FREE Certified Arborist Tree Risk Questions and Answers
When lightning strikes a tree, which of the following factors DOES NOT affect the extent of the damage?
Explanation:
When lightning strikes a tree, the amount of damage is unaffected by leaf thickness. However, the amount of moisture present, the porosity of the wood, and the thickness of the bark can all have a big impact on the harm caused by lightning. A high moisture level in the tree will facilitate the easy conductivity of electrical charge, resulting in increased harm to the tree's structure. When struck by lightning, a tree with very porous wood is more prone to splinter. Lastly, damage to the inside of the tree could not be seen from the outside if the bark is thick. Sometimes the bark is so thick that lightning damage to the tree's vascular tissue is invisible, and by the time the damage is ultimately noticeable, it can be too late.
What part does degradation play in determining the risk to trees?
Explanation:
The structural integrity of the tree is weakened by decay, which increases the likelihood of it breaking or uprooting, particularly in bad weather. As part of their risk assessment process, arborists locate and evaluate decay in trees using a variety of diagnostic approaches, including visual inspections and decay detection equipment.
Early fall color on a tree most typically indicates that there are issues with:
Explanation;
If fall color appears early on a tree, it is probably experiencing root issues. Girdling roots in particular might result in early fall color. Girdling roots squeeze other roots together by crossing over them. With time, girdling roots can compress the phloem tissues in the trunk and can prevent the roots from delivering water and nutrients to the rest of the tree. Girdling roots usually do not develop by themselves but instead are the result of poor planting or excessive time in a container before planting.
What is a naturally occurring event that could not be foreseen or prevented in legal terms?
Explanation:
A naturally occurring event that was not foreseeable or prevented is referred to as an act of God in legal circumstances. Generally speaking, an arborist is not liable for harm or damage brought on by natural disasters. However, for any harm or losses brought on by issues that were known to exist before the incident, neither the arborist nor the tree's owner will be exempt from liability. Put differently, the person who owns the tree bears the responsibility of keeping an eye on their property to guarantee its safety.
The most common sources of tree problems are:
Explanation:
The most frequent cause of tree problems is adverse environmental conditions. Environmental stressors such as soil compaction, mechanical damage, drought, and extremes in temperature or moisture account for more than 70% of tree-related issues. Cultural and environmental practices can frequently have a greater impact than the majority of illnesses connected to insects or pathogens. But the majority of the time, biotic and environmental stresses work together to make the issue worse. Specifically, trees that have been compromised by environmental issues are frequently far more vulnerable to pest invasions and infestations.
What is the proper way to adjust the hinge on a tree with a particularly large diameter?
Explanation:
A tree's hinge should be smaller if its diameter is very large. The arborist's point of control over a tree they are trying to fall is called the hinge. The hinge of a tree of average size typically accounts for only 10% of the tree's diameter. Still, it's possible that a hinge this big won't function properly in a larger tree. Generally speaking, a hinge should be about 80% of the tree's diameter. When making the back cut, the arborist must take care not to jeopardize the hinge.
When is the ideal time to spray trees with micronutrients?
Explanation:
The ideal time to spray trees with micronutrients is right before a phase of rapid growth. One type of foliar treatment used to induce extremely targeted changes in plant nutrition is micronutrient spray. Generally speaking, applying the spray more than once or twice a year is not necessary. A chelated iron spray is a type of micronutrient spray that is frequently used to treat iron chlorosis.
Why is having a good taper important for a stem?
Explanation: When subjected to force, a stem with good taper is less likely to break. Arborists use the term "taper" to describe the steady reduction in the stem's diameter from the base to the tip. The wind speed and other trees' vicinity determine how much a stem or branch tapers. Trees that grow in large groups typically taper poorly. A tree with good taper will distribute any loads more evenly and sustain damage less frequently.
Which risk assessment method is regarded as the minimum standard?
Explanation:
The visual tree assessment is the minimal standard for evaluating tree danger and involves a methodical evaluation of the tree's exterior characteristics. An internal flaw or indications of mechanical stress should be the arborist's focus. Nevertheless, this method is restricted to the externally visible portions of the tree and is only as thorough and perceptive as the arborist performing it.
On the other hand, with a root collar excavation, the soil is taken out to allow the arborist to examine the tree's root collar, which is frequently where issues are most noticeable. The arborist utilizes a specialized tool known as decay testing to find internal tree rot. Lastly, an aerial canopy examination allows the arborist to examine the tree from above, providing a clearer view of any structural issues with the upper portions of the tree.
Which of the following determines the risk of trees?
Explanation:
Girdling roots raise the danger of structural instability and tree failure by restricting the trunk or other roots. To identify tree risk and create effective management plans, arborists evaluate variables such as root health, canopy structure, and environmental circumstances.
Which of these is a typical cause of chronic stress?
Explanation:
Chronic stress is frequently caused by poor drainage while acute stress is frequently caused by the other options. There is a crucial contrast between acute and chronic stress in arboriculture. Chronic stress takes time to build and can be hard to spot in its early stages. It is the outcome of ongoing unfavorable circumstances such as compacted soil, high pH, pollution, and starvation. On the other hand, acute stress happens instantly and frequently has noticeable repercussions right away. Frost, lightning, and excessive or incorrect use of pesticides are a few frequent acute stressors.