Red Seal Interprovincial Examination
Landscape Horticulturist Practice Exam
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the best method to prevent soil erosion
on a sloped landscape?
a) Fertilizing heavily
b) Planting ground cover
c) Adding sand
d) Frequent watering
Plant cover helps hold soil in place and reduces erosion caused by
wind and water.
2. What is the ideal pH range for most garden soils?
a) 3.5–4.5
b) 5.0–5.5
c) 6.0–7.0
d) 7.5–8.5
Most plants grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soils.
3. Which pruning method is used to maintain the natural shape of a
shrub?
a) Coppicing
b) Pollarding
, c) Formative pruning
d) Shearing
Formative pruning encourages a plant to develop a strong
structure without altering its natural form.
4. What is the main purpose of using mulch around plants?
a) Increase soil pH
b) Reduce plant growth
c) Retain soil moisture and control weeds
d) Attract insects
Mulch helps conserve moisture, regulate temperature, and
suppress weed growth.
5. Which tree is considered a deciduous tree?
a) Spruce
b) Pine
c) Maple
d) Fir
Deciduous trees shed their leaves annually, unlike most conifers.
6. What is the best time to plant most perennials in temperate
climates?
a) Mid-summer
b) Spring or early fall
c) Winter
d) Late summer
Planting in spring or early fall allows roots to establish before
extreme temperatures.
7. Which of the following is a common symptom of nitrogen
deficiency in plants?
, a) Leaf curling
b) Yellowing of older leaves
c) Wilting at the base
d) Browning leaf edges
Nitrogen deficiency typically causes chlorosis, starting with older
leaves.
8. Which irrigation method is most efficient for conserving water in a
landscape?
a) Sprinkler
b) Hose-end watering
c) Drip irrigation
d) Flood irrigation
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, minimizing
waste.
9. Which type of soil texture has the highest water-holding capacity?
a) Sand
b) Silt
c) Clay
d) Gravel
Clay particles are very small and can hold water tightly, increasing
water retention.
10. What is the main function of plant roots?
a) Photosynthesis
b) Absorb water and nutrients
c) Produce flowers
d) Support photosynthesis
, Roots anchor the plant and take up water and nutrients from the
soil.
11. Which landscape material is best for creating a pathway in a
garden with heavy foot traffic?
a) Mulch
b) Grass
c) Pavers or stone
d) Wood chips
Hard materials like stone or pavers can withstand heavy foot
traffic without damage.
12. What is the purpose of topdressing a lawn with sand?
a) Increase soil acidity
b) Fertilize the lawn
c) Improve soil structure and drainage
d) Kill weeds
Topdressing with sand helps to level the lawn and improve
drainage.
13. Which of the following is a non-selective herbicide?
a) 2,4-D
b) Glyphosate
c) Atrazine
d) Dicamba
Non-selective herbicides kill most plants they contact, unlike
selective herbicides.
14. What is the correct way to plant a bare-root tree?
a) Plant roots twisted
b) Leave roots exposed for several hours
Landscape Horticulturist Practice Exam
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the best method to prevent soil erosion
on a sloped landscape?
a) Fertilizing heavily
b) Planting ground cover
c) Adding sand
d) Frequent watering
Plant cover helps hold soil in place and reduces erosion caused by
wind and water.
2. What is the ideal pH range for most garden soils?
a) 3.5–4.5
b) 5.0–5.5
c) 6.0–7.0
d) 7.5–8.5
Most plants grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soils.
3. Which pruning method is used to maintain the natural shape of a
shrub?
a) Coppicing
b) Pollarding
, c) Formative pruning
d) Shearing
Formative pruning encourages a plant to develop a strong
structure without altering its natural form.
4. What is the main purpose of using mulch around plants?
a) Increase soil pH
b) Reduce plant growth
c) Retain soil moisture and control weeds
d) Attract insects
Mulch helps conserve moisture, regulate temperature, and
suppress weed growth.
5. Which tree is considered a deciduous tree?
a) Spruce
b) Pine
c) Maple
d) Fir
Deciduous trees shed their leaves annually, unlike most conifers.
6. What is the best time to plant most perennials in temperate
climates?
a) Mid-summer
b) Spring or early fall
c) Winter
d) Late summer
Planting in spring or early fall allows roots to establish before
extreme temperatures.
7. Which of the following is a common symptom of nitrogen
deficiency in plants?
, a) Leaf curling
b) Yellowing of older leaves
c) Wilting at the base
d) Browning leaf edges
Nitrogen deficiency typically causes chlorosis, starting with older
leaves.
8. Which irrigation method is most efficient for conserving water in a
landscape?
a) Sprinkler
b) Hose-end watering
c) Drip irrigation
d) Flood irrigation
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, minimizing
waste.
9. Which type of soil texture has the highest water-holding capacity?
a) Sand
b) Silt
c) Clay
d) Gravel
Clay particles are very small and can hold water tightly, increasing
water retention.
10. What is the main function of plant roots?
a) Photosynthesis
b) Absorb water and nutrients
c) Produce flowers
d) Support photosynthesis
, Roots anchor the plant and take up water and nutrients from the
soil.
11. Which landscape material is best for creating a pathway in a
garden with heavy foot traffic?
a) Mulch
b) Grass
c) Pavers or stone
d) Wood chips
Hard materials like stone or pavers can withstand heavy foot
traffic without damage.
12. What is the purpose of topdressing a lawn with sand?
a) Increase soil acidity
b) Fertilize the lawn
c) Improve soil structure and drainage
d) Kill weeds
Topdressing with sand helps to level the lawn and improve
drainage.
13. Which of the following is a non-selective herbicide?
a) 2,4-D
b) Glyphosate
c) Atrazine
d) Dicamba
Non-selective herbicides kill most plants they contact, unlike
selective herbicides.
14. What is the correct way to plant a bare-root tree?
a) Plant roots twisted
b) Leave roots exposed for several hours
