LTE stands for licensed tree expert, and both of my parents are LTEs so I know many topics on trees. Being an LTE you have to take a big hard test with two parts. In the field part they walk you up to a tree and you have to identify the common and latin name and or diagnose any problems with the tree. The written part is multiple choice and they can ask you anything about tree biology, tree work, tree identification, and anything about being an arborist. For this test you have to know at least 150 trees and they will test you on 30.
To be able to do business in the state of New Jersey you have to have at least one LTE in your company. The reason the test is so big and hard is because tree work is dangerous and they need to make sure you are qualified for the job.
Having parents as LTEs I can identify many trees’ common and Latin names like sassafras, American Holly (Ilex opaca ), and what I am most proud of is that I can identify White Pine (Pinus strobus) from a half mile away, just to name a few.
My dad taught me to climb when I was young and when I was six or seven we climbed to the top of the American Holly in our backyard. Having parents as LTEs I know everything on trees from watering and caring for them, to identification, to the importance of trees. I recently learned about the drip line on a tree. The drip line is where the furthest branch reaches out to, and the tree’s roots can go twice as far as the drip line! As you can see, having parents as LTEs I know many things about trees. I love having parents as LTEs and I think that it is cool how they can teach me many things most people don’t even know.
