.  You have encountered an American Sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua).  This native tree grows from 60-80+ feet tall and from 40-60 feet wide.  It is a relatively fast grower and produces the spiny fruits that you noted, which persist into winter.  Sweetgums have lovely fall color, ranging from yellows to oranges, to reds, to purples.  You can distinguish this tree from maple trees by noting that maple trees have opposite leaf and branch structure, and sweetgums have alternate.   For more information on sweetgum trees click on this link:  https://plantdatabase.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=259

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 20, 2024, 9:00 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Karen E. We have one growing on the property. I believe it is a young tree and it is beautiful. On Sun, Oct 20, 2024, 4:48 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Karen E  Replied October 20, 2024, 1:21 PM EDT
response: It is a beautiful tree.  I have one as well.  It is a cultivar called 'Slender Silhouette' and has a very narrow shape.  Sweetgums are great additions to our landscape trees.
Cedar leaves turning brown

Question: Hello, I planted a small cedar ( maybe 3 feet tall) that someone had put on the curb. It seems to have been a potted cedar. It was all green and very healthy looking. I planted it in September same day as I grabbed it n my vegetable garden space, and water it weekly or every 10 days. I  did put compost with it when I planted it. Now some leaves are turning brown. Is that normal; what do you think about cedar leaves turning brown? The photos are from 2 sides. Thank you

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied October 19, 2024, 12:32 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. You do not know how healthy the roots were when you obtained it.  They could have been cut, gnawed or dried out.  The roots were adequate for the plant as it grew to its present size but are unlikely to have been adequate to transplant and heat and drought stress.  Water every 4- days until mid December. Treat it like an arborvitae for the first winter by wrapping in burlap.  Keep chipmunks and rabbits away from the trunk until April.  Keep it well watered through late may and then make your cuts of non-living branches.  It appears that the tree has three trunks.  If the dead leaves are mainly  on one of them, cut that one flush to the ground. I cannot tell you how well the tree will do.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 20, 2024, 8:49 AM EDT
response: Hello, thank you for your guidance!I have a few follow up questions: Can I use something else besides burlap, like old sheets or towels?when should I wrap it in burlap?how many layers of burlap?When should I cut it back to the ground?Thank you!Gabrielle On Oct 19, 2024, at 11:32, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied October 20, 2024, 12:56 PM EDT
response: Hello,  Here is a clear article for you. Basically, wrapping is to prevent sunscald and frost burn from harsh dry windy conditions in winter. One -2 layers of a light weight cloth tied with twine is sufficient. Do not use towels, they can hold too much water and under the right conditions of sleet or heavy wet snow can put too much weight on a tree.   The cloth can come off in mid march. By early april you will be able to see which branches are alive our dead. Feel free to write back with new pictures then.   https://www.startribune.com/evergreen-question-to-wrap-or-not-to-wrap/79308187
What are they spots on our asian pears?

Question: We have spots that appeared on our late variety of asian pears. What could it be and how do we treat it? Last year we dealt with blight.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 24, 2024, 10:17 AM EDT
response: Good morning, We have noticed that some of our Chojurno Asian pears have minute black speckles on the outer skin. We have 22 trees, and it is not on all of them. We did have fire blight last year for the first time. Thankfully, we have not noticed any fire blight this year. The black speckles do not penetrate the fruit's flesh; they just have an imperfect presentation. I was wondering if this was due to not having enough air circulation or not thinning enough. We spray with a fungicide/ copper spray and spray for coddling moths during the peak of the season. We used Javelina for bugs.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 27, 2024, 3:14 PM EDT
response: From your information, it appears your fruit has a scab, caused by the fungus Venturia pirina.  Sanitation in fall helps to control this fungus which starts in spring during wet weather. Pick up all fruit and leaves from under the trees in the fall and dispose of them in the garbage.  If this fungus occurs every year I recommend a fungicide spray when the tips of the leaves emerge. Spray a second time 10 -14 days later if wet weather persists.  If rainy weather continues, apply a third spray toward the end of the bloom period, when most of the petals have fallen. Regarding sprays. Check with your garden center for a fungicide spray. Fungicides are available in organic and nonorganic forms.
Harvesting Sea Island Red Peas

Question: I grew Sea Island Red Peas for the first time and wanted to harvest dry beans, but with the weather cooling I am wondering if there’s a way to dry them on the vine before they are damaged by frost.  Or if I go ahead and harvest the rest will they dry off the vines?  Also I’m wondering if the pods are getting discolored because of the weather and if the peas are still ok. 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 October 17, 2024, 2:02 PM EDT
response: Fortunately, the weather for drying the pods on the vine in order to harvest dry beans is looking good for the next week, so you can let the seeds that are mature (but not dry yet) continue to dry. The seeds in harvested pods that are full-size and mature but not dry can also be shelled and spread out on a tray indoors. They should fully dry and be ok for storage at that point. Seeds that are full-size but not fully mature may or may not dry properly, so you might need to experiment.  Black fungal growth on the pods cam get through to seeds, so it's probably best to harvest those seeds if they are mature and let them dry indoors. The other option, if pods are in decent condition but you think you don't have time to let a current crop of beans mature or dry, is to harvest them green and treat them like green beans instead, using them fresh.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 17, 2024, 3:56 PM EDT
response: Hello Miri,  Thank you for the helpful suggestions!   Janice

