Arizona AZ L-90 Artificial Turf
Installation Contractor
Practice Exam | Questions,
Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | Complete
Contractor License Exam Prep
Study Guide | Updated 2026
1. What is the primary purpose of removing existing
vegetation before installing artificial turf?
A. To increase the turf's color
B. To provide a stable foundation and prevent future growth
C. To reduce the amount of infill required
D. To eliminate the need for drainage
Correct answer: Provide a stable foundation and prevent
future growth
Rationale: Existing vegetation and organic material can
decompose, settle, and allow weeds to grow through
the finished turf. Removing it creates a more stable
subgrade.
2. Which condition is most important to evaluate before
beginning an artificial turf installation?
A. The color of nearby landscaping
B. Existing drainage and site slope
C. The homeowner's furniture
D. The age of the fence
Correct answer: Existing drainage and site slope
,Rationale: Artificial turf does not correct a poorly
draining site by itself. Surface grades and subsurface
drainage must be evaluated before construction begins.
3. What is the purpose of compacting the subgrade?
A. To make the turf softer
B. To increase infill depth
C. To reduce settlement and provide a stable surface
D. To change the turf color
Correct answer: To reduce settlement and provide a
stable surface
Rationale: Proper compaction creates a firm foundation
and minimizes future depressions, movement, and
unevenness.
4. Which material is commonly used as an aggregate
base beneath artificial turf?
A. Topsoil
B. Organic mulch
C. Crushed aggregate
D. Compost
Correct answer: Crushed aggregate
Rationale: A properly graded crushed aggregate
provides structural support, drainage, and a
compactable base beneath synthetic turf.
5. Why should organic soil generally not be used as the
primary structural base beneath artificial turf?
A. It is too expensive
B. It can decompose and settle
C. It cannot be compacted at all
D. It always prevents drainage
Correct answer: It can decompose and settle
,Rationale: Organic material can change volume as it
decomposes and retains moisture, creating an unstable
surface.
6. What is the main purpose of the aggregate base?
A. To provide structural support and drainage
B. To replace turf infill
C. To prevent all weeds without additional measures
D. To eliminate edging
Correct answer: To provide structural support and
drainage
Rationale: The compacted aggregate base supports the
turf system while allowing water to move through the
installation.
7. What is the best general practice when compacting
aggregate base?
A. Install it in one extremely thick layer
B. Compact it in manageable lifts
C. Avoid moisture completely
D. Compact only the perimeter
Correct answer: Compact it in manageable lifts
Rationale: Thin or manageable lifts allow the
compaction equipment to densify the material more
effectively throughout the depth.
8. What is a primary function of geotextile fabric
beneath artificial turf?
A. It increases turf blade height
B. It can separate soil from aggregate and help control weed
growth
C. It replaces all aggregate
D. It waterproofs the entire installation
Correct answer: It can separate soil from aggregate and
help control weed growth
, Rationale: Properly selected landscape/geotextile fabric
can provide separation and stabilization and may help
inhibit weed penetration.
9. Why is proper subgrade slope important?
A. It determines turf color
B. It directs water toward an appropriate drainage location
C. It reduces the need for seams
D. It determines the amount of turf purchased
Correct answer: It directs water toward an appropriate
drainage location
Rationale: Water must have a path away from the
installation. A properly graded base prevents standing
water and localized drainage problems.
10. What is a low spot in the base most likely to cause?
A. Faster turf growth
B. Water accumulation
C. Higher turf density
D. Less infill migration
Correct answer: Water accumulation
Rationale: Depressions can collect water, especially
where drainage is inadequate, potentially causing
odors, erosion, or subbase deterioration.
11. What should be done before ordering artificial turf?
A. Estimate the area and account for cuts and waste
B. Install the edging first
C. Apply infill
D. Wet the entire property
Correct answer: Estimate the area and account for cuts
and waste
Rationale: Accurate measurements and an allowance for
cutting and layout waste help ensure sufficient material
is available for the installation.
