Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam

What is a common cause of snags in trees?

1. Flooding and erosion

2. Drought, disease, and previous fires

3. Excessive moisture and pest control

4. Wind and lightning strikes

The correct answer is: Drought, disease, and previous fires

A common cause of snags in trees is linked to drought, disease, and previous fires. Snags, which are standing dead or dying trees, often occur when trees experience stressors that compromise their health. Drought conditions can weaken trees, making them more susceptible to diseases. When a tree is diseased, it may begin to decay and lose its structural integrity. Similarly, trees that have been affected by previous fires may suffer from damage that ultimately leads to their death, resulting in the formation of snags. While other factors like wind and lightning strikes can also contribute to tree mortality, they do not encompass the broader range of causes like drought, disease, or fire scars do, which collectively signify environmental stressors that lead to a higher likelihood of snag formation. Excessive moisture and pest control typically do not create snags; instead, they can lead to a healthy tree life cycle if managed properly. Flooding and erosion can contribute to the downfall of trees but are less commonly associated with the specific formation of snags compared to the ongoing effects of drought, disease, and past fire events.