CTSP Risk Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When assessing a tree near a structure, which condition most significantly increases the risk of failure?
- Presence of epicormic sprouts
- Co-dominant stems with included bark (Correct answer)
- Minor surface root flare
- Light lichen growth on bark
Correct answer: Co-dominant stems with included bark
Co-dominant stems with included bark create a weak attachment zone prone to splitting under load.
Question 2: A CTSP is assessing a tree after a severe ice storm. Which part of the tree should be inspected FIRST for structural compromise?
- Leaf canopy
- Major branch unions and scaffold limbs (Correct answer)
- Surface roots
- Bark texture
Correct answer: Major branch unions and scaffold limbs
Major branch unions and scaffold limbs bear the greatest load during ice events and are most prone to failure.
Question 3: What does the term 'target' refer to in the context of tree risk assessment?
- The tree species being evaluated
- People, property, or activities that could be struck by a falling tree or limb (Correct answer)
- The zone of visual inspection
- The area treated with pesticides
Correct answer: People, property, or activities that could be struck by a falling tree or limb
In risk assessment, a target is any person, property, or activity that could be harmed if a tree or part fails.
Question 4: Which assessment method involves lightly tapping the trunk with a mallet to detect internal decay?
- Resistograph drilling
- Sonic tomography
- Sound testing (sounding) (Correct answer)
- Increment boring
Correct answer: Sound testing (sounding)
Sound testing (sounding) uses a mallet to detect hollow areas by the change in resonance.
Question 5: A tree shows crown dieback affecting 40% of its canopy. What does this most likely indicate?
- Normal seasonal dormancy
- Significant root or vascular system stress (Correct answer)
- Healthy compartmentalization
- Recent successful pruning
Correct answer: Significant root or vascular system stress
Dieback affecting 40% of the crown signals serious root dysfunction, disease, or vascular failure.
Question 6: Which factor is considered when evaluating the 'likelihood of failure' in tree risk assessment?
- Property value of adjacent buildings
- Tree height relative to neighboring trees
- Structural defects, tree condition, and loading factors (Correct answer)
- Species popularity in the region
Correct answer: Structural defects, tree condition, and loading factors
Likelihood of failure is assessed by examining structural defects, overall tree condition, and anticipated loads such as wind and ice.
Question 7: During a risk assessment, a CTSP finds a large cavity in the base of a mature oak. What is the most critical next step?
- Immediately remove the tree
- Determine the extent of cavity and remaining sound wood thickness (Correct answer)
- Fill the cavity with concrete
- Apply a wound sealant to the opening
Correct answer: Determine the extent of cavity and remaining sound wood thickness
Determining cavity extent and remaining sound wood thickness helps quantify structural loss before deciding on action.
CTSP Risk Assessment 2
When assessing a tree near a structure, which condition most significantly increases the risk of failure?