Ace the California Landscape Architecture Exam 2025 – Design Your Green Dream Today!

Compaction has a significant negative impact on oak trees primarily through its effect on water absorption. As soil becomes compacted, the density of the soil increases, leading to reduced pore space between soil particles. This reduction in pore space can lead to a decrease in the ability of soil to retain and transmit water. Consequently, the roots of oak trees may struggle to absorb adequate moisture, which is essential for their growth and overall health.

Compacted soils can also restrict root development, making it difficult for oak trees to establish stable and extensive root systems. This limitation further exacerbates their ability to access not only water but also nutrients necessary for their survival and growth. In the long term, these factors contribute to stress in the trees, rendering them more susceptible to disease, drought, and other environmental stressors.

In contrast, choices indicating improved aeration, enhanced nutrient intake, and facilitated tree growth fail to recognize the detrimental effects of soil compaction. These positive attributes typically associated with healthy soil conditions can diminish significantly in compacted soils, underscoring why reduced water absorption is the correct answer.