Practice Test Geeks(CATS) Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Practice Test
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Tree Nutrition and Fertilization Flashcards

7 cards from real CATS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Tree Nutrition and Fertilization flashcards as text

  1. What is the best time of year to apply fertilizer to deciduous trees in the Albuquerque area to maximize uptake?

    Answer: Late fall after leaf drop or early spring before bud break

    Late fall or early spring is optimal because trees are actively storing or mobilizing nutrients, and cooler temperatures reduce volatilization and runoff losses.

  2. A soil test in an Albuquerque urban landscape reveals pH of 8.2. What amendment would an arborist most likely recommend to improve micronutrient availability?

    Answer: Elemental sulfur

    Elemental sulfur acidifies alkaline soils by being oxidized to sulfuric acid by soil bacteria, lowering pH and improving micronutrient availability.

  3. Which nutrient is classified as a secondary macronutrient and plays a critical role in cell wall structure and root tip development?

    Answer: Calcium

    Calcium is a secondary macronutrient essential for cell wall structure and meristematic (growing) tissue development, including root tips.

  4. When conducting a foliar nutrient spray for iron deficiency in Albuquerque, which iron chelate formulation performs best in high-pH soils?

    Answer: FeEDDHA

    FeEDDHA is the most effective iron chelate in high-pH soils (above 7.5) because it remains stable and plant-available at alkaline pH levels.

  5. What does the N-P-K ratio on a fertilizer label represent?

    Answer: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium percentages by weight

    The N-P-K ratio shows the percentage by weight of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P₂O₅), and potash (K₂O) in the fertilizer formulation.

  6. Which fertilization method is most appropriate for a large mature oak tree on a property with a well-maintained lawn where surface disturbance must be minimized?

    Answer: Deep root liquid injection outside the drip line

    Deep root liquid injection outside the drip line delivers nutrients to feeder roots without disturbing the surface, making it ideal when lawn disturbance is a concern.

  7. Over-fertilizing a tree with excessive nitrogen can lead to which of the following negative outcomes?

    Answer: Stimulated excessive soft growth susceptible to pests and disease

    Excessive nitrogen stimulates rapid, soft vegetative growth that is more susceptible to insect attack, fungal diseases, and environmental stress.