CATS CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Tree Planting and Establishment Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what depth should a balled-and-burlapped tree be planted according to best arboricultural practice?
- With the root flare at or slightly above existing soil grade (Correct answer)
- Six inches below the surrounding soil grade
- At the top of the rootball regardless of grade
- Twelve inches deep to anchor against wind
Correct answer: With the root flare at or slightly above existing soil grade
Burying the root flare causes bark decay, girdling roots, and decline; keeping it at or above grade ensures oxygen reaches the crown roots.
Question 2: Why is it recommended to remove wire baskets and burlap from rootballs during planting?
- They restrict root expansion and can girdle developing roots (Correct answer)
- They are fully biodegradable and harmless
- They add beneficial nutrients to the soil
- They help reduce transplant shock
Correct answer: They restrict root expansion and can girdle developing roots
Non-degraded wire and burlap can girdle roots and restrict outward growth for years, ultimately weakening tree structure.
Question 3: What is the recommended planting hole width according to ISA and ANSI planting standards?
- Two to three times the diameter of the rootball (Correct answer)
- The same diameter as the rootball
- Six inches wider than the rootball
- As deep as possible to anchor the tree
Correct answer: Two to three times the diameter of the rootball
A wide, shallow hole loosens surrounding soil so new roots can extend easily into the backfill and native soil.
Question 4: Which mulching practice best supports newly planted tree establishment in Albuquerque's dry climate?
- A 3-4 inch deep mulch ring to the drip line, kept away from the trunk (Correct answer)
- Mulch piled in a deep volcano shape against the trunk
- A thin one-inch layer directly over the rootball
- No mulch, since arid soils need to dry quickly
Correct answer: A 3-4 inch deep mulch ring to the drip line, kept away from the trunk
Proper mulch depth conserves soil moisture, moderates temperature, and suppresses weeds without promoting trunk decay.
Question 5: When is staking of a newly planted tree actually recommended?
- Only when the tree cannot stand upright on its own or is on a high-wind site (Correct answer)
- As a standard practice for every tree planted
- Never under any circumstances
- Whenever the planting soil is loose or amended
Correct answer: Only when the tree cannot stand upright on its own or is on a high-wind site
Unnecessary staking prevents trunk taper development and can cause girdling if stakes and ties are left too long.
Question 6: What is the maximum recommended duration for leaving stakes and ties on a newly planted tree?
- One growing season or no more than one year (Correct answer)
- Five years until the tree is fully established
- Indefinitely, since support is always beneficial
- Until the tree reaches ten feet in height
Correct answer: One growing season or no more than one year
Leaving stakes longer than one year inhibits trunk movement needed for taper development and can create wounds from tie friction.
CATS CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Tree Planting and Establishment Questions and Answers 2
At what depth should a balled-and-burlapped tree be planted according to best arboricultural practice?