Certified Arborist Practice Exam

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What type of response growth is typical when a tree is topped?

Lateral growth
Apical growth
Epicormic growth
Radial growth

The correct answer is: Epicormic growth

When a tree is topped, it typically undergoes epicormic growth. This type of growth occurs when a tree is subjected to severe pruning or topping, leading to the release of dormant buds along the branches and trunk. These dormant buds are often stimulated to grow in response to the sudden removal of the tree's crown, resulting in a flurry of shoots that may sprout from these areas. Epicormic growth is a tree's natural reaction to stress and can lead to dense and vigorous new growth, which is not always structurally sound or aesthetically pleasing. Lateral growth mainly refers to the growth that occurs from the sides of a branch without a significant change in the overall height or structure. Apical growth, on the other hand, involves the elongation of the main stem and is typically what happens when a tree grows normally towards sunlight. Radial growth relates to the increase in the trunk's diameter over time, which is not a direct consequence of topping but rather a function of the tree's overall health and growth processes. Thus, epicormic growth is a direct result of tree topping and is a key feature of a tree's adaptive strategy following such a drastic modification.