ISA Arborist Test 01: Tree Care & Climbing

ISA Test 01: Key Themes

This exam focuses on Safety Gear, Pruning Cuts, and Climbing Techniques.

Danger: Never perform a flush cut. Removing the branch collar causes permanent damage to the trunk.
Facts: Mycorrhizae are beneficial fungi. They increase the root surface area to help trees find more water.
Tech Note: Always check your bend ratio on pulleys. Using a rope that is too thick for the pulley will weaken the fibers.
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Q:1In which of the following scenarios would double-crotching be useful?
Double-crotching uses two attachment points. This gives the climber more balance. It is helpful when moving through a wide canopy.
Q:2Which device helps stop a cable from wearing out where it connects to hardware?
A thimble is a metal loop. It sits inside the eye of a cable. It stops the metal from rubbing and wearing thin.
Q:3What is a bad result of lion tailing according to ANSI A300 standards?
Lion tailing removes too many inner branches. This moves all the weight to the ends. Wind then whips the branches harder.
Q:4A branch is tip-tied with the rope held at the trunk. Which part usually falls away from the cut?
Tip-tying holds the outer end of the branch. The heavy butt end falls down while the tip stays held by the rope.
Q:5Mycorrhizae are helpful relationships between tree roots and what?
Mycorrhizae are fungi that live on roots. They help the tree soak up water. In return, the tree gives the fungi sugar.
Q:6Which practice breaks ANSI A300 rules by cutting limbs to stubs?
Topping is cutting large branches into stubs. It is bad for trees. It causes weak growth and lets rot enter the trunk.
Q:7Which tool is best for connections that you rarely need to open?
Screw links must be tightened with a wrench. They are for long-term use. They are not for things you open and close often.
Q:8What is NOT part of gymnosperm wood?
Sieve tube elements exist in the phloem of flowering trees. Gymnosperms like pines use different cells to move nutrients through the wood.
Q:9A pulley is 3 inches wide and the rope is 1 inch wide. What is the bend ratio?
The bend ratio compares the pulley size to the rope size. Since the pulley is three times bigger, the ratio is three to one.
Q:10In the name Castanea dentata, what does Castanea mean?
The first name in a tree species is the genus. The second name is the specific epithet.
Q:11What should you do when planting a tree in heavy clay soil?
Clay soil holds too much water. Planting a few inches high helps the tree breathe. It prevents the roots from drowning.
Q:12How does a Douglas-fir differ from a Balsam fir?
These two trees belong to the same plant family. However, they have different genus names and the Douglas-fir is not a true fir.
Q:13Where should you make the final cut when removing a live branch?
Cutting outside the collar helps the tree heal. A flush cut hurts the trunk. A stub cut lets rot enter.
Q:14How can you add extra support when cabling a tree with many stems?
Triangular cabling is the strongest method. It shares the weight between three or more branches.
Q:15Which knot makes two adjustable loops for an emergency harness?
The bowline on a bight creates two loops that do not slip. You can use these as leg loops if a harness fails.
Q:16Why do cicadas cause twigs to die?
Cicadas cut slits in twigs to lay eggs. This damage stops water from moving through the twig. This causes the end to die.
Q:17During a rescue, what is the first priority once you reach the victim?
Climbers must check the airway and breathing first. This step ensures the victim can breathe before the rescuer starts the descent to the ground.
Q:18What does drop crotch pruning mean?
This is also called a reduction cut. You cut a branch back to a side branch. The side branch must be big enough.
Q:19What usually stops a tree from taking in fertilizer right away?
Trees only drink nutrients if they are dissolved in water. If the soil is dry, the roots cannot pull fertilizer in.
Q:20What is a false crotch?
A false crotch is a tool like a pulley. You hang it in the tree to run your ropes through. It reduces friction.

Test 01 Study Summary

1. Proper Rigging A thimble is vital for cable life. It prevents the metal from wearing down at the connection point.
2. Tree Health Topping is a banned practice. It creates weak stubs that rot quickly and lead to branch failure.
3. Soil Management In heavy clay, plant trees slightly shallow. This ensures the roots get enough oxygen to survive.

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