CATS Pruning Standards and Cuts 2

Question 1

What is the primary reason to avoid leaving a stub when removing a branch?

Accepted Answer

It prevents formation of wound wood and leads to decay

Answer

Stubs block the tree's natural closure process, allowing decay fungi to colonize the dead tissue before wound wood can form.

Question 2

According to ANSI A300 standards, which pruning type removes live branches to reduce overall tree size while maintaining form?

Accepted Answer

Crown reduction

Answer

Crown reduction decreases the height or spread of a tree by cutting back to lateral branches large enough to assume the terminal role.

Question 3

When making a reduction cut, the lateral branch retained should be at least what fraction of the diameter of the removed branch?

Accepted Answer

One-third

Answer

ANSI A300 recommends the retained lateral be at least one-third the diameter of the cut stem to sustain adequate photosynthate flow and avoid dieback.

Question 4

Which term describes removing only dead, dying, diseased, or weakly attached branches from the crown?

Accepted Answer

Crown cleaning

Answer

Crown cleaning specifically targets the removal of defective wood and is the most common pruning type recommended for mature trees.

Question 5

A flush cut that removes the branch collar is problematic because it:

Accepted Answer

Both increases wound size and removes the defensive zone

Answer

The branch collar contains both the trunk's protective chemical barrier zone and the tissue needed for wound closure, so removing it enlarges the wound and defeats tree defenses simultaneously.

(CATS) Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Practice Test

(CATS) Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Practice Test

CATS Pruning Standards and Cuts 2