ISA Arborist Test 02: Tree Care & Operations

ISA Test 02: Exam Essentials

This exam focuses on Safety Standards, Soil Science, and Structural Support.

Electrical Hazard: Treat all overhead lines as energized. This includes phone and cable lines. They can carry fatal current from contact points elsewhere.
Soil Chemistry: Iron is a micronutrient that becomes locked away in alkaline soils. It is most available to trees when the soil pH is low and acidic.
Wound Dressings: Modern standards show that paints and dressings do not stop decay. They are mostly for looks and can actually trap moisture.
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Q:1A whoopie sling is another name for a(n)
A whoopie sling is a type of adjustable eye-to-eye sling. Arborists use it for rigging and anchoring because it is strong and easy to adjust.
Q:2Which of the following best describes the modern arboricultural view on the use of wound dressings?
Wound dressings do not stop decay or help trees heal. Arborists only use them today to stop insects from spreading oak wilt disease to fresh cuts.
Q:3Using ropes and other equipment to remove limbs or bring down entire trees is known as
Rigging is the controlled lowering of tree parts. It uses ropes and blocks to move heavy wood safely.
Q:4At which of the following soil pH levels would iron be most available?
Iron is a nutrient that trees can only absorb well in acidic soil. Lower pH numbers mean the soil is more acidic.
Q:5For which of the following branches would propping be most appropriate?
Propping is a support method for heavy branches that grow sideways. It helps prevent them from breaking under their own weight.
Q:6What is a potential drawback of applying high-phosphorus starter fertilizers during tree planting without a soil test?
High levels of phosphorus stop helpful fungi from growing on roots. Trees need these fungi to find water. Always test your soil before adding extra nutrients.
Q:7With sprinkler irrigation
If a sprinkler puts out water faster than the ground can soak it up, the water will run off. This wastes water and can cause erosion.
Q:8According to ANSI A300 standards, if an arborist encounters a limb with significant decay or a hollow center at the desired cable attachment point, they should:
Lag hooks need solid wood to hold tight. If the wood is decayed or hollow, you must use through-bolts that go all the way through the stem.
Q:9Trees to be planted under utility lines should be
Choose trees that naturally stay short when planting near power lines. This prevents the need for dangerous or heavy pruning later.
Q:10The climatic factor that determines hardiness zones is
Hardiness zones are based only on the average minimum winter temperature. This tells you if a plant can survive the cold in that area.
Q:11The primary factor in controlling the depth, spread and distribution of tree roots in the soil is the
Roots will only grow where they can find water and oxygen. Soil that is too tight or full of water will stop roots from growing because there is no air.
Q:12Which evergreen trees have needles in bundles?
Pine trees are the only ones on this list with needles in bundles. Other trees like firs and spruces have single needles attached to the branch.
Q:13Fastigiate trees have a growth form that is
Fastigiate trees grow tall and skinny. Their branches grow almost straight up, making the tree look like a column.
Q:14According to Z133 safety standards, which of the following lines should be considered energized and dangerous?
Workers must treat all overhead wires as live and deadly. Telephone lines can carry high voltage if they touch power lines anywhere else on the grid.
Q:15If the grade must be raised on a construction site, a step that may preserve the trees is
Tree wells keep soil away from the bark when the ground level rises. This allows the trunk to get the oxygen it needs to stay alive.
Q:16Staking or guying when planting a tree
Many trees do not need stakes. In fact, letting a tree move in the wind helps it grow a stronger trunk and better roots.
Q:17When irrigating trees
Deep watering once in a while is better than a little bit of water every day. It teaches the roots to grow deep into the ground.
Q:18If a planting hole in a clay soil site is backfilled with sandy soil
Clay holds water like a bowl. If you put sandy soil inside, the water will sit there and cannot escape through the clay walls. This can rot the roots.
Q:19A condition characterized by a cluster of dwarfed shoots on affected twigs is
Witches broom is a messy bunch of twigs that grows from one spot. It is caused by pests or disease and looks like a broom stuck in the tree.
Q:20A soil is at field capacity when
Field capacity is reached when the soil is holding as much water as it can against the pull of gravity. It is the perfect level of moisture for trees.

Test 02 Study Summary

1. The Bathtub Effect Avoid backfilling a clay hole with sandy soil. Water will collect in the hole and drown the tree roots.
2. Field Capacity This is the best state for tree growth. It happens after extra water drains away by gravity but the soil stays moist.
3. Tree Support Only use through-bolts if the wood is decayed. Lag hooks need solid, healthy wood to stay secure.

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