CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Pruning Standards and Cuts Questions and Answers

Question 1

When performing a reduction cut according to ANSI A300 standards, the remaining lateral branch should be at least what proportion of the diameter of the branch being removed?

Accepted Answer

One-third

Answer

One-quarter

Answer

One-half

Answer

Equal in size

Question 2

An arborist in Albuquerque is tasked with removing a large, heavy limb from a mature Siberian elm. To prevent the bark from tearing down the trunk, which of the following is the most critical first step?

Accepted Answer

Make a shallow undercut several inches away from the trunk.

Answer

Make the final cut just outside the branch collar.

Answer

Use a chainsaw with a sharp chain.

Answer

Cut the limb from the top down in one single motion.

Question 3

Which of the following pruning practices is explicitly forbidden under ANSI A300 standards?

Accepted Answer

Leaving a flush cut by removing the branch collar

Answer

Crown cleaning

Answer

Making a heading cut on a young branch

Answer

Removing more than 30% of the foliage in one year

Question 4

A subordination cut is a type of reduction cut used specifically to:

Accepted Answer

Slow the growth of a competing co-dominant stem to encourage a single leader.

Answer

Remove all interior branches, also known as 'lion's-tailing'.

Answer

Reduce the height of the entire tree uniformly, also known as 'topping'.

Answer

Raise the crown by removing the lowest branches of the tree.

Question 5

When making a final pruning cut to remove a branch from the trunk, what two anatomical features are the primary guides for the correct angle and placement?

Accepted Answer

The branch collar and the branch bark ridge.

Answer

The terminal bud and the lateral buds.

Answer

The heartwood and the sapwood.

Answer

The lenticels and the leaf scars.

Question 6

According to the City of Albuquerque's general practices and common arboricultural standards, when is the optimal time to perform significant structural pruning on most deciduous trees?

Accepted Answer

In the dormant season, typically late winter (e.g., February-March).

Answer

During the hottest part of the summer (August).

Answer

In late spring, after the leaves have fully emerged.

Answer

In the middle of the fall, as leaves are changing color.