Certified Arborist Practice Test

Deep root fertilization is a practice used to enhance tree health by delivering nutrients directly to the root zone. However, a common issue associated with this method is the potential for wilting, marginal burning, and dieback of leaves. When fertilizers are applied excessively or incorrectly, the concentration of nutrients can lead to osmotic stress in the tree. This occurs when there is a high level of solutes in the soil solution, causing water to be drawn out of the tree roots, leading to wilting.

Furthermore, if the fertilization includes high levels of nitrogen, for instance, it might promote rapid growth that the tree cannot sustain, resulting in marginal leaf burn as the tips of the leaves become scorched from nutrient overload. Dieback can occur as a symptom of nutritional imbalance, where the tree is unable to support itself due to the stress induced by the root fertilization.

Considering other choices, root rot is more typically associated with overwatering or poor drainage rather than deep root fertilization alone. While excessive leaf growth might seem beneficial, it can actually lead to structural weakness and increased susceptibility to diseases. Increased pest attraction can happen as a secondary effect of lush growth but is not a direct consequence of the fertilization itself. Thus, the symptoms of wilting