ISA AM study plan

Map the exam blueprint onto a one-page outline that lists every subtopic under Tree Biology and Health and rates your confidence 1-5 on each

Explain in writing how xylem and phloem transport differ, including the driving mechanism for each and what happens when either is severed

Diagram the cross-section of a woody stem and label pith, heartwood, sapwood, vascular cambium, phloem, and bark, then describe the function of each in one sentence

Define CODIT and list the four walls of compartmentalization with the tissue type that forms each

Distinguish primary vs. secondary growth and identify which tissues are living at maturity in a mature tree

Summarize the roles of macro- and micronutrients and match at least six deficiency symptoms to their nutrient

Describe how soil texture, structure, pH, compaction, and oxygen availability affect root function

Explain how pruning cuts, wounding, and root disturbance trigger compartmentalization and sprout response

Identify the tree species most common in your local municipal inventory and state their growth habit, mature size, and common pest or disease issues

Explain how nursery production method (bare root, container, balled-and-burlapped) affects establishment and transplant survival

Sequence the steps of proper planting from site selection through staking and mulching, and justify each step biologically

List the ANSI A300 pruning standards categories and match each to the tree-biology reason behind it

Define risk as likelihood of failure times likelihood of impact times consequences, and apply the formula to three hypothetical trees

Distinguish target, defect, and likelihood of failure, and explain why all three are required for a risk finding

Compare the levels of assessment in the ISA Tree Risk Assessment framework and state when each is appropriate

Describe how decay fungi, included bark, codominant stems, and root plate defects indicate failure potential

Select mitigation options (removal, reduction, support systems, exclusion, monitoring) and justify each against the assessed risk level

Explain the limitations of resistograph, sonic tomography, and pull testing in supporting a risk conclusion

Draft written risk communication for a tree owner that conveys findings, uncertainty, and liability without overstating certainty

Describe how inspection intervals should be set based on species, site, and defect type

Outline the components of a municipal tree ordinance: scope, permit requirements, protected trees, penalties, and enforcement

Explain how a tree inventory, canopy cover assessment, and i-Tree style analysis support program justification

Describe the roles of a tree board, city arborist, and public works in a typical municipal structure

Identify funding mechanisms for municipal tree programs and the tradeoffs among them

Write a public communication piece addressing a common resident objection to municipal tree work

Explain how to build and maintain a species-diversity target in a municipal planting plan and why monoculture risk matters

Describe best practices for tree protection during construction, including tree protection zones and fencing

Plan a work-order workflow from resident request through inspection, prioritization, and completion

Complete a full timed practice set across all four domains and score each domain separately

Re-review only the two lowest-scoring subtopics from your week 1 confidence outline

Recite from memory the risk assessment formula, CODIT walls, and the main ordinance components

Build a one-page exam-day sheet of formulas, definitions, and decision rules