North Carolina Landscape Contractor Practice Exam | Complete Study
Guide with Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales | 2026–2027
Edition
Question 1
You are installing a 30 ft × 20 ft patio. The gravel base depth is 5 inches. How many
cubic yards of gravel are needed?
A) 7.4 cubic yards
B) 9.3 cubic yards
C) 11.1 cubic yards
D) 12.5 cubic yards
Rationale: Volume = length × width × depth. 30 ft × 20 ft = 600 sq ft. Convert 5 inches to
feet: 5/12 = 0.4167 ft. Volume in cubic feet = 600 × 0.4167 = 250 cu ft. Convert to cubic
yards: = 9.26 cubic yards. Always add a waste factor of 5-10% for practical
installation.
Question 2
In a contract for a landscape project exceeding $30,000, North Carolina law requires the
contractor to provide:
A) A verbal agreement only
B) A written contract with a detailed scope, price, and payment schedule
C) No contract if the client is a private individual
D) Only a receipt after completion
Rationale: Under North Carolina law, contracts for landscape projects exceeding $30,000
must be in writing and include a detailed scope of work, total price, and payment schedule
to protect both the contractor and the client. This requirement ensures clarity and
enforceability.
,Question 3
What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a North Carolina Landscape
Contractor license?
A) 16 years old
B) 18 years old
C) 21 years old
D) 25 years old
Rationale: Under North Carolina General Statutes § 89D-16, applicants for a landscape
contractor license must be at least 18 years of age. They must also be of good moral
character and provide evidence of business identification.
Question 4
Which of the following is the most important factor when determining the appropriate
irrigation schedule for a landscape?
A) Time of day
B) Soil type and plant water requirements
C) Color of the mulch
D) Brand of the irrigation controller
Rationale: Soil type determines water infiltration and retention rates, while plant water
requirements dictate how much water is needed. Together, these factors are the primary
determinants of an effective irrigation schedule, ensuring efficient water use and plant
health.
Question 5
According to North Carolina regulations, which of the following tasks is a licensed
landscape contractor permitted to perform?
A) Install electrical wiring for outdoor lighting
B) Install landscape drainage systems
,C) Connect to municipal sewer lines
D) Install gas lines for fire pits
Rationale: Under G.S. 89D-11, a licensed landscape contractor may construct, install, or
maintain landscape drainage systems and cisterns. However, they are not permitted to
make connections to pipes, fixtures, or apparatus that supply water or convey sewage as
defined in G.S. 87-21.
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of conducting a soil test before planting?
A) To determine the color of the soil
B) To assess nutrient levels and pH for proper plant growth
C) To measure the depth of the soil
D) To identify the type of rocks present
Rationale: Soil testing provides critical information about nutrient availability and soil pH,
which directly impact plant health and growth. This information guides fertilizer selection
and soil amendment decisions, ensuring optimal conditions for plant establishment.
Question 7
Which type of irrigation system is most water-efficient for landscape use?
A) Spray irrigation
B) Flood irrigation
C) Drip irrigation
D) Rotary sprinkler irrigation
Rationale: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing
evaporation and runoff. It is the most water-efficient irrigation method, often achieving
90% or higher efficiency compared to overhead systems.
, Question 8
In landscape design, what does the term "hardscape" refer to?
A) All plant material in the landscape
B) Non-living elements such as patios, walkways, and walls
C) The irrigation system components
D) The topsoil layer
Rationale: Hardscape refers to the inanimate, structural elements of a landscape, including
patios, walkways, retaining walls, and other constructed features. These elements provide
structure and functionality to the outdoor space.
Question 9
Which North Carolina agency is responsible for licensing landscape contractors?
A) North Carolina Department of Agriculture
B) North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board (NCLCLB)
C) North Carolina Department of Transportation
D) North Carolina Board of Architecture
Rationale: The North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board (NCLCLB) is the
state agency responsible for licensing landscape contractors, as established under Chapter
89D of the North Carolina General Statutes.
Question 10
What is the recommended slope for a patio to ensure proper drainage?
