NORTH CAROLINA LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains
1. Plant Identification and Selection
2. Soil Science and Nutrient Management
3. Irrigation Systems and Water Conservation
4. Hardscape Construction and Installation
5. Pest and Disease Management
6. Business Management and Estimating
7. North Carolina Environmental and Safety Regulations
8. Erosion and Sediment Control
9. Turfgrass Management and Maintenance
10. Landscape Design Principles
Introduction
This examination is designed to comprehensively assess the knowledge and practical skills required for competent and
ethical landscape contracting in the state of North Carolina. The assessment evaluates a candidate's understanding of
foundational scientific principles, applied technical practices, and the critical decision-making processes necessary for
successful project execution. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, from plant and soil science to business management
and regulatory compliance. The structure integrates multiple-choice questions and scenario-based applications to
evaluate a candidate's readiness for real-world challenges, emphasizing the ability to analyze problems and implement
,effective solutions on the job site. The primary purpose of this exam is to protect the public by ensuring that all licensed
contractors meet a high standard of professional conduct and technical proficiency.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A client requests a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ground cover for a sunny, sandy slope in their Raleigh yard.
Which of the following is the most suitable choice?
A. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
B. Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' (Blue Rug Juniper)
C. Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge)
D. Liriope spicata (Creeping Lilyturf)
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' is a sun-loving, evergreen ground cover with excellent drought
tolerance once established, making it ideal for sunny, well-drained, sandy slopes. English Ivy and Pachysandra prefer
more shade and consistent moisture, while Liriope is more appropriate for part shade and average soil.
2. What is the primary purpose of installing a geotextile fabric beneath a segmental retaining wall?
A. To prevent weed growth on the wall face.
B. To act as a drainage layer and prevent soil migration.
C. To provide lateral support for the wall blocks.
D. To stabilize the native soil underneath the foundation.
🟢B
,🔴 Explanation: Geotextile fabric is placed behind a retaining wall to allow water to drain from the backfill while
preventing the finer soil particles from washing out through the drainage aggregate, thus maintaining the structural
integrity of the wall.
3. During a landscape installation, you are tasked with transplanting a large, balled-and-burlapped (B&B) oak tree.
What should be your primary course of action concerning the burlap and wire basket?
A. Remove all burlap and wire completely before placing the tree in the hole.
B. Cut away the top third of the wire and burlap after the tree is securely in the hole.
C. Leave the entire basket and burlap in place to avoid disturbing the root ball.
D. Untie the burlap from the trunk and cut away the top portion of the wire basket after the tree is set.
🟢D
🔴 Explanation: It is best practice to cut and remove the twine from the trunk and fold back the top portion of the
wire basket and burlap after the tree is placed in the planting hole. This prevents girdling roots and allows roots to
grow outward into the native soil, while the remaining wire at the bottom decomposes or is harmless.
4. Which of the following North Carolina regulations mandates that a person must be certified to apply certain
pesticides in a commercial landscape setting?
A. The North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act
B. The North Carolina Pesticide Law
C. The North Carolina Water Use Act
D. The North Carolina State Building Code
🟢B
, 🔴 Explanation: The North Carolina Pesticide Law, enforced by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), requires individuals who apply pesticides for hire to be licensed and certified to
ensure safe and proper use.
5. A landscape contractor is preparing a bid for a commercial project that includes a large parking lot island with
poor, compacted clay soil. What is the most critical and cost-effective soil amendment recommendation to improve
drainage and root penetration?
A. Adding a 4-inch layer of coarse sand.
B. Incorporating a 3-inch layer of organic matter like compost.
C. Adding a lime application to raise the soil pH.
D. Applying a synthetic polymer soil conditioner.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, is the most effective and sustainable way to
improve soil structure in compacted clay. It increases porosity, improves drainage, and adds nutrients. While sand
can help, it often requires a large volume (up to 50%) to be effective and can lead to a concrete-like mixture if not
done perfectly.
6. You are designing an irrigation system for a terraced garden. The water pressure at the source is 80 PSI. Which of
the following devices is essential to prevent damage to the system's components?
