CATS CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Tree Planting and Establishment Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary reason to check overhead utility lines before planting a tree in Albuquerque?
- To ensure mature tree height and spread won't conflict with utilities (Correct answer)
- To test soil drainage capacity
- To determine the irrigation schedule
- To check available sunlight hours
Correct answer: To ensure mature tree height and spread won't conflict with utilities
Selecting a species whose mature size clears overhead utilities prevents costly future conflicts and hazardous conditions.
Question 2: Which soil condition most commonly limits tree establishment in Albuquerque?
- Alkaline pH and caliche hardpan restricting root penetration (Correct answer)
- Excessive organic matter in topsoil
- High nitrogen levels causing rapid growth
- Overly sandy texture with good drainage
Correct answer: Alkaline pH and caliche hardpan restricting root penetration
Albuquerque soils often have a high pH and a subsurface caliche layer that physically blocks roots and impedes water infiltration.
Question 3: What does the 'right tree, right place' principle mean in urban arboriculture?
- Selecting a species whose mature size and requirements match the site (Correct answer)
- Planting trees in evenly spaced rows
- Always choosing the largest nursery stock available
- Using only native species for all plantings
Correct answer: Selecting a species whose mature size and requirements match the site
Matching a tree's mature characteristics—size, water needs, root habit—to site conditions reduces long-term maintenance and failure risk.
Question 4: Before planting near Albuquerque sidewalks, which factor should be evaluated to prevent infrastructure damage?
- The species' root architecture and surface root growth potential (Correct answer)
- The tree's flower color and ornamental value
- Leaf size and seasonal color change
- Annual fruit or seed production rate
Correct answer: The species' root architecture and surface root growth potential
Species with aggressive, shallow root systems can lift and crack sidewalks, curbs, and utility lines over time.
Question 5: What does the 811 'Call Before You Dig' requirement obligate arborists to do before excavating a planting hole?
- Contact the utility notification system to have underground utilities marked (Correct answer)
- File a planting permit with the City of Albuquerque
- Notify adjacent property owners in writing
- Obtain a water use permit from ABCWUA
Correct answer: Contact the utility notification system to have underground utilities marked
Calling 811 triggers notification to all utilities to mark buried lines, preventing accidental strikes that can be fatal or cause outages.
Question 6: What is the recommended minimum planting distance from a building foundation in New Mexico's arid climate?
- At least the tree's mature canopy spread radius (Correct answer)
- Two feet from the foundation
- Six inches from the foundation
- One foot clearance on all sides
Correct answer: At least the tree's mature canopy spread radius
Planting at a distance equal to the mature spread radius prevents roots and branches from damaging the structure as the tree grows.
CATS CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Tree Planting and Establishment Questions and Answers 1
What is the primary reason to check overhead utility lines before planting a tree in Albuquerque?