ISA UTILITY SPECIALIST COMPREHENSIVE
STUDY GUIDE 2026 VERIFIED QUESTIONS
AND SOLUTIONS 100% CORRECT
⩥ Which type of cuts are less unacceptable? Answer:internodal cuts
(e.g. topping)
⩥ Which type of cuts are more acceptable? Answer:nodal cuts
(e.g. drop-crotch, thinning)
⩥ Where should the final cut be made for proper utility pruning?
Answer:just outside of the branch bark ridge and the branch collar
⩥ Flush cuts damage which tissues? Answer:the trunk
⩥ Why is utility pruning done? Answer:to maintain safety and rights-of-
way
⩥ Which type of pruning encourages the growth of branches away from
the wires? Answer:directional pruning
, ⩥ What is the maximum amount of foliage that should be removed in
one growing season? Answer:25%
(this is according to ANSI A300)
⩥ When is it acceptable to deviate from the pruning standards?
Answer:during storm restoration
⩥ In the U.S., pruning should be conducted according to __________
__________. Answer:ANSI A300
⩥ Utility pruning removes the leaves and reduces a tree's __________
growth, but remaining __________ may grow more. Answer:overall;
shoots
⩥ Utility pruning is mainly conducted to provide __________ from
power lines. Answer:clearance
⩥ Utility pruning should use __________ & __________ pruning
principals Answer:natural & targeted
⩥ Crown reduction removes main branches to lower limbs no less than
__________ the diameter of the original limb. Answer:1/3
STUDY GUIDE 2026 VERIFIED QUESTIONS
AND SOLUTIONS 100% CORRECT
⩥ Which type of cuts are less unacceptable? Answer:internodal cuts
(e.g. topping)
⩥ Which type of cuts are more acceptable? Answer:nodal cuts
(e.g. drop-crotch, thinning)
⩥ Where should the final cut be made for proper utility pruning?
Answer:just outside of the branch bark ridge and the branch collar
⩥ Flush cuts damage which tissues? Answer:the trunk
⩥ Why is utility pruning done? Answer:to maintain safety and rights-of-
way
⩥ Which type of pruning encourages the growth of branches away from
the wires? Answer:directional pruning
, ⩥ What is the maximum amount of foliage that should be removed in
one growing season? Answer:25%
(this is according to ANSI A300)
⩥ When is it acceptable to deviate from the pruning standards?
Answer:during storm restoration
⩥ In the U.S., pruning should be conducted according to __________
__________. Answer:ANSI A300
⩥ Utility pruning removes the leaves and reduces a tree's __________
growth, but remaining __________ may grow more. Answer:overall;
shoots
⩥ Utility pruning is mainly conducted to provide __________ from
power lines. Answer:clearance
⩥ Utility pruning should use __________ & __________ pruning
principals Answer:natural & targeted
⩥ Crown reduction removes main branches to lower limbs no less than
__________ the diameter of the original limb. Answer:1/3
