Certified Arborist Test Urban Forestry 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary benefit of urban trees in reducing the 'heat island effect'?
- They produce oxygen
- They provide shade and cool air through evapotranspiration (Correct answer)
- They block wind
- They absorb noise
Correct answer: They provide shade and cool air through evapotranspiration
Urban trees reduce heat islands through two mechanisms: shade reduces surface heating, and evapotranspiration releases water vapor that cools surrounding air temperatures by 2-9°F.
Question 2: What is the concept of 'right tree, right place' in urban forestry?
- Planting the most expensive tree available
- Selecting a tree species whose mature size, form, and requirements match the planting site conditions (Correct answer)
- Planting trees only in parks, not on streets
- Choosing only native species for all locations
Correct answer: Selecting a tree species whose mature size, form, and requirements match the planting site conditions
Right tree, right place means matching species characteristics (mature height/spread, root behavior, tolerance to pollution, salt, drought) to the specific site conditions and constraints.
Question 3: What is 'canopy cover' and why is it an important urban forestry metric?
- The number of trees per block
- The percentage of land area covered by tree canopy when viewed from above (Correct answer)
- The height of the tallest tree in the city
- The amount of leaf litter collected annually
Correct answer: The percentage of land area covered by tree canopy when viewed from above
Canopy cover (or tree canopy percentage) indicates how much of a city is shaded by trees. It correlates with air quality, stormwater management, property values, and public health outcomes.
Question 4: Why is species diversity important in urban tree planting programs?
- Different species have different colors
- Diversity protects against catastrophic losses from species-specific pests or diseases (Correct answer)
- It's required by federal law
- Diverse plantings grow faster
Correct answer: Diversity protects against catastrophic losses from species-specific pests or diseases
Monoculture plantings are vulnerable to complete devastation from a single pest or disease. The loss of American elms to Dutch elm disease demonstrated why diversity is critical.
Question 5: What role do urban trees play in stormwater management?
- They have no effect on stormwater
- They intercept rainfall, promote infiltration, and reduce runoff volume and peak flow rates (Correct answer)
- They increase flooding by directing water toward storm drains
- They only help in rural watersheds
Correct answer: They intercept rainfall, promote infiltration, and reduce runoff volume and peak flow rates
Urban trees intercept rainfall on leaves and branches, their roots promote soil infiltration, and they absorb water through transpiration — all reducing the volume and speed of stormwater runoff.
Question 6: What is a 'tree ordinance' in the context of urban forestry?
- A court order to remove a specific tree
- A local law governing the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees on public and sometimes private property (Correct answer)
- A federal regulation about national forests
- An insurance policy for tree damage
Correct answer: A local law governing the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees on public and sometimes private property
Tree ordinances are local laws that regulate tree planting, protection, maintenance, and removal. They often include permit requirements for removal and specifications for replacement planting.
Certified Arborist Test Urban Forestry 2
What is the primary benefit of urban trees in reducing the 'heat island effect'?