Installation Contractor
Practice Exam | Questions,
Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | Complete
Contractor License Exam Prep
Study Guide | Updated 2026
1. What is the primary purpose of removing existing
vegetation before installing artificial turf?
A. To increase the turf's color
B. To provide a stable foundation and prevent future growth
C. To reduce the amount of infill required
D. To eliminate the need for drainage
Correct answer: Provide a stable foundation and prevent
future growth
Rationale: Existing vegetation and organic material can
decompose, settle, and allow weeds to grow through
the finished turf. Removing it creates a more stable
subgrade.
2. Which condition is most important to evaluate before
beginning an artificial turf installation?
A. The color of nearby landscaping
B. Existing drainage and site slope
C. The homeowner's furniture
D. The age of the fence
Correct answer: Existing drainage and site slope
,Rationale: Artificial turf does not correct a poorly
draining site by itself. Surface grades and subsurface
drainage must be evaluated before construction begins.
3. What is the purpose of compacting the subgrade?
A. To make the turf softer
B. To increase infill depth
C. To reduce settlement and provide a stable surface
D. To change the turf color
Correct answer: To reduce settlement and provide a
stable surface
Rationale: Proper compaction creates a firm foundation
and minimizes future depressions, movement, and
unevenness.
4. Which material is commonly used as an aggregate
base beneath artificial turf?
A. Topsoil
B. Organic mulch
C. Crushed aggregate
D. Compost
Correct answer: Crushed aggregate
Rationale: A properly graded crushed aggregate
provides structural support, drainage, and a
compactable base beneath synthetic turf.
5. Why should organic soil generally not be used as the
primary structural base beneath artificial turf?
A. It is too expensive
B. It can decompose and settle
C. It cannot be compacted at all
D. It always prevents drainage
Correct answer: It can decompose and settle
,Rationale: Organic material can change volume as it
decomposes and retains moisture, creating an unstable
surface.
6. What is the main purpose of the aggregate base?
A. To provide structural support and drainage
B. To replace turf infill
C. To prevent all weeds without additional measures
D. To eliminate edging
Correct answer: To provide structural support and
drainage
Rationale: The compacted aggregate base supports the
turf system while allowing water to move through the
installation.
7. What is the best general practice when compacting
aggregate base?
A. Install it in one extremely thick layer
B. Compact it in manageable lifts
C. Avoid moisture completely
D. Compact only the perimeter
Correct answer: Compact it in manageable lifts
Rationale: Thin or manageable lifts allow the
compaction equipment to densify the material more
effectively throughout the depth.
8. What is a primary function of geotextile fabric
beneath artificial turf?
A. It increases turf blade height
B. It can separate soil from aggregate and help control weed
growth
C. It replaces all aggregate
D. It waterproofs the entire installation
Correct answer: It can separate soil from aggregate and
help control weed growth
, Rationale: Properly selected landscape/geotextile fabric
can provide separation and stabilization and may help
inhibit weed penetration.
9. Why is proper subgrade slope important?
A. It determines turf color
B. It directs water toward an appropriate drainage location
C. It reduces the need for seams
D. It determines the amount of turf purchased
Correct answer: It directs water toward an appropriate
drainage location
Rationale: Water must have a path away from the
installation. A properly graded base prevents standing
water and localized drainage problems.
10. What is a low spot in the base most likely to cause?
A. Faster turf growth
B. Water accumulation
C. Higher turf density
D. Less infill migration
Correct answer: Water accumulation
Rationale: Depressions can collect water, especially
where drainage is inadequate, potentially causing
odors, erosion, or subbase deterioration.
11. What should be done before ordering artificial turf?
A. Estimate the area and account for cuts and waste
B. Install the edging first
C. Apply infill
D. Wet the entire property
Correct answer: Estimate the area and account for cuts
and waste
Rationale: Accurate measurements and an allowance for
cutting and layout waste help ensure sufficient material
is available for the installation.
