CATS Urban Tree Risk Assessment & Mitigation

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a Level 1 tree risk assessment according to ISA standards?

Accepted Answer

A visual assessment from a limited perspective, typically walking or driving by, to identify obvious hazards

Answer

A detailed climbing inspection of every branch and limb

Answer

A laboratory analysis of wood samples for decay organisms

Answer

An aerial drone survey of the entire tree canopy

Question 2

Which of the following is a common indicator of internal wood decay in a standing tree?

Accepted Answer

Fruiting bodies (conks or mushrooms) growing on the trunk

Answer

Dense foliage throughout the canopy

Answer

Bark that is thick and deeply furrowed

Answer

Strong new growth at branch tips

Question 3

What does the term 'target' refer to in tree risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

A person, structure, or area that could be struck by a failing tree or branch

Answer

The specific tree being evaluated for risk

Answer

The ideal pruning cut location on a branch

Answer

The root zone where fertilizer should be applied

Question 4

What is the recommended response when a certified arborist identifies a tree with a high risk of imminent failure near a public sidewalk?

Accepted Answer

Restrict access to the area immediately and schedule prompt mitigation (pruning or removal)

Answer

Monitor the tree for six months to track changes

Answer

Apply fertilizer to strengthen the tree's root system

Answer

Paint the tree with wound sealant to prevent further decay

Question 5

What role does soil conditions play in tree stability assessment in the Albuquerque region?

Accepted Answer

Sandy and clay soils common in the area can affect root anchorage and increase windthrow risk

Answer

Soil type has no impact on tree stability

Answer

Only frozen soil conditions affect tree stability

Answer

Soil matters only for newly planted trees under 2 years old

Question 6

What is a 'codominant stem' and why is it a structural concern in tree risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

Two stems of roughly equal size growing from the same point, often with included bark that weakens the attachment

Answer

A stem that grows faster than all others in the canopy

Answer

The main central leader of a well-structured tree

Answer

A branch that has been topped and is regrowing