A) 1/8 inch per foot
B) 1/4 inch per foot
C) 1/2 inch per foot
D) 1 inch per foot
Guide with Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales | 2026–2027
Edition
Question 1
You are installing a 30 ft × 20 ft patio. The gravel base depth is 5 inches. How many
cubic yards of gravel are needed?
A) 7.4 cubic yards
B) 9.3 cubic yards
C) 11.1 cubic yards
D) 12.5 cubic yards
Rationale: Volume = length × width × depth. 30 ft × 20 ft = 600 sq ft. Convert 5 inches to
feet: 5/12 = 0.4167 ft. Volume in cubic feet = 600 × 0.4167 = 250 cu ft. Convert to cubic
yards: = 9.26 cubic yards. Always add a waste factor of 5-10% for practical
installation.
Question 2
In a contract for a landscape project exceeding $30,000, North Carolina law requires the
contractor to provide:
A) A verbal agreement only
B) A written contract with a detailed scope, price, and payment schedule
C) No contract if the client is a private individual
D) Only a receipt after completion
Rationale: Under North Carolina law, contracts for landscape projects exceeding $30,000
must be in writing and include a detailed scope of work, total price, and payment schedule
to protect both the contractor and the client. This requirement ensures clarity and
enforceability.
,Question 3
What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a North Carolina Landscape
Contractor license?
A) 16 years old
B) 18 years old
C) 21 years old
D) 25 years old
Rationale: Under North Carolina General Statutes § 89D-16, applicants for a landscape
contractor license must be at least 18 years of age. They must also be of good moral
character and provide evidence of business identification.
Question 4
Which of the following is the most important factor when determining the appropriate
irrigation schedule for a landscape?
A) Time of day
B) Soil type and plant water requirements
C) Color of the mulch
D) Brand of the irrigation controller
Rationale: Soil type determines water infiltration and retention rates, while plant water
requirements dictate how much water is needed. Together, these factors are the primary
determinants of an effective irrigation schedule, ensuring efficient water use and plant
health.
Question 5
According to North Carolina regulations, which of the following tasks is a licensed
landscape contractor permitted to perform?
A) Install electrical wiring for outdoor lighting
B) Install landscape drainage systems
,C) Connect to municipal sewer lines
D) Install gas lines for fire pits
Rationale: Under G.S. 89D-11, a licensed landscape contractor may construct, install, or
maintain landscape drainage systems and cisterns. However, they are not permitted to
make connections to pipes, fixtures, or apparatus that supply water or convey sewage as
defined in G.S. 87-21.
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of conducting a soil test before planting?
A) To determine the color of the soil
B) To assess nutrient levels and pH for proper plant growth
C) To measure the depth of the soil
D) To identify the type of rocks present
Rationale: Soil testing provides critical information about nutrient availability and soil pH,
which directly impact plant health and growth. This information guides fertilizer selection
and soil amendment decisions, ensuring optimal conditions for plant establishment.
Question 7
Which type of irrigation system is most water-efficient for landscape use?
A) Spray irrigation
B) Flood irrigation
C) Drip irrigation
D) Rotary sprinkler irrigation
Rationale: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing
evaporation and runoff. It is the most water-efficient irrigation method, often achieving
90% or higher efficiency compared to overhead systems.
, Question 8
In landscape design, what does the term "hardscape" refer to?
A) All plant material in the landscape
B) Non-living elements such as patios, walkways, and walls
C) The irrigation system components
D) The topsoil layer
Rationale: Hardscape refers to the inanimate, structural elements of a landscape, including
patios, walkways, retaining walls, and other constructed features. These elements provide
structure and functionality to the outdoor space.
Question 9
Which North Carolina agency is responsible for licensing landscape contractors?
A) North Carolina Department of Agriculture
B) North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board (NCLCLB)
C) North Carolina Department of Transportation
D) North Carolina Board of Architecture
Rationale: The North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board (NCLCLB) is the
state agency responsible for licensing landscape contractors, as established under Chapter
89D of the North Carolina General Statutes.
Question 10
What is the recommended slope for a patio to ensure proper drainage?
A) 1/8 inch per foot
B) 1/4 inch per foot
C) 1/2 inch per foot
D) 1 inch per foot
