ISA Utility Specialist (Ch. 3: Utility
Pruning) Exam Questions and Answers
Utility pruning is the pruning of trees located in the vicinity of power lines for the purpose
of __________ __________ __________. - Correct Answers -ensuring reliable service
Which type of cuts are less unacceptable? - Correct Answers -internodal cuts
(e.g. topping)
Which type of cuts are more acceptable? - Correct Answers -nodal cuts
(e.g. drop-crotch, thinning)
Where should the final cut be made for proper utility pruning? - Correct Answers -just
outside of the branch bark ridge and the branch collar
Flush cuts damage which tissues? - Correct Answers -the trunk
Why is utility pruning done? - Correct Answers -to maintain safety and rights-of-way
Which type of pruning encourages the growth of branches away from the wires? -
Correct Answers -directional pruning
What is the maximum amount of foliage that should be removed in one growing
season? - Correct Answers -25%
(this is according to ANSI A300)
When is it acceptable to deviate from the pruning standards? - Correct Answers -during
storm restoration
Pruning practice in which an excessive number of interior lateral branches are removed,
resulting in a concentration of growth at branch end: - Correct Answers -lion tailing
True or False?
If a clearance distance is specified (such as 10 ft), the cut should be made at the next
suitable branch union (i.e. possibly further than 10 ft). - Correct Answers -true
Palm trees are __________, meaning their embryos have only one seed leaf. - Correct
Answers -monocots
(short for monocotyledon)
Name for palm leaves: - Correct Answers -frond
, If they aren't removed, frequent pruning will be required for __________ trees because
they cannot be reduced in height or directionally pruned - Correct Answers -palm
In the U.S., pruning should be conducted according to __________ __________. -
Correct Answers -ANSI A300
Utility pruning removes the leaves and reduces a tree's __________ growth, but
remaining __________ may grow more. - Correct Answers -overall;
shoots
Utility pruning is mainly conducted to provide __________ from power lines. - Correct
Answers -clearance
Utility pruning should use __________ & __________ pruning principals - Correct
Answers -natural & targeted
Crown reduction removes main branches to lower limbs no less than __________ the
diameter of the original limb. - Correct Answers -1/3
When pruning near conductors, overhanging branches can be left in place, depending
on __________ __________ & __________ __________. - Correct Answers -tree
species & climate conditions
A pruning cycle should be based on tree __________ __________. - Correct Answers -
growth rates
__________ __________ __________ can be used to reduce growth and lengthen time
between cycles. - Correct Answers -tree growth regulators
Which pruning style is most effective in preventing regrowth when pruning hardwoods? -
Correct Answers -crown reduction
True or False?
Wound dressings in most situations are effective in reducing decay, accelerating wound
closure & preventing disease penetration. - Correct Answers -false
wound dressings are not effective in most situations
When is it okay to use wound dressings? - Correct Answers -when such treatments are
known to be effective (e.g. pruning oaks when/where they are susceptible to oak wilt)
Sprout growth following pruning usually comes from __________ __________. -
Correct Answers -adventitious buds
Clearance for decurrent hardwoods growing directly under conductors is best obtained
by __________ __________. - Correct Answers -crown reduction
Pruning) Exam Questions and Answers
Utility pruning is the pruning of trees located in the vicinity of power lines for the purpose
of __________ __________ __________. - Correct Answers -ensuring reliable service
Which type of cuts are less unacceptable? - Correct Answers -internodal cuts
(e.g. topping)
Which type of cuts are more acceptable? - Correct Answers -nodal cuts
(e.g. drop-crotch, thinning)
Where should the final cut be made for proper utility pruning? - Correct Answers -just
outside of the branch bark ridge and the branch collar
Flush cuts damage which tissues? - Correct Answers -the trunk
Why is utility pruning done? - Correct Answers -to maintain safety and rights-of-way
Which type of pruning encourages the growth of branches away from the wires? -
Correct Answers -directional pruning
What is the maximum amount of foliage that should be removed in one growing
season? - Correct Answers -25%
(this is according to ANSI A300)
When is it acceptable to deviate from the pruning standards? - Correct Answers -during
storm restoration
Pruning practice in which an excessive number of interior lateral branches are removed,
resulting in a concentration of growth at branch end: - Correct Answers -lion tailing
True or False?
If a clearance distance is specified (such as 10 ft), the cut should be made at the next
suitable branch union (i.e. possibly further than 10 ft). - Correct Answers -true
Palm trees are __________, meaning their embryos have only one seed leaf. - Correct
Answers -monocots
(short for monocotyledon)
Name for palm leaves: - Correct Answers -frond
, If they aren't removed, frequent pruning will be required for __________ trees because
they cannot be reduced in height or directionally pruned - Correct Answers -palm
In the U.S., pruning should be conducted according to __________ __________. -
Correct Answers -ANSI A300
Utility pruning removes the leaves and reduces a tree's __________ growth, but
remaining __________ may grow more. - Correct Answers -overall;
shoots
Utility pruning is mainly conducted to provide __________ from power lines. - Correct
Answers -clearance
Utility pruning should use __________ & __________ pruning principals - Correct
Answers -natural & targeted
Crown reduction removes main branches to lower limbs no less than __________ the
diameter of the original limb. - Correct Answers -1/3
When pruning near conductors, overhanging branches can be left in place, depending
on __________ __________ & __________ __________. - Correct Answers -tree
species & climate conditions
A pruning cycle should be based on tree __________ __________. - Correct Answers -
growth rates
__________ __________ __________ can be used to reduce growth and lengthen time
between cycles. - Correct Answers -tree growth regulators
Which pruning style is most effective in preventing regrowth when pruning hardwoods? -
Correct Answers -crown reduction
True or False?
Wound dressings in most situations are effective in reducing decay, accelerating wound
closure & preventing disease penetration. - Correct Answers -false
wound dressings are not effective in most situations
When is it okay to use wound dressings? - Correct Answers -when such treatments are
known to be effective (e.g. pruning oaks when/where they are susceptible to oak wilt)
Sprout growth following pruning usually comes from __________ __________. -
Correct Answers -adventitious buds
Clearance for decurrent hardwoods growing directly under conductors is best obtained
by __________ __________. - Correct Answers -crown reduction
