Practice Exam Questions And Correct

ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of tree pruning near utility lines?
• To improve aesthetic value
• To prevent interference with utility operations
• To increase leaf growth
• To enhance wildlife habitat

Rationale: Pruning near utility lines is primarily done to prevent

contact with lines, ensuring safety and reliability.

• Which pruning method is most appropriate to reduce tree height near

power lines?

• Crown cleaning 1 / 4

• Crown reduction
• Thinning
• Pollarding

Rationale: Crown reduction removes branches proportionally to

reduce height while maintaining tree structure.

• What is the minimum safe distance from energized lines when using

non-insulated tools?

• 3 feet
• 5 feet
• 10 feet
• 15 feet

Rationale: OSHA and ANSI standards require maintaining at least 10

feet from energized lines with non-insulated tools to prevent electrocution.

• Which type of tree is generally considered high-risk near utility lines?
• Maple
• Oak
• Willow
• Pine

Rationale: Willows grow rapidly, have weak wood, and are prone to

failure, making them high-risk near utilities.

• What is the recommended climbing method for utility arborists

working near energized lines? 2 / 4

• Free climbing with spikes
• Using insulated aerial lifts or bucket trucks
• Rope climbing without protection
• Ladder climbing

Rationale: Insulated aerial lifts protect workers from electric shock,

which is critical near energized lines.

• What does ANSI A300 Part 1 cover?
• Tree risk assessment
• Tree planting standards
• Tree pruning standards
• Insect pest management

Rationale: ANSI A300 Part 1 provides standards for proper tree

pruning practices.

• Which is the primary reason to remove dead or dying branches near

power lines?

• Aesthetic purposes
• Wildlife habitat improvement
• To prevent branches from falling on lines
• Soil conservation

Rationale: Dead or dying branches are more likely to fall, posing

hazards to utility lines and people.

• Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory for utility

arborists working near energized lines? 3 / 4

• Hard hat and boots only
• Eye protection only
• Insulated gloves and hard hat
• Ear protection only

Rationale: Insulated gloves protect against electrical shock; hard

hats protect from falling debris.

• What is the recommended action if a tree is growing into a high-

voltage line?

• Prune without caution
• Call the utility company before pruning
• Apply herbicide
• Ignore the tree

Rationale: High-voltage lines pose a serious electrocution risk, so

coordination with the utility is mandatory.

• Which factor is most important when assessing a tree for utility

pruning?

• Color of leaves
• Proximity to utility lines
• Bark texture
• Wildlife presence

Rationale: The main concern for utility pruning is whether the tree

poses a risk to power lines or infrastructure.

• / 4