ISA Multiple Choice questions Flashcards by Rebecca Nielsen

The ideal soil ratio for solids to pore space is:
(A) 20:80
(B) 35:65
(C) 40:60
(D) 50:50

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What is the correct scientific name for the oak tree genus?
(A) Quercus
(B) Pyrus
(C) Larix
(D) Acer

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Which of the following is not one of the five major categories of soil horizons?
(A) O
(B) E
(C) N
(D) B

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Loam is least composed of what soil classification?
(A) Sand
(B) Silt
(C) Clay
(D) Bedrock

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What is the difference in magnitude of acidity between a PH level reading of 4 vs. a PH reading
of 7?
(A) 1
(B) 3
(C) 100
(D) 1000

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What is not a detrimental impact to tree growth from compaction?
(A) Restricted root growth
(B) Reduction of water availability
(C) Increasing organic material
(D) Restricting air movement

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Field capacity is achieved after the draining of which of the following?
(A) Gravitational water
(B) Capillary water
(C) Micropore water
(D) Compacted drainage

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What best defines the permanent wilting point soil moisture condition?
(A) Water is present in macro and micropores
(B) The condition present immediately after the removal of gravitational water
(C) Water is held by soil and unavailable to plants such that they can’t recover
(D) No water present in soil

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What soil below most likely has the lowest infiltration rate?
(A) Loose sand
(B) Compacted sand
(C) Loose clay
(D) Compacted clay

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What major soil horizon category is not included in the zone designated as topsoil?
(A) A
(B) O
(C) E
(D) C

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What soil type is most easily compacted?
(A) Sand
(B) Clay
(C) Silt
(D) Bedrock

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What is not a tree characteristic which helps to prevent the loss of water?
(A) Increased leaf surface area
(B) Deep root systems
(C) Leaf hairs
(D) Waxy outer leaf layer

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What irrigation system type provides water slowly to specific areas of the tree root zone?
(A) Drip irrigation
(B) High pressure injection
(C) Basin irrigation
(D) Soaker hose

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Trees help to control stormwater runoff by all of the following means except:
(A) Trees hold water on bark and leaves
(B) Roots intercept and retain runoff
(C) Fallen leaves create a layer of absorption on the ground
(D) All of the above

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What is not an advantage of the use of mulching?
(A) Improve infiltration
(B) Promote deep root system
(C) Reduce soil evaporation
(D) Limit weed competition

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What is the minimum slope for drainage pipes placed above and impervious layer?
(A) 1/16” per ft
(B) 1/8” per ft
(C) 1/4” per ft
(D) 1/2” per ft

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The main function of a rain garden is which of the following?
(A) Collect and hold stormwater runoff
(B) Increase water infiltration
(C) Distribute runoff to dry areas
(D) Facilitate deep root systems

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What macronutrient most often has the largest requirement for the health of trees?
(A) Iron
(B) Sulfur
(C) Potassium
(D) Nitrogen

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What essential element is more readily available in an acidic environment than alkaline?
(A) Iron
(B) Calcium
(C) Sulfur
(D) Potassium

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Nitrogen is present in soil mostly due to which of the following?
(A) Water
(B) Organic matter
(C) Clay
(D) Sand

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A 25-lb bag of fertilizer has a 10-6-4 analysis. How many pounds of potassium is in the bag?
(A) 1
(B) 2.5
(C) 4
(D) 8

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Required fertilizer distribution rates for quick release are ______________ than for that of
slow-release.
(A) Greater
(B) Less
(C) Equal
(D) No relationship

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What project constraint listed below has a detrimental effect on the surface application of fertilizer?
(A) Constrained time
(B) Inexperienced workers
(C) Surface runoff
(D) Shallow root structure

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What element can be classified as a micronutrient?
(A) Magnesium
(B) Calcium
(C) Iron
(D) Sulfur

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What method of fertilizer application may result in the development of thick patches of grass in
spots surrounding the tree?
(A) Liquid injection
(B) Surface application
(C) Foliar application
(D) Implants

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What characteristic is used to differentiate between vascular plant classifications?
(A) Roots
(B) Leaves
(C) Seeds
(D) Skin

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Of the options listed below which has the broadest level of taxonomic hierarchy?
(A) Genus
(B) Order
(C) Class
(D) Family

