CATS Arborist Albuquerque Tree Health & Disease Management 5

Question 1

Which tree species native to the Albuquerque region is particularly resistant to drought and heat stress compared to non-native ornamentals?

Accepted Answer

One-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma)

Answer

Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana)

Answer

Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii)

Answer

Norway maple (Acer platanoides)

Question 2

What is the recommended approach when a significant percentage of a tree's root zone is paved over in an urban setting?

Accepted Answer

Use vertical mulching, aeration, or structural soil systems to improve gas exchange and water infiltration

Answer

Immediately remove the tree as it cannot survive

Answer

Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer monthly to compensate

Answer

Wrap the trunk with burlap to reduce moisture loss

Question 3

How does Albuquerque's low humidity and high UV radiation affect the incidence of foliar fungal diseases compared to wetter climates?

Accepted Answer

They generally reduce foliar fungal diseases because spore germination requires moisture

Answer

They have no effect on fungal disease rates

Answer

They increase fungal diseases by stressing tree immune systems

Answer

They cause more root diseases but fewer foliar diseases due to soil saturation

Question 4

Which symptom would most strongly suggest Armillaria root rot rather than drought stress in a declining landscape tree?

Accepted Answer

White mycelial fans under the bark at the root collar

Answer

Interveinal leaf yellowing

Answer

Premature autumn leaf color

Answer

Upward curling of leaf margins

Question 5

When using the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) framework, what three factors combine to determine overall tree risk?

Accepted Answer

Likelihood of failure, likelihood of impact, and consequences of failure

Answer

Species, age, and crown spread

Answer

Root depth, trunk diameter, and crown density

Answer

Pest load, soil pH, and irrigation frequency

Question 6

A certified arborist notices resin soaking ('pitching') on the lower trunk of a piñon pine. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Bark beetle attack triggering a defensive pitch-out response by the tree

Answer

Normal seasonal sap flow response to heat

Answer

Over-fertilization causing sap pressure increase

Answer

A beneficial mycorrhizal colonization of the bark

Question 7

What is the best time of year to apply dormant oil spray for scale insect control on deciduous trees in the Albuquerque area?

Accepted Answer

Late winter to early spring before bud break while trees are still dormant

Answer

Mid-summer when scales are most active

Answer

Immediately after leaf drop in autumn

Answer

During peak bloom to coincide with crawlers