ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) — Practice Exam
Pruning: practice questions
Our ISA Board Certified Master Arborist bank has 21 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
In crown reduction, what size lateral should a stem be cut back to?
- At least one-third the diameter of the stem removed
- At least twice the diameter of the stem removed, so the lateral can take over
- One-tenth the diameter
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A. At least one-third the diameter of the stem removed — USDA Forest Service guidance.
Question 2
Which pruning objectives does the BCMA outline list?
- Structure, risk mitigation, clearance, sanitation, restoration, density reduction, size management and more
- Topping and hat-racking for size control, plus lion-tailing to open up the crown
- Only fruit production
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A. Structure, risk mitigation, clearance, sanitation, restoration, density reduction, size management and more — Objectives guide written specifications.
Question 3
Why should tools be sanitized between cuts on diseased trees?
- Sanitizing sharpens tools
- Sanitizing keeps the blades sharp and stops sap from building up on the cutting edge
- It is only for appearance
- Pathogens on tools can enter fresh wounds on healthy trees
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D. Pathogens on tools can enter fresh wounds on healthy trees — 70% alcohol or 1:9 bleach, per the USDA Forest Service.
Question 4
What does lion's tailing do to branches, per the USDA Forest Service risk guide?
- It reduces wind sway
- Long, thin limbs with end-weighted foliage whip and may fail
- It makes branches stronger and thicker by moving their growth toward the trunk
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B. Long, thin limbs with end-weighted foliage whip and may fail — Removing inner branches adds length and less bulk.
Question 5
What is the only benefit of wound dressings, per the USDA Forest Service?
- Stopping decay in every species after every cut, which is why it is applied routinely
- Improving appearance only
- Preventing pathogen introduction in Dutch elm disease and oak wilt cases
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C. Preventing pathogen introduction in Dutch elm disease and oak wilt cases — Elsewhere they are unnecessary and may hinder closure.