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What characteristic below is used to differentiate between a simple leaf and a compound leaf?
(A) Number of buds
(B) Length of petiole
(C) Shape of leaflet
(D) Number of leaflets

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What major group of conifers is defined by needles borne in clusters?
(A) Pine
(B) Spruce
(C) Fir
(D) Juniper

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What leaf margin type is characterized by having a smooth edge?
(A) Entire
(B) Serrate
(C) Serrulate
(D) Dentate

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What characteristic below is associated with dicots rather than monocots?
(A) Parallel leaf veins
(B) Pollen with three pores
(C) Scattered stem vascular bundles
(D) Flower parts in multiples of three

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A tree is to be planted close to a newly built retaining wall for beautification. What habit is most
likely appropriate for the selection of the tree.
(A) Pyramidal
(B) Upright
(C) Weeping
(D) Spread

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Hardiness refers to a plant’s ability to survive which of the following?
(A) Drought
(B) Low temperatures
(C) Impact
(D) Shade

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What tree can be identified as having palmately compound leaves?
(A) Buckeye
(B) Ash
(C) Ailanthus
(D) Walnut

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What statement is tree below regarding deciduous trees?
(A) Allows light in the summer and allows light in the winter
(B) Allows light in the summer and blocks light in the winter
(C) Blocks light in the summer and allows light in the winter
(D) Blocks light in the summer and blocks light in the winter

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What USDA hardiness zone has an average annual extreme minimum temperature of -60 to -50
degrees Fahrenheit?
(A) 1
(B) 5
(C) 9
(D) 13

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What is the minimum distance from the edge of a planting hole to any buried utility?
(A) 6”
(B) 12”
(C) 18”
(D) 24”

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What tree species listed below is best suited for heavy shade?
(A) English oak
(B) Willow
(C) Gingko
(D) American elm

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What tree species listed below is the most likely to be tolerant to storm damage?
(A) American elm
(B) Cottonwood
(C) Shingle oak
(D) Willow

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The first part of a tree’s scientific name indicates which of the following?
(A) Family
(B) Order
(C) Genus
(D) Common name

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Sweating is a preplanting procedure often required for which of the following nursery stock
types?
(A) Bare root
(B) Containerized
(C) Container grown
(D) balled and bur lapped

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When is it acceptable to plant a nursery stock tree without removal of the root protection?
(A) Biodegradable container
(B) Synthetic burlap
(C) Biodegradable burlap
(D) Wire basket burlap

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What is the minimum number of primary roots that must be buried 1 to 3 inches below the soil
surface when transferring nursery stock?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4

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During tree installation, it is determined that there is 2 inches of soil over the structural roots.
The root ball is measured to be 14 inches deep. How deep should the planting hole be?
(A) 14
(B) 13
(C) 12
(D) 10

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How far above ground shall tree caliper be measured for trees less than 4 inches in diameter?
(A) 2
(B) 6
(C) 8
(D) 10

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What is not a recommended course of action for a newly transplanted tree?
(A) Increased watering
(B) Mulching
(C) Guying
(D) Fertilizer

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What situation may be advantageous for a transplant to occur during winter?
(A) Large trees in colder climates
(B) Smaller tress in colder climates
(C) Large trees in temperate climates
(D) Smaller trees in temperate climates

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What is a potential disadvantage of the use of a tree wrap?
(A) Protection against sunscald
(B) Holds in moisture
(C) Prevents against drying
(D) Provides proper airflow

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What is the most appropriate approach to the amount of pruning to be completed for newly
planted trees?
(A) Only limbs which are broken or damaged
(B) Up to 1/3 of branches on a regular basis
(C) At least half of branches on a periodic basis
(D) Pruning is not recommended for younger plantings

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Eye screws used to install guy wires on larger trees may be left in place in which of the following
situations?
(A) If not able to be removed with the guy wires
(B) Only a maximum of two eye screws may be left in place
(C) Must be left in place
(D) Must always be removed

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What term below is universally acknowledged in standards as denoting a mandatory
requirement?
(A) Ought to
(B) May
(C) Should
(D) Shall

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Question 52
What personal protective equipment is specifically required only for the use of chainsaws?
(A) Hard hat
(B) Protective face shield
(C) Heavy work boots
(D) Leg chaps

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What is the preferred retreat path for a felling tree operation?
(A) 45-degrees off the opposite fell path
(B) 45-degrees off the fell path
(C) 90-degrees off the opposite fell path
(D) 90-degrees off the fell path

