2026 NORTH CAROLINA LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR
LICENSING EXAM COMPREHENSIVE EXAM: REAL
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER RATIONALES | INSTANT
PDF DOWNLOAD
Overview
This set is divided into three versions covering the core requirements of NC General
Statute 89D:
1. Landscape Design & Plan Reading: Understanding scales, symbols, and topography.
2. General Knowledge (Horticulture & Construction): Soil science, plant ID, drainage,
and irrigation.
3. Business Law & Safety: NC licensing statutes, contracts, OSHA, and labor laws.
1. Under NC GS 89D, at what project value is a Landscape Contractor’s license
required?
A) $5,000
B) $15,000
C) $30,000
D) $50,000
North Carolina law requires a license for any project where the total cost of labor and
materials exceeds $30,000.
2. Which soil pH range is considered "ideal" for most ornamental landscape
plants in NC?
A) 4.5 – 5.5
B) 6.0 – 7.0
C) 7.5 – 8.5
D) 8.0 – 9.0
A pH of 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral) is the "sweet spot" where most nutrients
remain chemically available to the roots.
, 3. On a landscape plan with a scale of 1" = 20', what is the actual distance of a
line measuring 4.5 inches?
A) 45 feet
B) 80 feet
C) 90 feet
D) 120 feet
Multiply the map inches by the scale factor: 4.5" × 20' = 90'.
4. What is the botanical name for the North Carolina State Tree (Flowering
Dogwood)?
A) Cornus florida
B) Acer rubrum
C) Ilex opaca
D) Quercus phellos
Cornus florida is the Flowering Dogwood. Acer rubrum is Red Maple; Ilex opaca is
American Holly.
5. What is the "Rule of Thirds" in professional turfgrass mowing?
A) Mow 3 times a month
B) Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at once
C) Use 3 different mower heights
D) Apply 3 pounds of nitrogen per season
Removing more than 1/3 of the blade stresses the grass, reduces photosynthesis, and
weakens the root system.
6. Which nutrient is primarily responsible for green, vegetative growth?
A) Phosphorus
B) Potassium
C) Nitrogen
D) Calcium
Nitrogen (N) promotes leafy growth and a deep green color. Phosphorus (P) focuses on
roots/blooms; Potassium (K) on overall vigor.
7. In a landscape contract, a "Force Majeure" clause typically protects the
contractor from:
A) Subcontractor errors
B) Material price increases
LICENSING EXAM COMPREHENSIVE EXAM: REAL
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER RATIONALES | INSTANT
PDF DOWNLOAD
Overview
This set is divided into three versions covering the core requirements of NC General
Statute 89D:
1. Landscape Design & Plan Reading: Understanding scales, symbols, and topography.
2. General Knowledge (Horticulture & Construction): Soil science, plant ID, drainage,
and irrigation.
3. Business Law & Safety: NC licensing statutes, contracts, OSHA, and labor laws.
1. Under NC GS 89D, at what project value is a Landscape Contractor’s license
required?
A) $5,000
B) $15,000
C) $30,000
D) $50,000
North Carolina law requires a license for any project where the total cost of labor and
materials exceeds $30,000.
2. Which soil pH range is considered "ideal" for most ornamental landscape
plants in NC?
A) 4.5 – 5.5
B) 6.0 – 7.0
C) 7.5 – 8.5
D) 8.0 – 9.0
A pH of 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral) is the "sweet spot" where most nutrients
remain chemically available to the roots.
, 3. On a landscape plan with a scale of 1" = 20', what is the actual distance of a
line measuring 4.5 inches?
A) 45 feet
B) 80 feet
C) 90 feet
D) 120 feet
Multiply the map inches by the scale factor: 4.5" × 20' = 90'.
4. What is the botanical name for the North Carolina State Tree (Flowering
Dogwood)?
A) Cornus florida
B) Acer rubrum
C) Ilex opaca
D) Quercus phellos
Cornus florida is the Flowering Dogwood. Acer rubrum is Red Maple; Ilex opaca is
American Holly.
5. What is the "Rule of Thirds" in professional turfgrass mowing?
A) Mow 3 times a month
B) Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at once
C) Use 3 different mower heights
D) Apply 3 pounds of nitrogen per season
Removing more than 1/3 of the blade stresses the grass, reduces photosynthesis, and
weakens the root system.
6. Which nutrient is primarily responsible for green, vegetative growth?
A) Phosphorus
B) Potassium
C) Nitrogen
D) Calcium
Nitrogen (N) promotes leafy growth and a deep green color. Phosphorus (P) focuses on
roots/blooms; Potassium (K) on overall vigor.
7. In a landscape contract, a "Force Majeure" clause typically protects the
contractor from:
A) Subcontractor errors
B) Material price increases
