ISA Certified Arborist — Practice Exam
Urban forestry: practice questions
Our ISA Certified Arborist bank has 18 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
What should be done before digging to plant a tree?
- Call 811 or the locator service to mark underground utilities
- Dig carefully by hand without calling
- Dig carefully by hand, assuming utilities are buried deeper than the hole
- Ask a neighbour where pipes are
Show the answer
A. Call 811 or the locator service to mark underground utilities — Locating utilities is often required by law.
Question 2
How far from distribution lines does ISA's 'low zone' extend?
- 100 feet
- 15 feet on either side of the wires
- 50 feet
- 5 feet
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B. 15 feet on either side of the wires — Low-zone trees should mature at 20 feet or less.
Question 3
Under IRS rules, what is a casualty loss?
- Gradual decline from age
- Any loss of a tree, including gradual decline from age or insects
- Any loss of a tree, for any reason
- A loss from an identifiable event of sudden, unexpected or unusual nature
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D. A loss from an identifiable event of sudden, unexpected or unusual nature — Storms, vehicle accidents, lightning and vandalism are examples.
Question 4
How do trees reduce urban heat islands?
- By increasing pavement temperatures
- By reflecting sunlight off their leaves and storing heat in their trunks
- By shading and cooling the air through transpiration
- By absorbing heat into their bark
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C. By shading and cooling the air through transpiration — Pavement and buildings absorb and re-radiate heat.
Question 5
A tree on your property is hit by a vehicle. What does the Tree Owner's Manual advise first?
- Do nothing unless the tree falls or starts to lean badly
- Remove the tree the same day, before it can fall on anything
- Record the driver's details, photograph the damage and call an arborist
- Paint the wound right away with tree dressing to stop decay
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C. Record the driver's details, photograph the damage and call an arborist — Documentation supports any insurance claim.