CATS Arborist Albuquerque Urban Forestry & Environmental Care 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which insect pest poses the greatest current threat to Albuquerque's Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) trees?
- Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis)
- Elm bark beetle (Scolytus multistriatus) (Correct answer)
- Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis)
- Pine bark beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae)
Correct answer: Elm bark beetle (Scolytus multistriatus)
The elm bark beetle (Scolytus multistriatus) is a primary vector of Dutch elm disease and commonly damages Siberian elms in Albuquerque.
Question 2: Under Albuquerque's Right-of-Way permit requirements, who is responsible for obtaining permits before removing a street tree?
- The homeowner, without professional involvement
- The certified arborist or licensed contractor performing the work (Correct answer)
- The City Parks & Recreation Department only
- The adjacent business owner
Correct answer: The certified arborist or licensed contractor performing the work
The licensed contractor or certified arborist performing street tree work in Albuquerque's ROW must obtain the required city permit.
Question 3: What does 'integrated pest management' (IPM) prioritize when treating tree pests in Albuquerque's urban forest?
- Immediate broad-spectrum pesticide application
- Monitoring, biological controls, and least-toxic interventions first (Correct answer)
- Removal of all affected trees
- Chemical soil drenching as a preventive measure
Correct answer: Monitoring, biological controls, and least-toxic interventions first
IPM prioritizes monitoring and biological or cultural controls before resorting to chemical treatments, minimizing environmental impact.
Question 4: In Albuquerque, cottonwood trees (Populus fremontii) along the Rio Grande bosque are protected primarily because they:
- Produce harvestable timber of commercial value
- Form critical riparian habitat and are native keystone species (Correct answer)
- Are non-native species requiring management
- Prevent flooding by channeling the river
Correct answer: Form critical riparian habitat and are native keystone species
Rio Grande cottonwoods are native keystone riparian species that support biodiversity and are protected under bosque conservation policies.
Question 5: What is the most common structural defect found in mature cottonwood trees in Albuquerque that arborists must assess?
- Co-dominant stems with included bark (Correct answer)
- Adventitious root formation
- Epicormic sprouting on lower trunk
- Chlorotic leaf discoloration
Correct answer: Co-dominant stems with included bark
Co-dominant stems with included bark create weak branch unions prone to failure, a common defect in mature Albuquerque cottonwoods.
Question 6: Which method is PREFERRED for disposing of wood waste from tree removals in Albuquerque to support environmental sustainability?
- Landfill disposal
- Burning in open-air pits
- Chipping for mulch or composting (Correct answer)
- Burial on-site
Correct answer: Chipping for mulch or composting
Chipping removed wood for mulch or composting recycles organic material and reduces landfill waste, aligning with Albuquerque's sustainability goals.
Question 7: When is the BEST time of year to prune Albuquerque's deciduous street trees to minimize disease transmission and stress?
- Mid-summer during peak heat
- Late spring during active growth flush
- Late dormant season (late winter to early spring) (Correct answer)
- Immediately after heavy monsoon rains
Correct answer: Late dormant season (late winter to early spring)
Pruning in late dormancy minimizes disease vector activity and allows wounds to close quickly as growth resumes in spring.
CATS Arborist Albuquerque Urban Forestry & Environmental Care 3
Which insect pest poses the greatest current threat to Albuquerque's Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) trees?