Louisiana Arborist Exam Updated 2025 ll ll ll ll
Discuss the differences between "flush cuts" and proper cuts made to outer portions of
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branch collar. How do "flush cuts" affect growth? - Correct answersA proper cut leaves the
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
branch bark ridge, branch collar, and swollen collar in tact. It enables the cut to close in a
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
circular fashion. Flush cuts remove it and opens the tree to decay by removing dead wood
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
which branch defense zones form.
ll ll ll ll ll
Explain thinning cut and describe how they will affect the tree. - Correct answersIt is
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
removing the branch back to the lateral branch, large enough to assume terminal role. It
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
opens the tree, reduces weight, reduces height, and retains its shape.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Discuss Shingo's theory of walling off infections in trees called CODIT
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
(Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees). - Correct answers1) Trees are highly
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compartmentalized.
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2) If the tree is wounded, it will heal itself by walling itself off from injury.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
How will pruning a tree at time of transplanting affect tree growth? - Correct answersIt
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decreases root growth. You should avoid pruning except for broken or damaged limbs.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll Are there advantages of pruning a tree at planting time? - Correct answersNo
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
W hat is the major objective in crown cleaning? - Correct answersIt removes dead, diseased,
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
and dying crowded or wealdy attached limbs from the crown. the objective is to correct small
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
growth problems before they get big growth problems.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Name five methods used to apply fertilization to trees. - Correct answersBroadcasting, drill
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hole, injection, foliar application, and implants
ll ll ll ll ll ll
Are wound dressings or paint recommended after making pruning cuts? W hy? - Correct
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
answersNo, studies show it does no good.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
W hat is the purpose of crown restoration? - Correct answersImproves structure and
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
appearance of improperly pruned or storm-damaged trees by encouraging new growth.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll List 3 ways cavities are started in trees. - Correct answersInsects, lightning, and wounds.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
W hat is the definition of a tree? - Correct answersA woody perennial with one or several
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
trunks which grow higher than 12-15 ft in height.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
List five species of trees to plant under a power line. - Correct answersCrape myrtle, chaste
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tree, red bud, silver bell, dogwood.
ll ll ll ll ll ll
,If you want to fertilize a tree by broadcasting 4 lbs. of actual nitrogen and want to use 16-4-8
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fertilizer, how often would you apply it over 1000 sq. ft. in one year? - Correct answers1 lb. of
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Nitrogen / .16 (N in fertilizer) = 6.25 lbs per 1,000 ft.
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6.25 lbs of Fertilizer x 4 lbs of N = 25 lbs of Fertilizer annually.
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6.25 lbs. of 16-4-8 fertilizer should be applied 4 times a year.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
List the most important pieces of safety equipment when using a chainsaw. - Correct
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answersSafety glasses, earplugs, face shield, hard hat, leg protection, and boots.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
List the major parts of a tree and their function. - Correct answersLeaves - photosynthesis,
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
transpiration.
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Trunk/Stems - conduct, support, storage. ll ll ll ll
Roots - anchorage, absorbing, storage, conduction.
ll ll ll ll ll
Flowers - reproduction. ll ll
Fruit-ripened seed, pistil ll ll
ll W hat is the most critical time after transplanting a tree and why? - Correct answersThe 1st
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ll year to focus on root establishment.
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ll W hat are the benefits of mulching a young tree? - Correct answersTo conserve moisture,
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ll reduce competition from weeds and grass, improve soil structure, and aesthetic value.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
List 3 benefits of mulch. - Correct answers1) Retains moisture.
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2) Reduces weeds.
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3) Insulates roots.
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W hy is the use of spurs prohibited on living trees? - Correct answersIt causes wounds and
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
damages the tree.
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W hat is chlorosis in a tree and how is it treated? - Correct answersThe yellowing of leaves
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
can be treated with Manganese.
ll ll ll ll ll
W hy is it recommended to use a block when lowering a heavy limb? - Correct answersTo
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
carry the load and reduce injury to a crotch from a climber's line.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll Describe how to cut down a large limb. - Correct answersPlace the rigging point above the ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll work, tie the limb at the butt, then cut and lower the limb to the ground.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
W hat other activities can a climbing rope be used for? - Correct answersTo secure a climber
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
to the tree for use of 2-hands, to swing, and for rescue.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Distinguish between narrow and wide crotch angles. Could either harm the tree? - Correct
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answersCrotch angles are where branches fork, or where a main limb joins the trunk.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
, Narrow Crotch angles (Tight) are where the angle between two branches is too narrow (less
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
than 45 degrees). they can lead to structure weaknesses and tree failure
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Wide Crotch angles (Strong) are where the angle between the two branches 45 degrees or
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
more.
ll
Describe Xylem and Phloem, and their function. - Correct answersPlants have tissues to
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
transport water, nutrients and minerals.
