Risk Assessment Flashcards
7 cards from real CTSP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Risk Assessment flashcards as text
Which advanced diagnostic tool uses sound wave pulses to create a cross-sectional map of wood density inside a trunk?
Answer: Sonic/acoustic tomography
Sonic tomography sends sound pulses between sensors placed around the trunk to map internal wood density and detect decay.
A CTSP finds that a tree's root plate has lifted on one side after recent wind events. What does this indicate?
Answer: The root system has been compromised and failure risk is elevated
A lifted root plate indicates the tree's anchoring roots have failed or been damaged, significantly increasing overturn risk.
Under the ISA's three-level assessment system, which level is appropriate when a Level 1 walkby reveals a potential problem?
Answer: Level 2 – Basic Assessment
A Level 2 Basic Assessment is the appropriate follow-up when a Level 1 walkby identifies a concern requiring closer examination.
Which of the following soil conditions most increases the risk of wind-throw for a large tree?
Answer: Shallow, compacted, or saturated soil limiting root depth
Shallow, compacted, or saturated soils prevent deep root anchorage, greatly increasing vulnerability to wind-throw.
A CTSP is evaluating a tree with significant trunk lean. Which measurement helps determine if the lean is a structural concern?
Answer: The degree of lean relative to trunk diameter and root depth
Lean severity is assessed relative to trunk size and the root system's capacity to counteract the off-center load.
What is 'failure zone' in the context of a tree risk assessment?
Answer: The area that would be struck if a specific tree part fails
The failure zone is the area on the ground that would be impacted if a specific tree part (branch, stem, or whole tree) were to fail.
A crown asymmetry caused by a nearby structure blocking sunlight is observed on a mature maple. What is the primary risk concern?
Answer: Uneven weight distribution creating lateral loading and lean risk
Asymmetric crowns create unbalanced lateral loads, increasing stress on the root system and raising lean and failure risk.