LOUISIANA ARBORIST EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026
Discuss the differences between "flush cuts" and proper
cuts made to outer portions of branch collar. How do "flush
cuts" affect growth? -correct Answer -A proper cut leaves
the branch bark ridge, branch collar, and swollen collar in
tact. It enables the cut to close in a circular fashion. Flush
cuts remove it and opens the tree to decay by removing
dead wood which branch defense zones form.
Explain thinning cut and describe how they will affect the
tree. -correct Answer -It is removing the branch back to
the lateral branch, large enough to assume terminal role. It
opens the tree, reduces weight, reduces height, and
retains its shape.
Discuss Shingo's theory of walling off infections in trees
called CODIT (Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees). -
correct Answer -1) Trees are highly compartmentalized.
2) If the tree is wounded, it will heal itself by walling itself
off from injury.
How will pruning a tree at time of transplanting affect tree
growth? -correct Answer -It decreases root growth. You
should avoid pruning except for broken or damaged limbs.
Are there advantages of pruning a tree at planting time? -
correct Answer -No
,What is the major objective in crown cleaning? -correct
Answer -It removes dead, diseased, and dying crowded or
wealdy attached limbs from the crown. the objective is to
correct small growth problems before they get big growth
problems.
Name five methods used to apply fertilization to trees. -
correct Answer -Broadcasting, drill hole, injection, foliar
application, and implants
Are wound dressings or paint recommended after making
pruning cuts? Why? -correct Answer -No, studies show it
does no good.
What is the purpose of crown restoration? -correct
Answer -Improves structure and appearance of improperly
pruned or storm-damaged trees by encouraging new
growth.
List 3 ways cavities are started in trees. -correct Answer -
Insects, lightning, and wounds.
What is the definition of a tree? -correct Answer -A woody
perennial with one or several trunks which grow higher
than 12-15 ft in height.
List five species of trees to plant under a power line. -
correct Answer -Crape myrtle, chaste tree, red bud, silver
bell, dogwood.
,If you want to fertilize a tree by broadcasting 4 lbs. of
actual nitrogen and want to use 16-4-8 fertilizer, how often
would you apply it over 1000 sq. ft. in one year? -correct
Answer -1 lb. of Nitrogen / .16 (N in fertilizer) = 6.25 lbs
per 1,000 ft.
6.25 lbs of Fertilizer x 4 lbs of N = 25 lbs of Fertilizer
annually.
6.25 lbs. of 16-4-8 fertilizer should be applied 4 times a
year.
List the most important pieces of safety equipment when
using a chainsaw. -correct Answer -Safety glasses,
earplugs, face shield, hard hat, leg protection, and boots.
List the major parts of a tree and their function. -correct
Answer -Leaves - photosynthesis, transpiration.
Trunk/Stems - conduct, support, storage.
Roots - anchorage, absorbing, storage, conduction.
Flowers - reproduction.
Fruit-ripened seed, pistil
What is the most critical time after transplanting a tree and
why? -correct Answer -The 1st year to focus on root
establishment.
What are the benefits of mulching a young tree? -correct
Answer -To conserve moisture, reduce competition from
weeds and grass, improve soil structure, and aesthetic
value.
, List 3 benefits of mulch. -correct Answer -1) Retains
moisture.
2) Reduces weeds.
3) Insulates roots.
Why is the use of spurs prohibited on living trees? -
correct Answer -It causes wounds and damages the tree.
What is chlorosis in a tree and how is it treated? -correct
Answer -The yellowing of leaves can be treated with
Manganese.
Why is it recommended to use a block when lowering a
heavy limb? -correct Answer -To carry the load and
reduce injury to a crotch from a climber's line.
Describe how to cut down a large limb. -correct Answer -
Place the rigging point above the work, tie the limb at the
butt, then cut and lower the limb to the ground.
What other activities can a climbing rope be used for? -
correct Answer -To secure a climber to the tree for use of
2-hands, to swing, and for rescue.
Distinguish between narrow and wide crotch angles.