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Xylem transports water and mineral salts from the roots up to other parts of the plant.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Phloem transports sucrose and amino acids from the leaves and other parts of the plant.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll Is a contract required between an LA licensed arborist before tree work is performed? -
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ll Correct answersYes ll
W hat state and federal licenses are required before an arborist applies pesticides? - Correct
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answersState commissioned pesticide applicators license. Federal in accordance with all
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federal regulations, may apply pesticides for the purpose of retarding decay or disease.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
W hat is soil pH and does it affect nutrient availability of a tree? - Correct answersThe acidity
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
or alkalinity of the soil. Trees may exhibit nutrient deficiency or toxicity symptoms from
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
unbalanced soil pH levels.
ll ll ll ll
ll W hat is Mistletoe and is it harmful to a tree? - Correct answersMistletoe is a parasite that
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ll grows in the branches of conifers and leeches nutrients away.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Is Spanish Moss harmful to a tree? - Correct answersSpanish Moss absorbs water and
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nutrients, using other plants for support.
ll ll ll ll ll ll
W hat type and how much insurance is an arborist required to have? - Correct
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answers$25,000 - personal injury; $50,000 property damage.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll W hat type of trees lose their leaves? - Correct answersDeciduous
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
In the cross-section of a tree trunk, what tissues are present and what are the functions of
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
each? - Correct answersXylem (wood cells)- conveys water and dissolved minerals
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
throughout the tree and provides support.
ll ll ll ll ll ll
Phloem (bast tissues)- transports the soluble organic compounds made during
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
photosynthesis, in particular the sugar sucrose, to the rest of the tree. It is the inner-most
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
layer of bark.
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Cambrium - the layer of plant tissue, between the Xylem and Phloem, responsible for the
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
secondary growth of roots and stems by producing new xylem and phloem cells.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Discuss the differences between "flush cuts" and proper cuts made to outer portions of
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
branch collar. How do "flush cuts" affect growth? - Correct answersA proper cut leaves the
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
branch bark ridge, branch collar, and swollen collar in tact. It enables the cut to close in a
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
circular fashion. Flush cuts remove it and opens the tree to decay by removing dead wood
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
which branch defense zones form.
ll ll ll ll ll
Explain thinning cut and describe how they will affect the tree. - Correct answersIt is
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
removing the branch back to the lateral branch, large enough to assume terminal role. It
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
opens the tree, reduces weight, reduces height, and retains its shape.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Discuss Shingo's theory of walling off infections in trees called CODIT
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
(Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees). - Correct answers1) Trees are highly
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
compartmentalized.
ll
2) If the tree is wounded, it will heal itself by walling itself off from injury.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
How will pruning a tree at time of transplanting affect tree growth? - Correct answersIt
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
decreases root growth. You should avoid pruning except for broken or damaged limbs.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll Are there advantages of pruning a tree at planting time? - Correct answersNo
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
W hat is the major objective in crown cleaning? - Correct answersIt removes dead, diseased,
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
and dying crowded or wealdy attached limbs from the crown. the objective is to correct small
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
growth problems before they get big growth problems.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Name five methods used to apply fertilization to trees. - Correct answersBroadcasting, drill
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
hole, injection, foliar application, and implants
ll ll ll ll ll ll
Are wound dressings or paint recommended after making pruning cuts? W hy? - Correct
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
answersNo, studies show it does no good.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
W hat is the purpose of crown restoration? - Correct answersImproves structure and
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
appearance of improperly pruned or storm-damaged trees by encouraging new growth.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll List 3 ways cavities are started in trees. - Correct answersInsects, lightning, and wounds.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
W hat is the definition of a tree? - Correct answersA woody perennial with one or several
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
trunks which grow higher than 12-15 ft in height.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
List five species of trees to plant under a power line. - Correct answersCrape myrtle, chaste
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
tree, red bud, silver bell, dogwood.