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What level of contact is acceptable when working near electrical lines?
(A) Direct
(B) Indirect
(C) Direct with electrified lines only
(D) No level of contact is acceptable

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According to OSHA standards, what is the minimum working clearance to any overhead lines if
the voltage is less than 50 kV?
(A) 5’
(B) 10’
(C) 15’
(D) 25’

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What class of rubber Insulating Protective Equipment (IPE) is rated for use of an AC voltage up
to 36 kV.
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4

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What portion of a chainsaw will potentially cause a kickback if contacted by an object?
(A) Lower portion of base
(B) Upper portion of base
(C) Lower portion of tip
(D) Upper portion of tip

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What is the minimum hinge angular dimension for a properly felling a tree?
(A) 45o
(B) 60o
(C) 70o
(D) 90o

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What is a disadvantage of 3-strand type rope?
(A) Cost
(B) Ability to run through a pully
(C) Ability to elongate
(D) Tendency to twist

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What safety factor is typically used for arborist rigging?
(A) 2
(B) 5
(C) 10
(D) 15

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What hazard is a specific concern related to the removal of palm trees?
(A) Wet ground
(B) Reduced sunlight
(C) Sloughing
(D) Brittle failure

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What is the first step in urgent care procedures?
(A) Begin CPR if necessary
(B) Assess the safety of the surroundings
(C) Check for a pulse
(D) Check for breathing

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A tree which splits during a backcut in an upward direction is which of the following?
(A) Hinge cut
(B) Humboldt notch
(C) Internal fault
(D) Barber chair

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What is the most commonly appropriate length of a hinge?
(A) 50% of the tree diameter
(B) 80% of the tree diameter
(C) 10% of the tree height
(D) 100% of the tree diameter

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The correct location for a backcut on a conventional notch shall be:
(A) Even with the apex of the notch
(B) Above the apex of the notch
(C) Below the apex of the notch
(D) Even with the top of the notch

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A rope has a tensile limit of 15,000 lbs. What is the working load limit for a safety factor of 10?
(A) 1,500 lbs.
(B) 5,000 lbs.
(C) 7,800 lbs.
(D) 10,000 lbs.

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What knot type is not commonly used as a climbing hitch?
(A) Tautline
(B) Figure 8
(C) Blake’s hitch
(D) All of the above

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Which of the following is a false statement regarding the use of snaps for securing the climbing
line?
(A) Snaps are not permitted in all countries
(B) May be self-closing or assisted closing
(C) Must be compatible with the D-ring specific to the attachment
(D) Required to have double closing action

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What is the minimum required tensile strength in the United States for carabiners?
(A) 1,000 lbs.
(B) 2,500 lbs.
(C) 5,000 lbs.
(D) 10,000 lbs.

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What rope type has the highest amount of elongation when loaded?
(A) Polypropylene
(B) Polyester
(C) HMPE
(D) LCP

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What rope type has a core that can share the load with the outer cover?
(A) 3-strand
(B) Double braids
(C) 12-strand
(D) 16-strand

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What statement below is true regarding the relationship between the magnitude of loading and
a rope’s fatigue life?
(A) A higher load decreases the number of cycles to failure
(B) A higher load increases the number of cycles to failure
(C) The number of cycles to failure is a fixed number regardless of load magnitude
(D) The number of cycles to failure may decrease but not increase due to load magnitude

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What knot type is commonly used for securing equipment to a tree?
(A) Timber hitch
(B) Sheet bend
(C) Prusik hitch
(D) Tautline hitch

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What climbing technique uses a Prusik loop to increase safety?
(A) Footlocking
(B) Body-thrust
(C) Single rope technique
(D) Mechanical ascending devices

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What climbing equipment is permitted only for use on trees which are to be removed?
(A) Climbing line
(B) Spurs
(C) Ladders
(D) Mechanical ascending devices

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What is the minimum recommended main branch diameter for a tie off point?
(A) 2”
(B) 3”
(C) 4”
(D) 6”

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What rigging technique has a high anticipated shock-loading?
(A) Butt-hitching
(B) Running bowline
(C) Through natural crotch
(D) Use of a drop zone

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The most common recommended cut type for the removal of limbs is which of the following?
(A) Snap cut
(B) Drop cut
(C) Hinge cut
(D) Vertical cut

