Certified Arborist Test Tree Identification and Selection Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client wants to plant a large shade tree on the west side of their house to reduce summer cooling costs.
The site is near the street and has overhead utility lines that are 25 feet high.
Which of the following is the most appropriate tree selection?

Accepted Answer

A small ornamental tree with a mature height of 20-25 feet.

Answer

A fast-growing deciduous tree like a silver maple (Acer saccharinum).

Answer

A large deciduous tree like a red oak (Quercus rubra).

Answer

A columnar evergreen tree like an arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis).

Question 2

When identifying a tree, an arborist notes that the leaves are attached to the twig in pairs, one directly across from the other at each node. What is this leaf arrangement called?

Accepted Answer

Opposite

Answer

Alternate

Answer

Whorled

Answer

Pinnate

Question 3

A municipality is selecting trees for a new downtown streetscape. The planting sites are narrow pits surrounded by concrete, the soil is likely to be compacted and have a high pH, and the trees will be exposed to road salt in the winter. Which characteristic is MOST important for the selected tree species?

Accepted Answer

Tolerance to urban stress

Answer

Fast growth rate

Answer

Showy spring flowers

Answer

Broad, spreading canopy

Question 4

Which of the following describes a tree with palmately compound leaves?

Accepted Answer

Multiple leaflets arise from a single common point at the end of the petiole.

Answer

A single leaf blade attached to the twig by a petiole.

Answer

Leaflets are arranged along a central stalk, like a feather.

Answer

The leaf is divided into lobes, but the sinuses do not reach the midrib.

Question 5

A client in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b wants to plant a tree that is rated for Zone 7a. What is the most likely outcome if this tree is planted?

Accepted Answer

The tree is likely to suffer from winter injury or die.

Answer

The tree will grow faster than it would in Zone 7a.

Answer

The tree will be more resistant to local pests and diseases.

Answer

The tree will require less water than a Zone 5b-rated tree.

Question 6

When evaluating a potential planting site, which factor is a key component of the "Right Tree, Right Place" principle?

Accepted Answer

The mature size of the tree and its proximity to infrastructure.

Answer

The current price of the tree at the nursery.

Answer

The availability of seasonal discounts on fertilizer.

Answer

The popularity of the tree species on social media.

A client wants to plant a large shade tree on the west side of their house to reduce summer cooling costs.The site is near the street and has overhead utility lines that are 25 feet high.Which of the following is the most appropriate tree selection?

A client wants to plant a large shade tree on the west side of their house to reduce summer cooling costs.
The site is near the street and has overhead utility lines that are 25 feet high.
Which of the following is the most appropriate tree selection?