Certified Arborist Test Installation and Establishment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended depth for planting a container-grown tree?
- With the root flare 2 inches below grade
- With the root flare at or slightly above grade (Correct answer)
- As deep as the container
- 6 inches deeper than the container
Correct answer: With the root flare at or slightly above grade
The root flare (where roots begin to spread from the trunk) should be at or slightly above the surrounding grade. Planting too deep leads to girdling roots and bark decay.
Question 2: When transplanting a balled-and-burlapped (B&B) tree, what should be done with the wire basket?
- Leave it completely intact
- Remove the entire basket before placing in the hole
- Remove or fold back the top third of the basket after the tree is in the hole (Correct answer)
- Replace it with plastic netting
Correct answer: Remove or fold back the top third of the basket after the tree is in the hole
After positioning the tree, remove or bend back the top third of the wire basket and remove all burlap from the top. This prevents root girdling while maintaining root ball stability during planting.
Question 3: What is the ideal mulch depth around a newly planted tree?
- 1 inch
- 2-4 inches (Correct answer)
- 6-8 inches
- 12 inches
Correct answer: 2-4 inches
2-4 inches of mulch is ideal. It conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds. More than 4 inches can cause moisture problems and attract rodents.
Question 4: Why should mulch be kept away from the trunk of a newly planted tree?
- It makes the tree look unkempt
- It can cause bark decay, pest habitat, and girdling roots (Correct answer)
- It blocks sunlight from reaching the roots
- It prevents the tree from absorbing water
Correct answer: It can cause bark decay, pest habitat, and girdling roots
Mulch piled against the trunk (volcano mulching) keeps bark constantly moist, promoting decay, providing habitat for bark-boring insects, and encouraging girdling roots to form above the root flare.
Question 5: How often should a newly planted tree be watered during its first growing season?
- Once a month
- Daily for the entire season
- Deeply 2-3 times per week, adjusting for rainfall and soil conditions (Correct answer)
- Only when leaves begin to wilt
Correct answer: Deeply 2-3 times per week, adjusting for rainfall and soil conditions
New trees need deep, regular watering — typically 2-3 times per week depending on soil type, weather, and rainfall. Shallow frequent watering encourages surface roots.
Question 6: What is the purpose of staking a newly planted tree?
- To make the tree grow taller faster
- To provide temporary support until roots establish, allowing some trunk movement (Correct answer)
- To prevent all trunk movement permanently
- To keep the tree perfectly vertical for aesthetic purposes
Correct answer: To provide temporary support until roots establish, allowing some trunk movement
Staking provides temporary support while roots establish. Some trunk movement is essential because it stimulates caliper growth and taper development. Stakes should be removed within 1-2 growing seasons.
Certified Arborist Test Installation and Establishment 2
What is the recommended depth for planting a container-grown tree?