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? - (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. - (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). - (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? - (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? - (ANSWER)No
What is the major objective in crown cleaning? - (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. - (ANSWER)Broadcasting, drill hole, injection,
foliar application, and implants
Are wound dressings or paint recommended after making pruning cuts? Why? - (ANSWER)No, studies
show it does no good.
What is the purpose of crown restoration? - (ANSWER)Improves structure and appearance of improperly
pruned or storm-damaged trees by encouraging new growth.
List 3 ways cavities are started in trees. - (ANSWER)Insects, lightning, and wounds.
,LOUISIANA ARBORIST EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
What is the definition of a tree? - (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. - (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? - (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. - (ANSWER)Safety glasses,
earplugs, face shield, hard hat, leg protection, and boots.
List the major parts of a tree and their function. - (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? - (ANSWER)The 1st year to focus on
root establishment.
What are the benefits of mulching a young tree? - (ANSWER)To conserve moisture, reduce competition
from weeds and grass, improve soil structure, and aesthetic value.
List 3 benefits of mulch. - (ANSWER)1) Retains moisture.
, LOUISIANA ARBORIST EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
2) Reduces weeds.
3) Insulates roots.
Why is the use of spurs prohibited on living trees? - (ANSWER)It causes wounds and damages the tree.
What is chlorosis in a tree and how is it treated? - (ANSWER)The yellowing of leaves can be treated with
Manganese.
Why is it recommended to use a block when lowering a heavy limb? - (ANSWER)To carry the load and
reduce injury to a crotch from a climber's line.
Describe how to cut down a large limb. - (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? - (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? - (ANSWER)Crotch
angles are where branches fork, or where a main limb joins the trunk.
Narrow Crotch angles (Tight) are where the angle between two branches is too narrow (less than 45
degrees). they can lead to structure weaknesses and tree failure
Wide Crotch angles (Strong) are where the angle between the two branches 45 degrees or more.
Describe Xylem and Phloem, and their function. - (ANSWER)Plants have tissues to transport water,
nutrients and minerals.
Xylem transports water and mineral salts from the roots up to other parts of the plant.
Discuss the differences between "flush cuts" and proper cuts made to outer portions of branch collar.
How do "flush cuts" affect growth? - (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. - (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). - (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? - (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? - (ANSWER)No
What is the major objective in crown cleaning? - (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. - (ANSWER)Broadcasting, drill hole, injection,
foliar application, and implants
Are wound dressings or paint recommended after making pruning cuts? Why? - (ANSWER)No, studies
show it does no good.
What is the purpose of crown restoration? - (ANSWER)Improves structure and appearance of improperly
pruned or storm-damaged trees by encouraging new growth.
List 3 ways cavities are started in trees. - (ANSWER)Insects, lightning, and wounds.
,LOUISIANA ARBORIST EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
What is the definition of a tree? - (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. - (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? - (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. - (ANSWER)Safety glasses,
earplugs, face shield, hard hat, leg protection, and boots.
List the major parts of a tree and their function. - (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? - (ANSWER)The 1st year to focus on
root establishment.
What are the benefits of mulching a young tree? - (ANSWER)To conserve moisture, reduce competition
from weeds and grass, improve soil structure, and aesthetic value.
List 3 benefits of mulch. - (ANSWER)1) Retains moisture.
, LOUISIANA ARBORIST EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
2) Reduces weeds.
3) Insulates roots.
Why is the use of spurs prohibited on living trees? - (ANSWER)It causes wounds and damages the tree.
What is chlorosis in a tree and how is it treated? - (ANSWER)The yellowing of leaves can be treated with
Manganese.
Why is it recommended to use a block when lowering a heavy limb? - (ANSWER)To carry the load and
reduce injury to a crotch from a climber's line.
Describe how to cut down a large limb. - (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? - (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? - (ANSWER)Crotch
angles are where branches fork, or where a main limb joins the trunk.
Narrow Crotch angles (Tight) are where the angle between two branches is too narrow (less than 45
degrees). they can lead to structure weaknesses and tree failure
Wide Crotch angles (Strong) are where the angle between the two branches 45 degrees or more.
Describe Xylem and Phloem, and their function. - (ANSWER)Plants have tissues to transport water,
nutrients and minerals.
Xylem transports water and mineral salts from the roots up to other parts of the plant.