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When making a snap cut, the second cut is located:
(A) Opposite and even with the first cut
(B) At the base of the limb
(C) Opposite and below the first cut
(D) Opposite and above the first cut

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For a rope that is ¾” in diameter, what is the minimum recommended pully diameter?
(A) 1”
(B) 2”
(C) 3”
(D) 6”

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Carabiners shall not be loaded in which of the following situations?
(A) Sideways
(B) Against the gate
(C) Along the minor axis
(D) All of the above

What type of meristems produce cells which increase the diameter of the tree?
(A) Primary
(B) Secondary
(C) Residual
(D) Pith

What species of tree listed below is not classified as ring porous?
(A) Oak
(B) Elm
(C) Ash
(D) Maple

What tissue produced by the cambium is closer to the outer portion of the tree?
(A) Phloem
(B) Cork cells
(C) Xylem
(D) Cortex

What is not one of the main functions of the xylem?
(A) Storage of carbohydrates
(B) Support of the tree’s self-weight
(C) Defense against disease and decay
(D) Moving of carbohydrates

The dominant bud which is most active on the branch or twig is called:
(A) Lateral
(B) Axillary
(C) Terminal
(D) Adventitious

What type of tree will form an abscission zone as necessary?
(A) Evergreen
(B) Deciduous
(C) Palm
(D) None of the above

Vertical roots formed to increase the anchorage of the system are known as:
(A) Tap root
(B) Root crown
(C) Sinker root
(D) Lateral root

What element is released as a part of the process of photosynthesis?
(A) O2
(B) H2O
(C) C2
(D) CO2

According to the Shigo CODIT model, what wall of defense is not included in the reaction zone?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4

Biologically, palms are similar to which of the following?
(A) Grass
(B) Flowers
(C) Animals
(D) Oak

At what depth in the soil are the majority of the roots for palm trees?
(A) 1 to 6 inches
(B) 6 to 12 inches
(C) 12 to 18 inches
(D) 18 to 24 inches

The preferred location of a thinning pruning cut in general is:
(A) To the inside of the branch collar
(B) To the outside of the branch collar
(C) Halfway between the collar and tip
(D) At the branch bark ridge

What is not a common characteristic of codominant stems?
(A) No branch bark ridge
(B) No branch protection zone
(C) No presence of included bark
(D) No branch collar

A tree is damaged heavily in a storm and there are only a few branches remaining. What is most
likely the appropriate pruning cut to try to save the tree?
(A) Reduction
(B) Heading
(C) Three-cut
(D) Thinning

What is not a detrimental effect as a result of topping?
(A) Shock
(B) Slowed new growth
(C) Weakened limbs
(D) Increased chance for disease

What is not an advantage of structural pruning?
(A) Decreased chance of codominant stems
(B) Removal of defects
(C) Less maintenance
(D) Reduced equipment

When selecting the permanent branch which of the following parameters shall apply?
(A) It shall be the lowest branch
(B) It shall be selected based on tree function
(C) It shall be less than half the diameter of the trunk
(D) All of the above

What is the maximum recommended percentage of removal for a canopy per year?
(A) 10%
(B) 25%
(C) 35%
(D) 50%

What component of the branch attachment has the ability to chemically prevent the spread of
decay?
(A) Branch collar
(B) Branch bark
(C) Stem
(D) Branch protection zone

What type of mature tree pruning is specifically done to provide a better view past the tree?
(A) Vista pruning
(B) Crown thinning
(C) Crown reduction
(D) Lion tailing

Healthy fonds on palm trees shall not be removed if possible if they are less than what angle to
the stem?
(A) 45o
(B) 90o
(C) 120o
(D) 180o

Question 103
A tree can be defined as decurrent when:
(A) New lateral shoots outgrow the original terminal shoots
(B) Terminal shoots are longer than expected
(C) Narrow tree crown
(D) Strong apical control

Question 104
What is not a primary function of tree roots?
(A) Conduction
(B) Absorption
(C) Anchorage
(D) Defense

The removal of an excessive amount of inner lateral branches causing a poor distribution of
foliage is:
(A) Lion tailing
(B) Crown reduction
(C) Pollarding
(D) Espalier

Fungi can be beneficial to a tree, despite using the tree for food, by aiding in what root
function?
(A) Storage
(B) Anchorage
(C) Absorption
(D) Conduction

