Certified Arborist Test Urban Forestry 2

Question 1

What is the primary benefit of urban trees in reducing the 'heat island effect'?

Accepted Answer

They provide shade and cool air through evapotranspiration

Answer

Urban trees reduce heat islands through two mechanisms: shade reduces surface heating, and evapotranspiration releases water vapor that cools surrounding air temperatures by 2-9°F.

Question 2

What is the concept of 'right tree, right place' in urban forestry?

Accepted Answer

Selecting a tree species whose mature size, form, and requirements match the planting site conditions

Answer

Right tree, right place means matching species characteristics (mature height/spread, root behavior, tolerance to pollution, salt, drought) to the specific site conditions and constraints.

Question 3

What is 'canopy cover' and why is it an important urban forestry metric?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of land area covered by tree canopy when viewed from above

Answer

Canopy cover (or tree canopy percentage) indicates how much of a city is shaded by trees. It correlates with air quality, stormwater management, property values, and public health outcomes.

Question 4

Why is species diversity important in urban tree planting programs?

Accepted Answer

Diversity protects against catastrophic losses from species-specific pests or diseases

Answer

Monoculture plantings are vulnerable to complete devastation from a single pest or disease. The loss of American elms to Dutch elm disease demonstrated why diversity is critical.

Question 5

What role do urban trees play in stormwater management?

Accepted Answer

They intercept rainfall, promote infiltration, and reduce runoff volume and peak flow rates

Answer

Urban trees intercept rainfall on leaves and branches, their roots promote soil infiltration, and they absorb water through transpiration — all reducing the volume and speed of stormwater runoff.

Certified Arborist Test Practice Test

Certified Arborist Test Practice Test

Certified Arborist Test Urban Forestry 2