Diagnosis and Treatment Flashcards
6 cards from real Certified Arborist Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Diagnosis and Treatment flashcards as text
A tree exhibits chlorosis (yellowing) only on new growth while older leaves remain green. Which nutrient deficiency is most likely?
Answer: Iron
Iron deficiency causes interveinal chlorosis on new growth first because iron is immobile in the plant. Nitrogen deficiency, by contrast, affects older leaves first since nitrogen is mobile.
What is the recommended approach for treating a tree with bacterial wetwood (slime flux)?
Answer: No treatment is typically recommended; maintain overall tree health
There is no effective cure for bacterial wetwood. The current best practice is to maintain overall tree vigor through proper watering, mulching, and fertilization. Drain tubes are no longer recommended.
Which diagnostic tool uses sound waves to detect internal decay in trees?
Answer: Sonic tomograph
Sonic (acoustic) tomography sends sound waves through the trunk and measures their speed. Decayed wood transmits sound more slowly, creating a map of internal condition.
A tree has mushroom fruiting bodies at its base. What does this most likely indicate?
Answer: Root or butt rot caused by wood-decay fungi
Mushrooms at the base of a tree typically indicate wood-decay fungi decomposing root or trunk wood. This can severely compromise structural integrity and indicates advanced decay.
When treating a tree for nutrient deficiency, which application method provides the fastest response?
Answer: Foliar spray
Foliar sprays deliver nutrients directly to leaf tissue and are absorbed quickly, providing the fastest visual response. However, the effects are temporary compared to soil-based treatments.
What is the significance of a cavity in a tree trunk that holds water?
Answer: It accelerates internal decay and should be drained
Water-holding cavities promote continued decay by maintaining moisture that supports fungal growth. While drilling drain holes was once common, current practice focuses on overall risk assessment rather than cavity treatment.