CHT Arboriculture & Tree Care 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which pruning cut removes a branch back to its point of origin at the trunk or a larger branch?
- Heading cut
- Thinning cut (Correct answer)
- Stub cut
- Crown reduction cut
Correct answer: Thinning cut
A thinning cut removes an entire branch back to its origin at the parent branch or trunk, improving light and air penetration without stimulating excessive regrowth.
Question 2: The 'branch collar' is important to preserve during pruning because it:
- Is the site of new bud formation
- Contains specialized tissue that seals the wound and prevents decay (Correct answer)
- Anchors the branch to the root system
- Produces all the tree's stored food
Correct answer: Contains specialized tissue that seals the wound and prevents decay
The branch collar contains wound-closing tissue (callus) and chemical barriers that compartmentalize decay; cutting flush into it removes these defenses.
Question 3: Tree topping is considered poor arboricultural practice primarily because it:
- Costs too much to perform
- Creates large wounds, stimulates weak water sprouts, and accelerates decline (Correct answer)
- Removes too few branches at once
- Makes trees grow too slowly
Correct answer: Creates large wounds, stimulates weak water sprouts, and accelerates decline
Topping creates large, exposed wounds prone to decay, triggers vigorous but weakly attached water sprouts, and stresses trees, often leading to structural failure and decline.
Question 4: What is the recommended planting depth for a balled-and-burlapped tree?
- Root flare 6 inches below grade
- Root flare at or slightly above grade (Correct answer)
- Center of root ball at grade
- Top of burlap at grade
Correct answer: Root flare at or slightly above grade
The root flare (where trunk transitions to roots) should be at or slightly above finished grade to prevent girdling, crown rot, and decline.
Question 5: Which symptom is most characteristic of oak wilt disease?
- White powdery coating on leaves
- Rapid wilting and bronzing of leaves starting at leaf tips, moving inward (Correct answer)
- Galls on branches and twigs
- Yellow mosaic pattern on foliage
Correct answer: Rapid wilting and bronzing of leaves starting at leaf tips, moving inward
Oak wilt (Bretziella fagacearum) causes rapid wilting and bronzing starting at leaf margins and tips, moving inward; red oaks can die within weeks of infection.
Question 6: Mulching around trees provides all of the following benefits EXCEPT:
- Moderates soil temperature
- Retains soil moisture
- Increases soil compaction (Correct answer)
- Suppresses weeds
Correct answer: Increases soil compaction
Mulch moderates temperature, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds, but it does NOT increase compaction — it actually reduces compaction by protecting soil from foot traffic.
CHT Arboriculture & Tree Care 1
Which pruning cut removes a branch back to its point of origin at the trunk or a larger branch?