NORTH CAROLINA LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR PRACTICE TEST EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027.
Core Domains
Landscape Design & Planning
Site Preparation, Grading & Drainage
Plant Selection, Installation & Maintenance
Irrigation Systems & Water Management
Hardscaping & Construction Techniques
Soil Science & Fertilization
Pest Management & Plant Health
Laws, Contracts, Safety, & Business Practices
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination is designed to assess the knowledge and skills required for North
Carolina Landscape Contractor licensure. The test covers foundational theory, applied professional knowledge, and
real-world decision-making across all key domains including design, construction, horticulture, and state-specific
regulations. Questions are presented in a multiple-choice format with scenario-based applications to evaluate
critical thinking and professional judgment. Emphasis is placed on practical problem-solving, regulatory
compliance, and ethical standards relevant to landscape contracting in North Carolina. Correct answers are
accompanied by detailed rationales to reinforce learning and ensure a thorough understanding of the material for
exam readiness.
,Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
According to North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 89G, what is the minimum project value threshold that
legally requires an individual to hold an active Landscape Contractor license?
A. $5,000
B. $10,000
C. $2,500
D. $1,500
🟢 A. $5,000
🔴 RATIONALE: Under NC General Statutes Chapter 89G, a person must be licensed by the North Carolina
Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board (NCLCLB) for any single project valued at $5,000 or more, including
labor and materials. This threshold ensures public protection by regulating professional competency .
Question 2
When planting a container-grown tree, what is the correct position for the root flare?
A. Below the finished grade
B. At the same level as the surrounding soil
C. Slightly above the finished grade
D. Deep enough to cover the entire trunk
🟢 C. Slightly above the finished grade
🔴 RATIONALE: The root flare should be slightly above grade to prevent rot, ensure proper establishment, and
allow for oxygen exchange. Planting too deep is a common cause of tree failure and root suffocation .
,Question 3
Which soil amendment is primarily used to raise the pH level of highly acidic North Carolina soils?
A. Elemental Sulfur
B. Gypsum
C. Agricultural Limestone
D. Ammonium Sulfate
🟢 C. Agricultural Limestone
🔴 RATIONALE: Most North Carolina soils are acidic clay. Applying agricultural limestone (calcium carbonate)
raises the pH level, making essential macronutrients more available to plants. Elemental sulfur and ammonium
sulfate lower pH .
Question 4
Which of the following is a native North Carolina tree known for its brilliant red-orange fall color?
A. Norway maple (Acer platanoides)
B. Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana)
C. Red maple (Acer rubrum)
D. Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)
🟢 C. Red maple (Acer rubrum)
🔴 RATIONALE: Red maple is native to North Carolina and provides excellent red-orange fall color. Norway
maple and Bradford pear are non-native and considered invasive in some areas, while Mimosa is also non-
native and invasive .
, Question 5
What is the required annual Continuing Education (CE) hours for a licensed North Carolina landscape contractor
to maintain an active license?
A. 5 hours
B. 7 hours
C. 10 hours
D. 12 hours
🟢 B. 7 hours
🔴 RATIONALE: The NCLCLB requires all licensees to complete 7 hours of approved continuing education
annually, including at least 3 hours of technical landscape trade education and up to 4 hours of business
education .
Question 6
Which turfgrass variety is categorized as a warm-season grass that exhibits excellent drought tolerance but
turns dormant and brown during winter months?
A. Kentucky Bluegrass
B. Tall Fescue
C. Bermudagrass
D. Perennial Ryegrass
🟢 C. Bermudagrass
🔴 RATIONALE: Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass widely used in North Carolina. It has excellent drought
tolerance and heat resistance but goes dormant and turns brown in winter. Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass
are cool-season grasses .
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027.
Core Domains
Landscape Design & Planning
Site Preparation, Grading & Drainage
Plant Selection, Installation & Maintenance
Irrigation Systems & Water Management
Hardscaping & Construction Techniques
Soil Science & Fertilization
Pest Management & Plant Health
Laws, Contracts, Safety, & Business Practices
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination is designed to assess the knowledge and skills required for North
Carolina Landscape Contractor licensure. The test covers foundational theory, applied professional knowledge, and
real-world decision-making across all key domains including design, construction, horticulture, and state-specific
regulations. Questions are presented in a multiple-choice format with scenario-based applications to evaluate
critical thinking and professional judgment. Emphasis is placed on practical problem-solving, regulatory
compliance, and ethical standards relevant to landscape contracting in North Carolina. Correct answers are
accompanied by detailed rationales to reinforce learning and ensure a thorough understanding of the material for
exam readiness.
,Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
According to North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 89G, what is the minimum project value threshold that
legally requires an individual to hold an active Landscape Contractor license?
A. $5,000
B. $10,000
C. $2,500
D. $1,500
🟢 A. $5,000
🔴 RATIONALE: Under NC General Statutes Chapter 89G, a person must be licensed by the North Carolina
Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board (NCLCLB) for any single project valued at $5,000 or more, including
labor and materials. This threshold ensures public protection by regulating professional competency .
Question 2
When planting a container-grown tree, what is the correct position for the root flare?
A. Below the finished grade
B. At the same level as the surrounding soil
C. Slightly above the finished grade
D. Deep enough to cover the entire trunk
🟢 C. Slightly above the finished grade
🔴 RATIONALE: The root flare should be slightly above grade to prevent rot, ensure proper establishment, and
allow for oxygen exchange. Planting too deep is a common cause of tree failure and root suffocation .
,Question 3
Which soil amendment is primarily used to raise the pH level of highly acidic North Carolina soils?
A. Elemental Sulfur
B. Gypsum
C. Agricultural Limestone
D. Ammonium Sulfate
🟢 C. Agricultural Limestone
🔴 RATIONALE: Most North Carolina soils are acidic clay. Applying agricultural limestone (calcium carbonate)
raises the pH level, making essential macronutrients more available to plants. Elemental sulfur and ammonium
sulfate lower pH .
Question 4
Which of the following is a native North Carolina tree known for its brilliant red-orange fall color?
A. Norway maple (Acer platanoides)
B. Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana)
C. Red maple (Acer rubrum)
D. Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)
🟢 C. Red maple (Acer rubrum)
🔴 RATIONALE: Red maple is native to North Carolina and provides excellent red-orange fall color. Norway
maple and Bradford pear are non-native and considered invasive in some areas, while Mimosa is also non-
native and invasive .
, Question 5
What is the required annual Continuing Education (CE) hours for a licensed North Carolina landscape contractor
to maintain an active license?
A. 5 hours
B. 7 hours
C. 10 hours
D. 12 hours
🟢 B. 7 hours
🔴 RATIONALE: The NCLCLB requires all licensees to complete 7 hours of approved continuing education
annually, including at least 3 hours of technical landscape trade education and up to 4 hours of business
education .
Question 6
Which turfgrass variety is categorized as a warm-season grass that exhibits excellent drought tolerance but
turns dormant and brown during winter months?
A. Kentucky Bluegrass
B. Tall Fescue
C. Bermudagrass
D. Perennial Ryegrass
🟢 C. Bermudagrass
🔴 RATIONALE: Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass widely used in North Carolina. It has excellent drought
tolerance and heat resistance but goes dormant and turns brown in winter. Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass
are cool-season grasses .