Could either harm the tree? -correct Answer -Crotch
angles are where branches fork, or where a main limb
joins the trunk.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026
Discuss the differences between "flush cuts" and proper
cuts made to outer portions of branch collar. How do "flush
cuts" affect growth? -correct Answer -A proper cut leaves
the branch bark ridge, branch collar, and swollen collar in
tact. It enables the cut to close in a circular fashion. Flush
cuts remove it and opens the tree to decay by removing
dead wood which branch defense zones form.
Explain thinning cut and describe how they will affect the
tree. -correct Answer -It is removing the branch back to
the lateral branch, large enough to assume terminal role. It
opens the tree, reduces weight, reduces height, and
retains its shape.
Discuss Shingo's theory of walling off infections in trees
called CODIT (Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees). -
correct Answer -1) Trees are highly compartmentalized.
2) If the tree is wounded, it will heal itself by walling itself
off from injury.
How will pruning a tree at time of transplanting affect tree
growth? -correct Answer -It decreases root growth. You
should avoid pruning except for broken or damaged limbs.
Are there advantages of pruning a tree at planting time? -
correct Answer -No
,What is the major objective in crown cleaning? -correct
Answer -It removes dead, diseased, and dying crowded or
wealdy attached limbs from the crown. the objective is to
correct small growth problems before they get big growth
problems.
Name five methods used to apply fertilization to trees. -
correct Answer -Broadcasting, drill hole, injection, foliar
application, and implants
Are wound dressings or paint recommended after making
pruning cuts? Why? -correct Answer -No, studies show it
does no good.
What is the purpose of crown restoration? -correct
Answer -Improves structure and appearance of improperly
pruned or storm-damaged trees by encouraging new
growth.
List 3 ways cavities are started in trees. -correct Answer -
Insects, lightning, and wounds.
What is the definition of a tree? -correct Answer -A woody
perennial with one or several trunks which grow higher
than 12-15 ft in height.
List five species of trees to plant under a power line. -
correct Answer -Crape myrtle, chaste tree, red bud, silver
bell, dogwood.
,If you want to fertilize a tree by broadcasting 4 lbs. of
actual nitrogen and want to use 16-4-8 fertilizer, how often
would you apply it over 1000 sq. ft. in one year? -correct
Answer -1 lb. of Nitrogen / .16 (N in fertilizer) = 6.25 lbs
per 1,000 ft.
6.25 lbs of Fertilizer x 4 lbs of N = 25 lbs of Fertilizer
annually.
6.25 lbs. of 16-4-8 fertilizer should be applied 4 times a
year.
List the most important pieces of safety equipment when
using a chainsaw. -correct Answer -Safety glasses,
earplugs, face shield, hard hat, leg protection, and boots.
List the major parts of a tree and their function. -correct
Answer -Leaves - photosynthesis, transpiration.
Trunk/Stems - conduct, support, storage.
Roots - anchorage, absorbing, storage, conduction.
Flowers - reproduction.
Fruit-ripened seed, pistil
What is the most critical time after transplanting a tree and
why? -correct Answer -The 1st year to focus on root
establishment.
What are the benefits of mulching a young tree? -correct
Answer -To conserve moisture, reduce competition from
weeds and grass, improve soil structure, and aesthetic
value.
, List 3 benefits of mulch. -correct Answer -1) Retains
moisture.
2) Reduces weeds.
3) Insulates roots.
Why is the use of spurs prohibited on living trees? -
correct Answer -It causes wounds and damages the tree.
What is chlorosis in a tree and how is it treated? -correct
Answer -The yellowing of leaves can be treated with
Manganese.
Why is it recommended to use a block when lowering a
heavy limb? -correct Answer -To carry the load and
reduce injury to a crotch from a climber's line.
Describe how to cut down a large limb. -correct Answer -
Place the rigging point above the work, tie the limb at the
butt, then cut and lower the limb to the ground.
What other activities can a climbing rope be used for? -
correct Answer -To secure a climber to the tree for use of
2-hands, to swing, and for rescue.
Distinguish between narrow and wide crotch angles.
Could either harm the tree? -correct Answer -Crotch
angles are where branches fork, or where a main limb
joins the trunk.