ll ll ll ll ll ll
,If you want to fertilize a tree by broadcasting 4 lbs. of actual nitrogen and want to use 16-4-8
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
fertilizer, how often would you apply it over 1000 sq. ft. in one year? - Correct answers1 lb. of
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Nitrogen / .16 (N in fertilizer) = 6.25 lbs per 1,000 ft.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
6.25 lbs of Fertilizer x 4 lbs of N = 25 lbs of Fertilizer annually.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
6.25 lbs. of 16-4-8 fertilizer should be applied 4 times a year.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
List the most important pieces of safety equipment when using a chainsaw. - Correct
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
answersSafety glasses, earplugs, face shield, hard hat, leg protection, and boots.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
List the major parts of a tree and their function. - Correct answersLeaves - photosynthesis,
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
transpiration.
ll
Trunk/Stems - conduct, support, storage. ll ll ll ll
Roots - anchorage, absorbing, storage, conduction.
ll ll ll ll ll
Flowers - reproduction. ll ll
Fruit-ripened seed, pistil ll ll
ll W hat is the most critical time after transplanting a tree and why? - Correct answersThe 1st
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll year to focus on root establishment.
ll ll ll ll ll
ll W hat are the benefits of mulching a young tree? - Correct answersTo conserve moisture,
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll reduce competition from weeds and grass, improve soil structure, and aesthetic value.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
List 3 benefits of mulch. - Correct answers1) Retains moisture.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
2) Reduces weeds.
ll ll
3) Insulates roots.
ll ll
W hy is the use of spurs prohibited on living trees? - Correct answersIt causes wounds and
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
damages the tree.
ll ll ll
W hat is chlorosis in a tree and how is it treated? - Correct answersThe yellowing of leaves
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
can be treated with Manganese.
ll ll ll ll ll
W hy is it recommended to use a block when lowering a heavy limb? - Correct answersTo
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
carry the load and reduce injury to a crotch from a climber's line.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll Describe how to cut down a large limb. - Correct answersPlace the rigging point above the ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll work, tie the limb at the butt, then cut and lower the limb to the ground.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
W hat other activities can a climbing rope be used for? - Correct answersTo secure a climber
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
to the tree for use of 2-hands, to swing, and for rescue.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Distinguish between narrow and wide crotch angles. Could either harm the tree? - Correct
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
answersCrotch angles are where branches fork, or where a main limb joins the trunk.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
, Narrow Crotch angles (Tight) are where the angle between two branches is too narrow (less
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
than 45 degrees). they can lead to structure weaknesses and tree failure
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Wide Crotch angles (Strong) are where the angle between the two branches 45 degrees or
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
more.
ll
Describe Xylem and Phloem, and their function. - Correct answersPlants have tissues to
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
transport water, nutrients and minerals.
ll ll ll ll ll
Xylem transports water and mineral salts from the roots up to other parts of the plant.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Phloem transports sucrose and amino acids from the leaves and other parts of the plant.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll Is a contract required between an LA licensed arborist before tree work is performed? -
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll Correct answersYes ll
W hat state and federal licenses are required before an arborist applies pesticides? - Correct
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
answersState commissioned pesticide applicators license. Federal in accordance with all
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
federal regulations, may apply pesticides for the purpose of retarding decay or disease.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
W hat is soil pH and does it affect nutrient availability of a tree? - Correct answersThe acidity
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
or alkalinity of the soil. Trees may exhibit nutrient deficiency or toxicity symptoms from
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
unbalanced soil pH levels.
ll ll ll ll
ll W hat is Mistletoe and is it harmful to a tree? - Correct answersMistletoe is a parasite that
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll grows in the branches of conifers and leeches nutrients away.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
Is Spanish Moss harmful to a tree? - Correct answersSpanish Moss absorbs water and
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
nutrients, using other plants for support.
ll ll ll ll ll ll
W hat type and how much insurance is an arborist required to have? - Correct
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
answers$25,000 - personal injury; $50,000 property damage.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
ll W hat type of trees lose their leaves? - Correct answersDeciduous
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
In the cross-section of a tree trunk, what tissues are present and what are the functions of
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
each? - Correct answersXylem (wood cells)- conveys water and dissolved minerals
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
throughout the tree and provides support.
ll ll ll ll ll ll
Phloem (bast tissues)- transports the soluble organic compounds made during
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
photosynthesis, in particular the sugar sucrose, to the rest of the tree. It is the inner-most
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
layer of bark.
ll ll ll
Cambrium - the layer of plant tissue, between the Xylem and Phloem, responsible for the
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
secondary growth of roots and stems by producing new xylem and phloem cells.
ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll
