California Urban Forestry Technician
Certification Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary benefit of urban trees in mitigating climate
change?
A. Aesthetic appeal
B. Carbon sequestration
C. Pest control
D. Noise reduction
Carbon sequestration allows trees to absorb carbon dioxide, a key
greenhouse gas, reducing the impact of climate change.
2. Which soil type has the best drainage characteristics for urban tree
planting?
A. Clay
B. Silt
C. Sandy loam
D. Peat
Sandy loam offers good aeration and drainage, making it suitable for
urban trees.
,3. Which is a recommended pruning practice for young urban trees?
A. Topping
B. Structural pruning
C. Flush cutting
D. Over-pruning
Structural pruning helps establish a strong branch framework and
reduces future maintenance.
4. What does DBH stand for in tree measurements?
A. Depth Below Horticulture
B. Directional Base Height
C. Diameter at Breast Height
D. Double Bark Hardness
DBH is the standard method for measuring tree trunk diameter,
typically at 4.5 feet above ground.
5. Which of the following is a sign of root girdling?
A. Early leaf drop
B. Leaf scorch
C. Decline in vigor with visible roots circling the base
D. Bark splitting
Girdling roots wrap around the trunk or other roots, restricting water
and nutrient flow.
6. What is the purpose of a tree inventory in urban forestry?
A. Identify invasive plants
B. Catalog trees for management and planning
C. Estimate annual rainfall
D. Measure air quality
A tree inventory provides data for making informed urban forest
management decisions.
, 7. Which tree species is most tolerant of urban pollution?
A. Sugar maple
B. Ginkgo biloba
C. White pine
D. Red cedar
Ginkgo biloba is known for its resilience to urban stressors including
pollution.
8. A tree’s critical root zone (CRZ) is usually defined by:
A. Twice the tree height
B. The width of the canopy
C. 1 foot of radius per inch of DBH
D. 5 feet from the trunk
The CRZ is crucial to protect during construction to maintain tree
health.
9. What is a common reason for tree failure in urban settings?
A. Overwatering
B. Insect damage
C. Root damage during construction
D. High humidity
Construction activities often damage roots, destabilizing trees and
leading to failure.
10. ISA stands for:
A. International Soil Association
B. Integrated Silviculture Authority
C. International Society of Arboriculture
D. Institute for Sustainable Agriculture
ISA is the leading professional organization for arborists and tree
care professionals.
Certification Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary benefit of urban trees in mitigating climate
change?
A. Aesthetic appeal
B. Carbon sequestration
C. Pest control
D. Noise reduction
Carbon sequestration allows trees to absorb carbon dioxide, a key
greenhouse gas, reducing the impact of climate change.
2. Which soil type has the best drainage characteristics for urban tree
planting?
A. Clay
B. Silt
C. Sandy loam
D. Peat
Sandy loam offers good aeration and drainage, making it suitable for
urban trees.
,3. Which is a recommended pruning practice for young urban trees?
A. Topping
B. Structural pruning
C. Flush cutting
D. Over-pruning
Structural pruning helps establish a strong branch framework and
reduces future maintenance.
4. What does DBH stand for in tree measurements?
A. Depth Below Horticulture
B. Directional Base Height
C. Diameter at Breast Height
D. Double Bark Hardness
DBH is the standard method for measuring tree trunk diameter,
typically at 4.5 feet above ground.
5. Which of the following is a sign of root girdling?
A. Early leaf drop
B. Leaf scorch
C. Decline in vigor with visible roots circling the base
D. Bark splitting
Girdling roots wrap around the trunk or other roots, restricting water
and nutrient flow.
6. What is the purpose of a tree inventory in urban forestry?
A. Identify invasive plants
B. Catalog trees for management and planning
C. Estimate annual rainfall
D. Measure air quality
A tree inventory provides data for making informed urban forest
management decisions.
, 7. Which tree species is most tolerant of urban pollution?
A. Sugar maple
B. Ginkgo biloba
C. White pine
D. Red cedar
Ginkgo biloba is known for its resilience to urban stressors including
pollution.
8. A tree’s critical root zone (CRZ) is usually defined by:
A. Twice the tree height
B. The width of the canopy
C. 1 foot of radius per inch of DBH
D. 5 feet from the trunk
The CRZ is crucial to protect during construction to maintain tree
health.
9. What is a common reason for tree failure in urban settings?
A. Overwatering
B. Insect damage
C. Root damage during construction
D. High humidity
Construction activities often damage roots, destabilizing trees and
leading to failure.
10. ISA stands for:
A. International Soil Association
B. Integrated Silviculture Authority
C. International Society of Arboriculture
D. Institute for Sustainable Agriculture
ISA is the leading professional organization for arborists and tree
care professionals.
