semplr.

Exams · Certifications · Licensing

ISA Certified Arborist — Practice Exam

Tree risk: practice questions

Our ISA Certified Arborist bank has 37 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

Start the free mock exam

Question 1

Which seven defect types does the USDA Forest Service hazard guide recognize?

  1. Leaf spots, galls, scale, mites, borers, rust and wilt
  2. Insects, disease, drought, frost, wind, lightning and fire
  3. Dead wood, cracks, weak unions, decay, cankers, roots, architecture
  4. Lean, height, age, species, soil, slope and spacing
Show the answer

C. Dead wood, cracks, weak unions, decay, cankers, roots, architecture — Multiple defects close together on the main stem suggest the tree is extremely hazardous.

Question 2

When should an individual tree risk inspection not be done, according to the USDA Forest Service guide?

  1. When snow cover prevents examining the root collar area
  2. When the tree is leafless
  3. During the growing season
  4. On weekdays
Show the answer

A. When snow cover prevents examining the root collar area — Otherwise inspections can be done any time of year.

Question 3

What is a drive-by (windshield) survey best used for in tree risk management?

  1. Detailed assessment of internal decay and cavities
  2. Quick scoping of obvious hazards and storm damage
  3. Replacing all walk-by inspections
  4. Measuring root plate movement
Show the answer

B. Quick scoping of obvious hazards and storm damage — Two people should be in the vehicle: one to drive and one to assess and record.

Question 4

How does the USDA Forest Service define a 'hazard tree'?

  1. Any tree that stands within striking distance of a building
  2. Any tree taller than 50 feet, whatever its condition
  3. Any tree with visible insect damage on its leaves or bark
  4. A tree with structural defects likely to fail onto a target
Show the answer

D. A tree with structural defects likely to fail onto a target — A defective tree isn't hazardous unless part of it could strike a target.

Question 5

What does 'poor taper' mean as a defect?

  1. A trunk that narrows normally from the base toward the top of the tree
  2. Roots that taper into the soil
  3. Weight concentrated near branch ends, making them prone to failure
  4. Leaves that are smaller at the tips
Show the answer

C. Weight concentrated near branch ends, making them prone to failure — Over-thinning (lion-tailing) can create poor taper.

More ISA Certified Arborist topics