What is the relationship that must exist between production rates of photosynthesis and
respiration?
(A) Respiration > Photosynthesis
(B) Respiration < Photosynthesis
(C) Respiration = Photosynthesis
(D) The tree can survive at any level of relationship

Question 108
Water movement within the tree between different aged cells is what type of transport?
(A) Axial
(B) Longitudinal
(C) Osmosis
(D) Radial

What wound dressing has been proven to increase the rate of repair?
(A) Tar
(B) Paint
(C) Petroleum solvent
(D) None of the above

What type of cuts are done initially when using pollarding as a pruning technique for young
trees?
(A) Internodal
(B) Outernodal
(C) Auxiliary
(D) Dominant

Sterilization of pruning tools is necessary when:
(A) Disease exists in the tree
(B) Only for specific tree types
(C) If the tool has been used before with disease
(D) Tools shall always be sterilized

What type of pruning shears are best suited for growing branches and stems?
(A) Bypasse
(B) Anvil
(C) Ratchets
(D) Loppers

What pruning technique is used to increase light penetration and air movement?
(A) Cleaning
(B) Thinning
(C) Raising
(D) Reduction

What pruning tool is most likely best for branches up to 2½” thick?
(A) Anvil pruning shear
(B) Lopper
(C) Pole pruner
(D) Pruning saw

What is not an acceptable alternative to tree topping?
(A) See if the removal of small branches can solve the issue
(B) Remove a large branch so that another may assume a terminal role
(C) Remove and replace tree
(D) None of the above

What is the most appropriate space between permanent branches?
(A) 1 ft.
(B) 2.5 ft.
(C) 1% of the longest branch
(D) 3% of the tree height

What statement regarding how trees heal is false?
(A) Trees grow over wounds
(B) Smaller cuts are actually more damaging than larger ones
(C) Wounds stay within the tree forever
(D) Wound dressings are often ineffective

What plant health risk is not a living threat?
(A) Pathogens
(B) Phytoplasmas
(C) Fungi
(D) Mineral deficiencies

Localized dead stem tissue which may be discolored is what type of tree disorder symptom?
(A) Canker
(B) Blight
(C) Leaf blotch
(D) Dieback

What is the most accurate description of the tree disorder chlorosis?
(A) Drooping of leaves
(B) Swollen plant tissue
(C) Dead areas of tissue on leaves
(D) Yellowing of green tissue

What example of tree stressors can be classified as acute?
(A) Lightning strike
(B) Insufficient soil
(C) Poor light exposure
(D) Poor moisture conditions

What is most likely not a possible cause of deformed leaves?
(A) Spray injury
(B) Air pollution
(C) Anthracnose
(D) Frost

What tree symptom is not likely to be caused by insect infestation?
(A) Leaf droop
(B) Yellow specks
(C) Off-color foliage
(D) Leaves with scorched appearance

What insect listed below is classified as having piercing or sucking mouthparts?
(A) Leafhoppers
(B) Beetles
(C) Weevils
(D) Borers

What herbicide type eliminates the whole of the plant over a short period of time?
(A) Pre-emergent
(B) Contact
(C) Systemic
(D) Drench

If a tree is suffering from girdling root, what is most likely not an advisable action?
(A) Remove the largest roots first
(B) Remove only the smallest roots
(C) Remove the tree
(D) None of the above

Which of the following is not actually classified as an insect?
(A) Mites
(B) Beetles
(C) Moths
(D) Caterpillars

What statement below is false regarding vascular disease?
(A) Examples include Dutch elm disease and oak wilt
(B) It is treatable if found in a reasonable timeframe
(C) It effects the flow of water and nutrients
(D) It originates from pathogens entering the plant

Cellulose and lignin are a defense mechanism against predators by what means?
(A) They give off an unfavorable odor
(B) They can’t be digested
(C) They have a poor taste
(D) They are toxic

A tree exhibits wounded areas of the lower trunk and some physical damage to surface roots.
What is the most likely cause of the injury?
(A) Frost
(B) Poor soil conditions
(C) Lawnmower or machinery
(D) Disease

What is not one of the primary functions of the energy produced by photosynthesis?
(A) Maintenance
(B) Growth
(C) Aesthetics
(D) Defense

