ISA Tree Pruning Practices 2

Question 1

What is the branch bark ridge and how does it guide proper pruning cut placement?

Accepted Answer

It is a ridge of compressed bark at the upper junction of a branch and trunk that helps identify the branch collar and the correct angle for the final pruning cut — cuts should be made just outside it

Answer

It is a raised line of bark on the upper side of a branch union indicating where to make a flush cut

Answer

It is damaged bark that should be removed during pruning

Answer

It is the ridge at the base of the trunk where roots begin

Question 2

How should pruning priorities differ between a young, recently planted tree and a mature established tree?

Accepted Answer

Young trees should receive structural pruning to develop good form and strong attachments; mature trees primarily need crown cleaning, hazard reduction, and maintenance of existing structure

Answer

Both should receive the same type and amount of pruning

Answer

Young trees should never be pruned; mature trees should be heavily pruned annually

Answer

Young trees need crown reduction; mature trees need crown raising

Question 3

What is the significance of the 'aspect ratio' in evaluating the safety of a branch attachment?

Accepted Answer

It compares the diameter of the branch to the diameter of the trunk at the point of attachment — ratios approaching 1:1 (codominant) indicate weaker attachments

Answer

It measures the length of the branch relative to its diameter

Answer

It measures the angle of the branch relative to horizontal

Answer

It calculates the weight of the branch relative to the whole tree

Question 4

When is it appropriate to use wound paint or wound sealant on a pruning cut?

Accepted Answer

Generally never, except on fresh wounds on oaks in regions with active oak wilt during the high-risk transmission season

Answer

On every pruning cut to prevent decay

Answer

Only on cuts larger than 4 inches in diameter

Answer

Only on conifer species to prevent pitch flow

Question 5

What factors should an arborist evaluate when deciding the pruning cycle for a specific tree?

Accepted Answer

Growth rate, structural condition, proximity to targets, site conditions, age class, previous pruning history, and client objectives

Answer

Only the species of the tree

Answer

Only the time since the last pruning

Answer

Only the height and diameter of the tree

Question 6

What is 'drop crotching' and how does it relate to proper crown reduction?

Accepted Answer

Making reduction cuts back to lateral branches large enough to assume the terminal role, effectively lowering the crown while maintaining branch structure

Answer

Removing the main crotch of the tree to prevent splitting

Answer

Dropping cut branches into the crotch of the tree for later removal

Answer

A technique for splitting logs using a wedge