North Carolina Landscape Contractor
Examination — Advanced 100 Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which soil texture has the highest water-holding capacity?
A. Sand
B. Silt
C. Gravel
D. Clay
Silt particles are medium sized, allowing good water retention and
aeration.
2. What is the ideal pH range for most landscape plants?
A. 4.0–5.0
B. 5.0–6.0
C. 6.0–7.0
, D. 7.5–8.5
Most plants absorb nutrients best in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
3. What is the primary purpose of aeration in turf management?
A. Increase fertilizer uptake
B. Decrease soil pH
C. Reduce soil compaction
D. Increase thatch production
Aeration relieves compaction, improving air, water, and root
movement.
4. Which of the following is a broadleaf herbicide?
A. Glyphosate
B. 2,4-D
C. Pendimethalin
D. Isoxaben
2,4-D selectively controls broadleaf weeds without harming grasses.
5. A landscape plan’s scale of 1”=20’ means:
A. 1 inch equals 200 feet
B. 1 inch equals 20 feet
C. 1/20 of a foot
D. 20 inches equals 1 foot
Scale translates drawing size to real field measurements.
6. What is the main benefit of mulch in planting beds?
A. Attract pests
, B. Increase soil pH
C. Reduce moisture loss
D. Increase thatch
Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates
temperature.
7. Which pruning cut removes entire branches back to the trunk?
A. Heading cut
B. Thinning cut
C. Topping
D. Shearing
Thinning cuts improve structure by removing selected branches.
8. What is the best time to prune most deciduous trees?
A. Summer
B. Late winter/early spring
C. Fall
D. During flowering
Dormant pruning minimizes stress and disease spread.
9. A soil test showing low phosphorus indicates a need for:
A. Nitrogen fertilizer
B. Phosphorus fertilizer
C. Potassium fertilizer
D. Lime
, Phosphorus promotes root growth; low levels require
supplementation.
10. Which nutrient is most often limiting in turf growth?
A. Potassium
B. Phosphorus
C. Nitrogen
D. Calcium
Nitrogen drives leaf growth and color in turfgrass.
11. What is a common symptom of over-watering plants?
A. Wilting
B. Yellowing leaves due to root rot
C. Excessive flowering
D. Increased growth
Too much water can suffocate roots and cause chlorosis.
12. Which of the following is a warm-season turfgrass?
A. Kentucky bluegrass
B. Bermudagrass
C. Perennial ryegrass
D. Fine fescue
Bermudagrass performs best in warm climates.
13. What does “xeriscaping” emphasize?
A. High water use
B. Water-efficient landscaping
Examination — Advanced 100 Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which soil texture has the highest water-holding capacity?
A. Sand
B. Silt
C. Gravel
D. Clay
Silt particles are medium sized, allowing good water retention and
aeration.
2. What is the ideal pH range for most landscape plants?
A. 4.0–5.0
B. 5.0–6.0
C. 6.0–7.0
, D. 7.5–8.5
Most plants absorb nutrients best in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
3. What is the primary purpose of aeration in turf management?
A. Increase fertilizer uptake
B. Decrease soil pH
C. Reduce soil compaction
D. Increase thatch production
Aeration relieves compaction, improving air, water, and root
movement.
4. Which of the following is a broadleaf herbicide?
A. Glyphosate
B. 2,4-D
C. Pendimethalin
D. Isoxaben
2,4-D selectively controls broadleaf weeds without harming grasses.
5. A landscape plan’s scale of 1”=20’ means:
A. 1 inch equals 200 feet
B. 1 inch equals 20 feet
C. 1/20 of a foot
D. 20 inches equals 1 foot
Scale translates drawing size to real field measurements.
6. What is the main benefit of mulch in planting beds?
A. Attract pests
, B. Increase soil pH
C. Reduce moisture loss
D. Increase thatch
Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates
temperature.
7. Which pruning cut removes entire branches back to the trunk?
A. Heading cut
B. Thinning cut
C. Topping
D. Shearing
Thinning cuts improve structure by removing selected branches.
8. What is the best time to prune most deciduous trees?
A. Summer
B. Late winter/early spring
C. Fall
D. During flowering
Dormant pruning minimizes stress and disease spread.
9. A soil test showing low phosphorus indicates a need for:
A. Nitrogen fertilizer
B. Phosphorus fertilizer
C. Potassium fertilizer
D. Lime
, Phosphorus promotes root growth; low levels require
supplementation.
10. Which nutrient is most often limiting in turf growth?
A. Potassium
B. Phosphorus
C. Nitrogen
D. Calcium
Nitrogen drives leaf growth and color in turfgrass.
11. What is a common symptom of over-watering plants?
A. Wilting
B. Yellowing leaves due to root rot
C. Excessive flowering
D. Increased growth
Too much water can suffocate roots and cause chlorosis.
12. Which of the following is a warm-season turfgrass?
A. Kentucky bluegrass
B. Bermudagrass
C. Perennial ryegrass
D. Fine fescue
Bermudagrass performs best in warm climates.
13. What does “xeriscaping” emphasize?
A. High water use
B. Water-efficient landscaping