What statement below is true regarding how a tree’s growth rate and photosynthesis rate will
react to the amount of available resources?
(A) The growth rate will be limited before the photosynthesis rate
(B) The photosynthesis rate will be limited before the growth rate
(C) The photosynthesis rate and growth rate become hindered equally with limited resources
(D) The photosynthesis rate will not be hindered by limited resources

What single resource has the most detrimental effect on a tree’s ability to perform
photosynthesis if limited?
(A) Light
(B) Water
(C) CO2
(D) None of the above

What extract listed below is not an allelochemical classified as a natural insecticide?
(A) Nicotine
(B) Lignin
(C) Rotenone
(D) Neem

A tree is identified as being in the mortality spiral when what has occurred?
(A) The tree has begun to see detrimental stress factors
(B) The tree has seen an isolated but severely detrimental stress factor
(C) Cumulative stress factors have yielded a situation where very few actions can save the tree
(D) Any combination of stress factors has occurred over time

The foundational element of an appropriate response process (ARP) is which of the following?
(A) Monitoring
(B) Immediate action
(C) Establish thresholds
(D) Readily available resources

What is not a characteristic of any organism classified as a pest?
(A) Threatens health or appearance of plants
(B) May also contribute to surrounding landscape
(C) Provides competition to local landscape
(D) Diminishes safety or enjoyment of an area

Key stressors are identified by what criteria?
(A) Universally detrimental site conditions
(B) Retroactive analysis of stress
(C) Identifying local pests and conditions which may be detrimental
(D) Species specific historical stressors

Key plants can be identified by which of the following criteria?
(A) Client specific indications
(B) Specific species
(C) Susceptibility to specific pests
(D) All the above

For a threshold temperature of 50o
, determine the average degree day unit value for
temperatures over a 3-day span of 85o
, 76o
, and 82o
.
(A) 22o
(B) 26o
(C) 31o
(D) 45

What statement regarding landscapes with a monoculture of plantings is true?
(A) They are more susceptible to pest problems
(B) They are less susceptible to pest problems
(C) They are equally as susceptible to pest problems
(D) No correlation exists

What is not one of the three options available for plant health care professionals to manage
pests?
(A) Manage
(B) Eradicate
(C) Suppress
(D) Prevent

What is not a means of biological control for pest populations?
(A) Predators
(B) Pathogens
(C) Parasites
(D) Miticides

After application of pesticides, it is found that the original threat has died off, but a new
contingency of mites has developed as a threat. This development is classified as which of the
following?
(A) Pest insurgence
(B) Pest resurgence
(C) Primary outbreak
(D) Secondary outbreak

What type of alternative pesticide has the potential side effect of phytotoxic injury if used
during dry periods?
(A) Botanical
(B) Microbial
(C) Insecticidal soap
(D) Horticultural oil

When valuing the cost of a tree, when is it most appropriate to use the CTLA trunk formula
method?
(A) The tree is below a specific height
(B) Smaller sized trunks
(C) Larger sized trunks
(D) Excessive number of branches

What type of ordinance would stipulate the requirements of trees that fall within two pieces of
property?
(A) Right-of-way
(B) Permits
(C) List of acceptable species
(D) Tree preservation order

If a threshold temperature is established as 50o
, what is the degree day unit recorded for a day
with a temperature of 30o?
(A) 0o
(B) 20o
(C) -20o
(D) -30o

What is not considered a benefit of trees in an urban setting for environmental advantages?
(A) Improved air quality
(B) Increased runoff for better flow of drainage
(C) Cooling of the air
(D) Better habitats for wildlife

The value of green infrastructure ____________ over time.
(A) Increases
(B) Decreases
(C) Stays stagnant
(D) Has a slight increase and then a gradual decline

A tree is measured to have a drip line to drip line distance of 66 ft. Using a canopy cover
estimation of the tree as a circle, how many trees would it take to cover one acre?
(A) 5
(B) 9
(C) 13
(D) 22

What is the commonly accepted reasonable maximum amount of a single plant family within an
overall tree population?
(A) 10%
(B) 30%
(C) 50%
(D) 60%

What is not a common subcomponent of an urban forest management plan?
(A) Risk management plan
(B) Planting plan
(C) Tree inventory
(D) Emergency response

According to ANSI A300, what is the acceptable situation to remove healthy fonds from a palm
tree?
(A) Too long
(B) Needed for clearance
(C) Non-diseased yellowing fonds
(D) Too short

