North Carolina Landscape Contractor
Examination – Trade Exam Full-Length
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which factor most influences plant selection for a specific site in North
Carolina?
A. Availability at local nurseries
B. Personal preference of the client
C. Soil type and drainage
D. Cost of installation
Answer: C
Soil type and drainage determine root health, nutrient availability, and
long-term plant survival.
, 2. What is the primary purpose of adding organic matter to soil?
A. Increase soil temperature
B. Improve soil structure and nutrient retention
C. Reduce soil pH only
D. Kill soil-borne pests
Answer: B
Organic matter improves aeration, water-holding capacity, and nutrient
availability.
3. Which turfgrass is most commonly used for sunny lawns in North
Carolina?
A. Fine fescue
B. Centipedegrass
C. Bermudagrass
D. Annual ryegrass
Answer: C
Bermudagrass thrives in full sun and tolerates heat and traffic well.
4. When grading a site, what is the recommended slope away from
buildings?
A. 1%
B. 2%
, C. 5%
D. 10%
Answer: C
A 5% slope (about 6 inches per 10 feet) helps direct water away from
foundations.
5. What is the primary function of mulch in landscape beds?
A. Improve soil compaction
B. Conserve moisture and suppress weeds
C. Increase soil salinity
D. Reflect sunlight to plants
Answer: B
Mulch reduces evaporation, moderates soil temperature, and limits weed
growth.
6. Which irrigation component controls water flow to individual zones?
A. Backflow preventer
B. Mainline
C. Control valve
D. Pressure regulator
Answer: C
Control valves open and close to deliver water to specific irrigation zones.
, 7. What is the best time of day to water turfgrass to reduce disease?
A. Late evening
B. Midnight
C. Early morning
D. Mid-afternoon
Answer: C
Early morning watering reduces evaporation while allowing grass to dry
during the day.
8. Which tool is best for cutting sod into straight sections?
A. Garden rake
B. Sod cutter or sharp spade
C. Hand pruners
D. Hoe
Answer: B
A sod cutter or spade ensures clean, even edges for installation.
9. What is the primary purpose of a backflow preventer in irrigation
systems?
A. Increase water pressure
B. Filter debris
Examination – Trade Exam Full-Length
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which factor most influences plant selection for a specific site in North
Carolina?
A. Availability at local nurseries
B. Personal preference of the client
C. Soil type and drainage
D. Cost of installation
Answer: C
Soil type and drainage determine root health, nutrient availability, and
long-term plant survival.
, 2. What is the primary purpose of adding organic matter to soil?
A. Increase soil temperature
B. Improve soil structure and nutrient retention
C. Reduce soil pH only
D. Kill soil-borne pests
Answer: B
Organic matter improves aeration, water-holding capacity, and nutrient
availability.
3. Which turfgrass is most commonly used for sunny lawns in North
Carolina?
A. Fine fescue
B. Centipedegrass
C. Bermudagrass
D. Annual ryegrass
Answer: C
Bermudagrass thrives in full sun and tolerates heat and traffic well.
4. When grading a site, what is the recommended slope away from
buildings?
A. 1%
B. 2%
, C. 5%
D. 10%
Answer: C
A 5% slope (about 6 inches per 10 feet) helps direct water away from
foundations.
5. What is the primary function of mulch in landscape beds?
A. Improve soil compaction
B. Conserve moisture and suppress weeds
C. Increase soil salinity
D. Reflect sunlight to plants
Answer: B
Mulch reduces evaporation, moderates soil temperature, and limits weed
growth.
6. Which irrigation component controls water flow to individual zones?
A. Backflow preventer
B. Mainline
C. Control valve
D. Pressure regulator
Answer: C
Control valves open and close to deliver water to specific irrigation zones.
, 7. What is the best time of day to water turfgrass to reduce disease?
A. Late evening
B. Midnight
C. Early morning
D. Mid-afternoon
Answer: C
Early morning watering reduces evaporation while allowing grass to dry
during the day.
8. Which tool is best for cutting sod into straight sections?
A. Garden rake
B. Sod cutter or sharp spade
C. Hand pruners
D. Hoe
Answer: B
A sod cutter or spade ensures clean, even edges for installation.
9. What is the primary purpose of a backflow preventer in irrigation
systems?
A. Increase water pressure
B. Filter debris
