Tree Selection and Planting Flashcards
7 cards from real ISA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Tree Selection and Planting flashcards as text
What is the MOST critical step when planting a balled-and-burlapped (B&B) tree?
Answer: Locating the root flare and planting at the correct depth
Planting with the root flare at or slightly above grade is the most critical step; planting too deep leads to stem girdling, anaerobic conditions, and eventual tree death.
What is the recommended width of the planting hole for a new tree installation?
Answer: Two to three times the diameter of the root ball
A wide planting hole (2–3× the root ball diameter) loosens surrounding soil and allows roots to expand laterally with less resistance.
After placing a balled-and-burlapped tree in the planting hole, the wire basket and burlap should be:
Answer: Cut away from the top third of the root ball after the tree is positioned
The top portion of the wire basket and burlap should be cut away after placement to prevent girdling and allow uninhibited root expansion.
When planting container-grown trees, circling or girdling roots should be:
Answer: Straightened, redirected, or removed before planting
Circling roots will continue to enlarge and can eventually girdle and kill the tree; they must be corrected at the time of planting.
What is the recommended mulch depth when mulching around a newly planted tree?
Answer: 2–4 inches
A 2–4 inch layer of mulch conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds without causing crown rot or oxygen deprivation.
The graft union on a grafted nursery tree should be positioned at planting so it is:
Answer: At or slightly above the finished soil grade
The graft union must remain above soil level to prevent the scion from rooting and to preserve the intended rootstock characteristics.
What is the PRIMARY purpose of creating a temporary watering berm (ring) around a newly planted tree?
Answer: To direct irrigation water to the root ball and reduce runoff
A watering berm forms a basin that concentrates irrigation water directly over the root ball where it is most needed during the establishment period.