What ANSI A300 defined pruning system is recommended when the objective is a specific
shape?
(A) Natural
(B) Pollarding
(C) Espalier
(D) Topiary

What elements of a tree is involved in the sequestering of CO2?
(A) Trunk
(B) Branches
(C) Leaves
(D) All of the above

For proper composting, which of the following is not required to be present?
(A) Pathogens
(B) Microorganisms
(C) Water
(D) Oxygen

Tree preservation orders are established and reinforced by which of the following entities?
(A) International code requirements
(B) Federal regulations
(C) Local authorities
(D) Project specific specifications

A town has recently acquired a golf course and is deciding how best to proceed with the land.
The local tree inventory needs to be updated to fully include the newly acquired assets. What
type of inventory needs to occur in this situation?
(A) Random sampling
(B) Partial
(C) Complete
(D) Selective

The generally considered weakest part of a healthy tree is which of the following?
(A) The base of the largest branch
(B) The intersection of codominant stems
(C) The calculated center of gravity
(D) Halfway up the dominant stem

What tree support system material is used for a dynamic support system?
(A) Polypropylene rope
(B) Aircraft cable
(C) 7-strand cable
(D) Extra high strength cable

What is the recommended minimum distance away from the point of defect that a support
cable should be installed?
(A) 1/3 the distance from the point of defect to the end of branch
(B) 2/3 the distance from the point of defect to the end of branch
(C) 2 ft. from the end of the branches
(D) At the point of defect

Multiple cables are being installed on a single limb to provide stability to a defective union
below. What is the minimum distance between the cables on the same limb if the diameter is
8”?
(A) 4”
(B) 8”
(C) 12’
(D) 20”

When installing lag hooks, what is the proper size of the pre-drilled hole?
(A) 1/2 of the diameter of the lag
(B) 1/16 to 1/8 inch smaller than the lag
(C) 1/16 to 1/8 inch larger than the lag
(D) 1/4 to 1/2 inch larger than the lag

What situation below is an acceptable application of the use of lags?
(A) In a decayed portion of a tree
(B) Use in a 7” diameter limb
(C) Partial seated lag
(D) Use in a 12” diameter codominant stem

What is the minimum degree of allowance for the angle between a cable and the installed
hardware on a tree?
(A) 0o
(B) 2o
(C) 5o
(D) 10o

A single rod is to be installed to brace a crotch intersection. The branch diameter is 6” and the
trunk diameter is 14”. What is an acceptable height for the rod be installed above the crotch
intersection?
(A) 3”
(B) 8”
(C) 14”
(D) 20”

The most likely path of electricity exiting a tree due to a lightning strike is which of the
following?
(A) Through the roots
(B) Through the dominant stem
(C) Through the first branch
(D) Through the quickest path possible

What component of a lightning protection system intercepts the strike at the top of the tree?
(A) Conductor
(B) Ground terminal
(C) Air terminal
(D) None of the above

A tree with a crown radius of 25 ft. is having a lightning protection system installed. What is the
required number of conductors?
(A) 0
(B) 1
(C) 2
(D) 3

What statement below is true of a tree’s failure potential?
(A) Related to the complete failure of a specific tree
(B) Is independent of a tree’s species type
(C) Encompasses full and partial failure
(D) Independent of the consequences of failure

The acceptable level of risk for a specific tree is determined by which of the following?
(A) Arborist
(B) Property owner
(C) Local government
(D) National regulations

A tree in a remote area is being evaluated for risk. It is determined that if the tree falls, there is
no significant threat to life or property. What is the appropriate level of risk to be assigned to
the tree?
(A) None
(B) Low
(C) Moderate
(D) High

What decay indicator listed below indicates that decay may be but is not certainly present?
(A) Mushrooms
(B) Brackets
(C) Open cavities
(D) Bulges

Rot located in the lower portion of the trunk or base of the tree is which of the following?
(A) Basal Rot
(B) Heartwood rot
(C) Trunk rot
(D) Sapwood rot

What tool is best suited for the investigation of suspected decay on major support roots?
(A) Air excavation device
(B) Acoustic measurement device
(C) Increment borer
(D) Resistance recording drill

Reaction wood is a tree’s defense mechanism against which of the following?
(A) Physical damage
(B) Lean
(C) Insufficient light
(D) Decay

What inspection element is least likely not associated with the visual tree assessment?
(A) Presence of lean
(B) Buried root decay
(C) Trunk taper
(D) Crown discoloration

