Certified Arborist Test Trees and Construction 3

Question 1

What is 'grade change' and why is it harmful to trees?

Accepted Answer

Adding or removing soil around a tree; it buries roots or exposes them

Answer

Adding soil (fill) buries roots and reduces oxygen, while removing soil (cut) exposes and severs roots. Even 4-6 inches of fill over the root zone can be lethal to sensitive species.

Question 2

Before construction begins, what should a consulting arborist prepare?

Accepted Answer

A tree protection plan (TPP) that includes tree inventory, protection zones, specifications for barriers, and monitoring schedule

Answer

A Tree Protection Plan documents which trees to preserve, establishes protection zones, specifies barrier types and locations, outlines construction restrictions, and sets a monitoring schedule.

Question 3

Roots can be cleanly cut during construction using which preferred method?

Accepted Answer

Hand pruning with sharp tools (saw or loppers) to create clean cuts

Answer

When root cutting is unavoidable, using sharp hand tools creates clean cuts that heal faster and are less susceptible to decay than torn or crushed roots from machinery.

Question 4

What is the recommended minimum distance for storing construction materials from a tree trunk?

Accepted Answer

At the drip line or CRZ boundary

Answer

Materials should be stored outside the CRZ or drip line to prevent soil compaction, chemical contamination, and physical damage to roots and lower trunk.

Question 5

How can an arborist help mitigate damage after roots have been cut during construction?

Accepted Answer

Clean-cut the damaged roots, water deeply, mulch the root zone, and monitor for stress

Answer

Post-damage care includes making clean cuts on torn roots, supplemental watering, mulching to conserve moisture and reduce compaction, and monitoring. Crown pruning is no longer recommended as a standard response.

Certified Arborist Test Practice Test

Certified Arborist Test Practice Test

Certified Arborist Test Trees and Construction 3