North Carolina Landscape Contractor
Examination — Basic Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of soil testing before
planting?
a) To determine watering schedule
b) To identify soil type only
c) To determine nutrient content and pH
d) To check for pests
Rationale: Soil tests provide information on nutrient levels and pH,
which is critical for plant health.
2. The process of pruning shrubs to maintain shape is called:
a) Thinning
, b) Shearing
c) Deadheading
d) Pollarding
Rationale: Shearing involves trimming the outer growth to maintain
a uniform shape.
3. Which irrigation system is most water-efficient for trees and shrubs?
a) Sprinkler system
b) Flood irrigation
c) Drip irrigation
d) Overhead misting
Rationale: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots,
reducing evaporation and runoff.
4. What is the ideal soil pH range for most landscape plants?
a) 3.5–4.5
b) 4.5–5.5
c) 8.0–9.0
d) 6.0–7.0
Rationale: A pH of 6.0–7.0 allows most nutrients to be available to
plants.
5. Mulching around plants primarily helps to:
a) Increase soil acidity
b) Reduce insect problems only
c) Retain soil moisture and control weeds
, d) Promote root decay
Rationale: Mulch conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature,
and reduces weed growth.
6. When installing a lawn, the term “sodding” refers to:
a) Seeding the lawn
b) Laying pre-grown grass mats
c) Applying fertilizer
d) Aerating soil
Rationale: Sodding involves placing rolls or squares of grass with
attached soil to establish a lawn quickly.
7. Which type of tree is considered deciduous?
a) Pine
b) Spruce
c) Maple
d) Juniper
Rationale: Deciduous trees shed their leaves annually, unlike conifers
such as pine or spruce.
8. What is the main benefit of composting organic waste for
landscaping?
a) Reduces soil pH
b) Improves soil structure and fertility
c) Kills all soil pathogens
d) Increases soil salinity
, Rationale: Compost adds nutrients and improves soil texture,
enhancing plant growth.
9. Which of the following is a common symptom of overwatering?
a) Leaf curling due to drought
b) Brown leaf tips
c) Yellowing leaves and root rot
d) Increased flowering
Rationale: Overwatering can suffocate roots, causing yellow leaves
and rot.
10. The primary purpose of edging a landscape bed is to:
a) Fertilize plants
b) Define borders and prevent grass encroachment
c) Improve drainage
d) Attract wildlife
Rationale: Edging creates a clean boundary and reduces grass
invading planted areas.
11. What is the best time of day to water most landscape plants?
a) Midday
b) Afternoon
c) Early morning
d) Evening
Rationale: Early morning watering reduces evaporation and allows
foliage to dry, preventing disease.
Examination — Basic Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of soil testing before
planting?
a) To determine watering schedule
b) To identify soil type only
c) To determine nutrient content and pH
d) To check for pests
Rationale: Soil tests provide information on nutrient levels and pH,
which is critical for plant health.
2. The process of pruning shrubs to maintain shape is called:
a) Thinning
, b) Shearing
c) Deadheading
d) Pollarding
Rationale: Shearing involves trimming the outer growth to maintain
a uniform shape.
3. Which irrigation system is most water-efficient for trees and shrubs?
a) Sprinkler system
b) Flood irrigation
c) Drip irrigation
d) Overhead misting
Rationale: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots,
reducing evaporation and runoff.
4. What is the ideal soil pH range for most landscape plants?
a) 3.5–4.5
b) 4.5–5.5
c) 8.0–9.0
d) 6.0–7.0
Rationale: A pH of 6.0–7.0 allows most nutrients to be available to
plants.
5. Mulching around plants primarily helps to:
a) Increase soil acidity
b) Reduce insect problems only
c) Retain soil moisture and control weeds
, d) Promote root decay
Rationale: Mulch conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature,
and reduces weed growth.
6. When installing a lawn, the term “sodding” refers to:
a) Seeding the lawn
b) Laying pre-grown grass mats
c) Applying fertilizer
d) Aerating soil
Rationale: Sodding involves placing rolls or squares of grass with
attached soil to establish a lawn quickly.
7. Which type of tree is considered deciduous?
a) Pine
b) Spruce
c) Maple
d) Juniper
Rationale: Deciduous trees shed their leaves annually, unlike conifers
such as pine or spruce.
8. What is the main benefit of composting organic waste for
landscaping?
a) Reduces soil pH
b) Improves soil structure and fertility
c) Kills all soil pathogens
d) Increases soil salinity
, Rationale: Compost adds nutrients and improves soil texture,
enhancing plant growth.
9. Which of the following is a common symptom of overwatering?
a) Leaf curling due to drought
b) Brown leaf tips
c) Yellowing leaves and root rot
d) Increased flowering
Rationale: Overwatering can suffocate roots, causing yellow leaves
and rot.
10. The primary purpose of edging a landscape bed is to:
a) Fertilize plants
b) Define borders and prevent grass encroachment
c) Improve drainage
d) Attract wildlife
Rationale: Edging creates a clean boundary and reduces grass
invading planted areas.
11. What is the best time of day to water most landscape plants?
a) Midday
b) Afternoon
c) Early morning
d) Evening
Rationale: Early morning watering reduces evaporation and allows
foliage to dry, preventing disease.