A. A backflow preventer
B. A pressure regulator
C. A flow sensor
D. A master valve
🟢B
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains
1. Plant Identification and Selection
2. Soil Science and Nutrient Management
3. Irrigation Systems and Water Conservation
4. Hardscape Construction and Installation
5. Pest and Disease Management
6. Business Management and Estimating
7. North Carolina Environmental and Safety Regulations
8. Erosion and Sediment Control
9. Turfgrass Management and Maintenance
10. Landscape Design Principles
Introduction
This examination is designed to comprehensively assess the knowledge and practical skills required for competent and
ethical landscape contracting in the state of North Carolina. The assessment evaluates a candidate's understanding of
foundational scientific principles, applied technical practices, and the critical decision-making processes necessary for
successful project execution. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, from plant and soil science to business management
and regulatory compliance. The structure integrates multiple-choice questions and scenario-based applications to
evaluate a candidate's readiness for real-world challenges, emphasizing the ability to analyze problems and implement
,effective solutions on the job site. The primary purpose of this exam is to protect the public by ensuring that all licensed
contractors meet a high standard of professional conduct and technical proficiency.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A client requests a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ground cover for a sunny, sandy slope in their Raleigh yard.
Which of the following is the most suitable choice?
A. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
B. Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' (Blue Rug Juniper)
C. Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge)
D. Liriope spicata (Creeping Lilyturf)
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' is a sun-loving, evergreen ground cover with excellent drought
tolerance once established, making it ideal for sunny, well-drained, sandy slopes. English Ivy and Pachysandra prefer
more shade and consistent moisture, while Liriope is more appropriate for part shade and average soil.
2. What is the primary purpose of installing a geotextile fabric beneath a segmental retaining wall?
A. To prevent weed growth on the wall face.
B. To act as a drainage layer and prevent soil migration.
C. To provide lateral support for the wall blocks.
D. To stabilize the native soil underneath the foundation.
🟢B
,🔴 Explanation: Geotextile fabric is placed behind a retaining wall to allow water to drain from the backfill while
preventing the finer soil particles from washing out through the drainage aggregate, thus maintaining the structural
integrity of the wall.
3. During a landscape installation, you are tasked with transplanting a large, balled-and-burlapped (B&B) oak tree.
What should be your primary course of action concerning the burlap and wire basket?
A. Remove all burlap and wire completely before placing the tree in the hole.
B. Cut away the top third of the wire and burlap after the tree is securely in the hole.
C. Leave the entire basket and burlap in place to avoid disturbing the root ball.
D. Untie the burlap from the trunk and cut away the top portion of the wire basket after the tree is set.
🟢D
🔴 Explanation: It is best practice to cut and remove the twine from the trunk and fold back the top portion of the
wire basket and burlap after the tree is placed in the planting hole. This prevents girdling roots and allows roots to
grow outward into the native soil, while the remaining wire at the bottom decomposes or is harmless.
4. Which of the following North Carolina regulations mandates that a person must be certified to apply certain
pesticides in a commercial landscape setting?
A. The North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act
B. The North Carolina Pesticide Law
C. The North Carolina Water Use Act
D. The North Carolina State Building Code
🟢B
, 🔴 Explanation: The North Carolina Pesticide Law, enforced by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), requires individuals who apply pesticides for hire to be licensed and certified to
ensure safe and proper use.
5. A landscape contractor is preparing a bid for a commercial project that includes a large parking lot island with
poor, compacted clay soil. What is the most critical and cost-effective soil amendment recommendation to improve
drainage and root penetration?
A. Adding a 4-inch layer of coarse sand.
B. Incorporating a 3-inch layer of organic matter like compost.
C. Adding a lime application to raise the soil pH.
D. Applying a synthetic polymer soil conditioner.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, is the most effective and sustainable way to
improve soil structure in compacted clay. It increases porosity, improves drainage, and adds nutrients. While sand
can help, it often requires a large volume (up to 50%) to be effective and can lead to a concrete-like mixture if not
done perfectly.
6. You are designing an irrigation system for a terraced garden. The water pressure at the source is 80 PSI. Which of
the following devices is essential to prevent damage to the system's components?
A. A backflow preventer
B. A pressure regulator
C. A flow sensor
D. A master valve
🟢B