What rot type primarily is associated withdecay of the lignin within cells?
(A) White
(B) Soft
(C) Brown
(D) Heartwood

Which of the following statements are true regarding the use of wood fillers to treat decay
cavities?
(A) The wood filler helps to facilitate the growth of healthy wood around the wound
(B) The wood filler is a stronger substitute to the new growth around the wound
(C) The wood filler does little to strengthen the area of decay
(D) Wood filler helps to prevent the spread of decay

When considering the liability of action, negligence occurs when an arborist fails in which of the
following ways?
(A) Failure to provide service which leads to or could prevent injury
(B) Breach of contract with a client
(C) Falsely presenting credentials
(D) Improper identification of assets

An “Act of God“ defense is not suitable for which of the following situations?
(A) A known defect causes the failure of a tree
(B) A surrounding tree to the one in question fails
(C) A storm of greater magnitude than expected occurs
(D) An owner refused recommended service and the tree fails due to a storm

What is not one of the three components of the risk assessment for tree failure?
(A) Potential for failure
(B) Potential target of harm
(C) Environmental factors
(D) Structural assessment

What characteristic of a leaning tree is most detrimental to the stability of the tree?
(A) Potential for continued lean
(B) Presence of obstructions
(C) Evidence of root failure
(D) Presence of reaction wood

When using resistance drilling as a means of evaluation, the resistance drilling profile is
expected to have a linear relationship with which characteristic of the tree?
(A) Depth
(B) Density
(C) Height
(D) Weight

As per the ISA Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form, if a tree is identified as having improbable
failure but a high impact rating what is the subsequent likelihood of failure and impact?
(A) Unlikely
(B) Somewhat likely
(C) Likely
(D) Very Likely

A tree protection zone is being installed on a construction site to protect against damage of a
20-inch diameter tree. What is the minimum diameter of the tree protection zone?
(A) 10 ft.
(B) 15 ft.
(C) 20 ft.
(D) 40 ft.

What mitigation technique can reduce the risk of damage to an area that needs a grade
lowering around a tree?
(A) Pruning
(B) Tree island
(C) Tree protection zone
(D) Mulching

Mulch used for the reduction of compaction resulting from construction shall be:
(A) Thicker than normal applications
(B) Removed after construction is complete
(C) Used in conjunction with additional weight dispersion methods
(D) All of the above

Tunnels necessary to provide utility lines through an area occupied by a tree is best done by
which of the following?
(A) Increasing the depth of soil and tunneling above the root system
(B) Tunnel directly across the root system
(C) Provide a layer of mulching to tunnel through
(D) Tunnel under the tree away from the root system

Compaction during construction has reduced the amount of oxygen available for a tree’s root
system. What mitigation technique is least likely to be effective?
(A) Vertical mulching
(B) Fertilizing
(C) Radial trenching
(D) Air excavator

Which of the following risk characteristics are commonly associated specifically with urban
areas?
(A) Compaction due to foot traffic
(B) Surrounding tree failure
(C) Tree lean
(D) Branches and stems equal in size

Causation in fact is the linking of an injury or damage related to the failure of a tree to which of
the following?
(A) Code compliance
(B) Action of the defendant
(C) Action of the property owner
(D) “Act of God”

What is not a path of failure for a tree that is facing a wind event?
(A) Soil shear
(B) Root tensile break
(C) Root compressive failure
(D) Trunk rotation

A tree’s bark on a limb is damaged by contact with machinery during construction. What is the
most appropriate recommended action?
(A) Take no action
(B) Remove damaged or loose bark
(C) Remove damaged or loose bark and any additional bark on the damaged branch
(D) Remove the limb

What is not considered an advantage to the use of drip irrigation?
(A) Decreases the amount of wastewater
(B) Never becomes clogged
(C) Reduces surface compaction
(D) Reduces runoff

What tree type of the options listed below is least suited for use under utility lines?
(A) Deciduous
(B) Shrubbery
(C) Conifers
(D) Any species that would grow above the wires

What is the ideal time to prune trees which have heavy sap flow?
(A) Spring
(B) Fall
(C) Winter
(D) Any time is acceptable

What is not one of the four requirements for a tree disease?
(A) Susceptible host
(B) Existing deformity
(C) Pathogenic organism
(D) Suitable environment

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ISA Multiple Choice questions Flashcards

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