Trees and Construction 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 Trees and Construction flashcards as text
What is 'grade change' and why is it harmful to trees?
Answer: Adding or removing soil around a tree; it buries roots or exposes them
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.
Before construction begins, what should a consulting arborist prepare?
Answer: A tree protection plan (TPP) that includes tree inventory, protection zones, specifications for barriers, and monitoring schedule
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.
Roots can be cleanly cut during construction using which preferred method?
Answer: Hand pruning with sharp tools (saw or loppers) to create clean cuts
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.
What is the recommended minimum distance for storing construction materials from a tree trunk?
Answer: At the drip line or CRZ boundary
Materials should be stored outside the CRZ or drip line to prevent soil compaction, chemical contamination, and physical damage to roots and lower trunk.
How can an arborist help mitigate damage after roots have been cut during construction?
Answer: Clean-cut the damaged roots, water deeply, mulch the root zone, and monitor for stress
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.
Vibration from pile driving or heavy equipment can damage trees by:
Answer: Breaking fine absorbing roots and disrupting soil structure in the root zone
Equipment vibration can sever fine absorbing roots and destroy soil structure, compacting soil and collapsing pore spaces even without direct contact with the root zone.