CATS Arborist Albuquerque Urban Forestry & Environmental Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Albuquerque city ordinance regulates the removal of trees on private property within designated historic districts?
- ROA Zoning Code Section 14-16
- Albuquerque Tree Ordinance 7-9-3 (Correct answer)
- NMDOT Highway Code 47-B
- Bernalillo County Land Use Code 18-2
Correct answer: Albuquerque Tree Ordinance 7-9-3
Albuquerque Tree Ordinance 7-9-3 governs tree removal on private property, including within historic districts.
Question 2: In Albuquerque's semi-arid climate, which soil amendment is MOST recommended when planting a new tree to improve water retention?
- Coarse sand
- Compost or organic matter (Correct answer)
- Gravel mulch
- Lime
Correct answer: Compost or organic matter
Compost or organic matter improves soil water retention and structure, which is critical in Albuquerque's low-rainfall desert environment.
Question 3: What is the primary environmental benefit of maintaining a tree canopy in Albuquerque's urban heat island zones?
- Increases pavement longevity
- Reduces ambient temperatures through evapotranspiration (Correct answer)
- Improves underground water table salinity
- Enhances UV radiation exposure
Correct answer: Reduces ambient temperatures through evapotranspiration
Urban tree canopy reduces ambient temperatures through evapotranspiration and shading, directly countering the urban heat island effect.
Question 4: Which native Albuquerque tree species is most drought-tolerant and commonly used in xeriscaping projects?
- Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
- New Mexico olive (Forestiera pubescens) (Correct answer)
- Weeping willow (Salix babylonica)
- Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Correct answer: New Mexico olive (Forestiera pubescens)
New Mexico olive (Forestiera pubescens) is a native, drought-tolerant species ideal for Albuquerque xeriscape and low-water landscaping.
Question 5: When assessing tree risk in Albuquerque's urban environment, which factor is UNIQUE to the high desert region compared to humid climates?
- Branch weight from ice accumulation
- Root girdling from clay soils
- Extreme UV radiation causing bark splitting and desiccation (Correct answer)
- Flooding from sustained rainfall
Correct answer: Extreme UV radiation causing bark splitting and desiccation
Albuquerque's intense UV radiation and dry heat cause bark desiccation and sun scald, a risk factor less prominent in humid climates.
Question 6: What is the recommended mulching radius around a newly planted urban tree in Albuquerque to conserve soil moisture?
- 1 foot from the trunk
- At least 3–4 feet from the trunk (Correct answer)
- Directly against the trunk base
- Limited to the drip line edge only
Correct answer: At least 3–4 feet from the trunk
A mulch ring of at least 3–4 feet around the trunk conserves moisture and protects roots without causing crown rot from piling against the trunk.
Question 7: Which arboricultural practice helps mitigate compaction in Albuquerque's urban soils under tree canopy areas?
- Deep root fertilization with high-nitrogen spikes
- Vertical mulching or radial trenching with compost (Correct answer)
- Overhead irrigation with high-pressure sprinklers
- Surface herbicide application
Correct answer: Vertical mulching or radial trenching with compost
Vertical mulching and radial trenching with compost break up compacted soil and improve aeration and water infiltration around tree roots.
CATS Arborist Albuquerque Urban Forestry & Environmental Care 2
Which Albuquerque city ordinance regulates the removal of trees on private property within designated historic districts?