FREE ISA Proper Pruning Practices Questions and Answers

Question 1

When removing a large, heavy limb from a mature oak tree, what is the primary reason for using the three-cut method?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the weight of the limb from tearing the bark down the trunk.

Answer

The three-cut method is a critical safety and tree health practice. The first two cuts (an undercut followed by a top cut farther out on the limb) remove the majority of the limb's weight. This prevents the branch from splitting and tearing the bark down the trunk as the final cut is made near the branch collar.

Question 2

An arborist is hired to reduce the height of a large, spreading maple tree that is growing too close to overhead utility lines. Which of the following is the most appropriate and professionally accepted pruning technique?

Accepted Answer

Crown reduction by pruning branches back to suitable lateral limbs.

Answer

Crown reduction is the appropriate technique for reducing the height or spread of a tree. It involves making careful cuts back to lateral branches that are at least one-third the diameter of the branch being removed. This maintains the tree's natural form and structural integrity. Topping is a harmful practice that creates large wounds and weakly attached sprouts. Crown thinning and raising do not address the primary goal of height reduction.

Question 3

A proper pruning cut should be made just outside the branch collar. What is the primary anatomical feature the branch collar contains that makes its preservation so crucial?

Accepted Answer

Tissue that rapidly forms woundwood to seal the cut.

Answer

The branch collar is a swollen area of trunk tissue that forms at the base of a branch. It contains specialized cells that initiate the growth of woundwood (callus) to cover and compartmentalize the pruning wound, protecting the tree from decay and disease. Making a cut outside the collar leaves this tissue intact to properly seal the wound.

Question 4

Which of the following describes the practice of 'subordination pruning'?

Accepted Answer

Shortening a competing stem or branch to slow its growth and encourage a stronger leader.

Answer

Subordination pruning involves reducing the length of a competing stem or branch, typically a codominant leader, to slow its growth. This allows a single, more dominant leader to develop, which improves the tree's long-term structure and strength. It is a key technique in structural pruning, especially for young trees.

Question 5

While it is acceptable to remove dead, dying, or broken branches at any time, the best time to perform major structural pruning on most deciduous trees to maximize wound closure and minimize stress is during the:

Accepted Answer

Dormant season, such as late winter or very early spring.

Answer

Pruning during the dormant season (late winter to early spring) is generally ideal for most deciduous trees. At this time, the tree can dedicate maximum energy to wound closure as soon as growth begins, the absence of leaves allows for a clear view of the branch structure, and the risk of transmitting many diseases is lower.

(ISA) ISA Certified Arborist Practice Test

(ISA) ISA Certified Arborist Practice Test

FREE ISA Proper Pruning Practices Questions and Answers