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 17, 2024, 4:38 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Help

Question: What is this flying Stinky bug

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 16, 2024, 10:29 PM EDT
response: The photos lack the detail needed to be sure, but based upon what we can see, we think it's a western conifer seed bug.  Compare here and see what you think: https://images.app.goo.gl/c23zqXzhmt9HmcX1A  Learn more here: https://entomology.umn.edu/western-conifer-seed-bug

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 16, 2024, 10:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you! Yes this is the Stinky Ugly bug! They even turn their head and look at you.. freaky  On Wed, Oct 16, 2024, 9:29 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Pear tree leaf parasite

Question: What is this fungus(?) on a few of my pear tree leaves?

responder: Chris Rusch Replied October 17, 2024, 10:54 PM EDT
response: This appears to be Pear trellis rust, caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium sabinae and requires both pear and juniper plants to complete its life cycle. Spores produced on the juniper infect pear trees, and spores produced on the pear infect junipers.  Here are some tips for managing pear trellis rust:  Space out plants: Keep infected pear and juniper trees at least 150 meters apart.  Remove infected leaves: Pick infected leaves before mid-August to prevent the spread of the disease to nearby junipers.  Prune gall-like growths: Prune out any gall-like growths at the base of twigs on pear trees.  Use fungicides: Apply fungicides in the spring to early summer to protect pears. Rotate at least two different fungicide classes to prevent resistance.  Water: Ensure the pear tree has sufficient water during drought times. Avoid using overhead sprinklers, as the fungus needs water to infect the leaves.  Mulch: Put down wood chip mulch under the tree to help build the soil, moderate soil temperature, and retain moisture.  Hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 18, 2024, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much Chris!! Linda On Thu, Oct 17, 2024 at 7:54 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Chris Rusch Replied October 19, 2024, 12:20 AM EDT
response: Thanks for contacting ask extension.
Identify this tree

Question: Sent pics of tree, leaves, and bark

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied October 19, 2024, 9:48 PM EDT
response: The tree in your photo appears to be a birch. Birch and aspen trees look similar. Birch trees have  oblong leaves with a pointed bottom. Their bark is white with horizontal lines and it can be peeled back. Aspen tree leaves are heart shaped and the bark is whitish with black knots.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 20, 2024, 9:19 AM EDT
response: I need to know what type of birch tree it is.  I know it's a birch but what species of birch?

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 20, 2024, 9:20 AM EDT
response: I need to know what type of birch tree it is.  There are so many different kinds.  I knew it was probably a birch when I sent it in, but I need more specific info about it.On Sat, Oct 19, 2024, 8:48 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied October 20, 2024, 10:15 AM EDT
response: It appears to be a paper birch. Below is a link with information on types of birch in MN. You can compare the characteristics up close.   https://arb.umn.edu/blog/2019/10/10/arboretum-birch-trees-winter-garden-icons#:~:text=Minnesota's%20only%20other%20native%20tree,found%20on%20the%20North%20Shore.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 25, 2024, 4:35 PM EDT
response: I'm sorry but the website pics of birch bark did not help  As you can see from the picture of the entire birch tree I sent, it's a clump type whose trunks don't get very wide.  Also, it's branches are very short and droop down.  The color of the leaves are purplish on a side.  Please dig deeper. On Sun, Oct 20, 2024, 9:15 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied October 25, 2024, 11:41 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately, I am unable to provider definite identification of your birch tree. I would recommend you contact a tree care company and request an arborist consultation.
Control of Phanatoptere nana (Mediterranean cricket)

Question: I've been finding quite a few Phanatoptera nana (Mediterranean cricket) in my garden.  Reading up on them, I found that they are a new invasive species moving all the way up to Washington from California. Also read they've been on the East coast for quite a while.  They are feeding on my roses here in North Albany.  Can't find any sort of safe control mentioned.  What is being done in commercial agriculture?   I found they are especially damaging to fruit crops. Any suggestions for the home gardener?

responder: Signe Danler, Online Home Horticulture Instructor Replied October 16, 2024, 1:47 PM EDT
response: There are at present no specific recommendations for controlling these insects in home landscapes. In general katydids, crickets, and grasshoppers are seldom a sufficient pest in home gardens to warrant spraying insecticides, especially in western Oregon. If you feel that may be necessary, there are a few that are approved for home use. You can find a link to listed pesticides, as well as other information on these insects, here. https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/common/landscape-grasshopper https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/common/landscape-cricket-katydid OSU and the Oregon IPM center have been running workshops in eastern Oregon on grasshoppers and crickets, which can be devastating to farms there, and if this katydid should become a problem, it will most likely be included in the management programs for those similar insects. https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/oipmc/grasshopper-workshop-2024 https://naturalresourcereport.com/2022/04/osu-tackles-grasshopper-infestations-in-klamath-county/

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 17, 2024, 6:15 PM EDT
response: Signe: Thanks so much for the information!  Patti  On 10/16/2024 10:47 AM PDT Ask Extension wrote: