North Carolina Landscape Contractor EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025/2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which soil type is best suited for a typical North Carolina residential
landscape?
A. Clay
B. Sandy loam
C. Peat
D. Gravel
*Correct Answer: B. Sandy loam – Sandy loam provides good drainage and
nutrient retention, which is ideal for most landscape plants in NC.
2. What is the recommended depth for planting trees in North Carolina?
A. Same depth as in the nursery
B. Twice as deep as in the nursery
C. Half the depth in the nursery
D. On top of soil
*Correct Answer: A. Same depth as in the nursery – Planting too deep or too
shallow can stress the tree and reduce its survival rate.
3. Which of the following is a common native turfgrass in North Carolina?
A. Bermuda grass
B. Zoysia grass
C. Tall fescue
D. Kentucky bluegrass
*Correct Answer: C. Tall fescue – Tall fescue is drought-tolerant and performs well
in NC’s climate.
4. Which irrigation method is most water-efficient for landscapes?
A. Overhead sprinklers
B. Drip irrigation
,C. Flood irrigation
D. Soaker hoses
*Correct Answer: B. Drip irrigation – Drip systems deliver water directly to the root
zone, minimizing evaporation.
5. When is the best time to fertilize warm-season grasses in North Carolina?
A. Early spring
B. Late fall
C. Summer dormancy
D. Mid-winter
*Correct Answer: A. Early spring – Fertilizing at the beginning of the growing
season promotes strong growth and recovery from winter dormancy.
6. Which of the following is considered an invasive plant in NC landscapes?
A. Eastern Redbud
B. Kudzu
C. Dogwood
D. Black-eyed Susan
*Correct Answer: B. Kudzu – Kudzu spreads rapidly and can overtake native plants
and structures.
7. What is the primary purpose of mulching around trees and shrubs?
A. Reduce soil moisture
B. Prevent root growth
C. Conserve moisture and suppress weeds
D. Increase soil acidity
*Correct Answer: C. Conserve moisture and suppress weeds – Mulch helps retain
soil moisture, reduce temperature fluctuations, and control weeds.
8. Which pest is most common in North Carolina turfgrass?
A. Japanese beetle
B. Emerald ash borer
C. White pine weevil
D. Bagworm
, *Correct Answer: A. Japanese beetle – Japanese beetles feed on turf and
ornamental plants, causing significant damage.
9. When installing a retaining wall in a residential landscape, what is critical for
stability?
A. Proper drainage behind the wall
B. Using topsoil as the base
C. Building without reinforcement
D. No need for base leveling
*Correct Answer: A. Proper drainage behind the wall – Without drainage, water
pressure can cause the wall to fail.
10. Which hardscape material is most suitable for a North Carolina patio?
A. Asphalt
B. Poured concrete
C. Natural stone
D. Gravel
*Correct Answer: C. Natural stone – Natural stone is durable, visually appealing,
and blends with the regional landscape.
11. How often should pruning be performed on ornamental trees in NC?
A. Once every 10 years
B. Annually during dormancy
C. During active growth in summer
D. Only after storm damage
*Correct Answer: B. Annually during dormancy – Pruning during dormancy
reduces stress and limits disease spread.
12. Which soil amendment improves clay soil drainage in North Carolina?
A. Sand and compost
B. Peat only
C. Gravel only
D. Sawdust alone
*Correct Answer: A. Sand and compost – Combining sand and organic matter
improves texture and drainage.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025/2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which soil type is best suited for a typical North Carolina residential
landscape?
A. Clay
B. Sandy loam
C. Peat
D. Gravel
*Correct Answer: B. Sandy loam – Sandy loam provides good drainage and
nutrient retention, which is ideal for most landscape plants in NC.
2. What is the recommended depth for planting trees in North Carolina?
A. Same depth as in the nursery
B. Twice as deep as in the nursery
C. Half the depth in the nursery
D. On top of soil
*Correct Answer: A. Same depth as in the nursery – Planting too deep or too
shallow can stress the tree and reduce its survival rate.
3. Which of the following is a common native turfgrass in North Carolina?
A. Bermuda grass
B. Zoysia grass
C. Tall fescue
D. Kentucky bluegrass
*Correct Answer: C. Tall fescue – Tall fescue is drought-tolerant and performs well
in NC’s climate.
4. Which irrigation method is most water-efficient for landscapes?
A. Overhead sprinklers
B. Drip irrigation
,C. Flood irrigation
D. Soaker hoses
*Correct Answer: B. Drip irrigation – Drip systems deliver water directly to the root
zone, minimizing evaporation.
5. When is the best time to fertilize warm-season grasses in North Carolina?
A. Early spring
B. Late fall
C. Summer dormancy
D. Mid-winter
*Correct Answer: A. Early spring – Fertilizing at the beginning of the growing
season promotes strong growth and recovery from winter dormancy.
6. Which of the following is considered an invasive plant in NC landscapes?
A. Eastern Redbud
B. Kudzu
C. Dogwood
D. Black-eyed Susan
*Correct Answer: B. Kudzu – Kudzu spreads rapidly and can overtake native plants
and structures.
7. What is the primary purpose of mulching around trees and shrubs?
A. Reduce soil moisture
B. Prevent root growth
C. Conserve moisture and suppress weeds
D. Increase soil acidity
*Correct Answer: C. Conserve moisture and suppress weeds – Mulch helps retain
soil moisture, reduce temperature fluctuations, and control weeds.
8. Which pest is most common in North Carolina turfgrass?
A. Japanese beetle
B. Emerald ash borer
C. White pine weevil
D. Bagworm
, *Correct Answer: A. Japanese beetle – Japanese beetles feed on turf and
ornamental plants, causing significant damage.
9. When installing a retaining wall in a residential landscape, what is critical for
stability?
A. Proper drainage behind the wall
B. Using topsoil as the base
C. Building without reinforcement
D. No need for base leveling
*Correct Answer: A. Proper drainage behind the wall – Without drainage, water
pressure can cause the wall to fail.
10. Which hardscape material is most suitable for a North Carolina patio?
A. Asphalt
B. Poured concrete
C. Natural stone
D. Gravel
*Correct Answer: C. Natural stone – Natural stone is durable, visually appealing,
and blends with the regional landscape.
11. How often should pruning be performed on ornamental trees in NC?
A. Once every 10 years
B. Annually during dormancy
C. During active growth in summer
D. Only after storm damage
*Correct Answer: B. Annually during dormancy – Pruning during dormancy
reduces stress and limits disease spread.
12. Which soil amendment improves clay soil drainage in North Carolina?
A. Sand and compost
B. Peat only
C. Gravel only
D. Sawdust alone
*Correct Answer: A. Sand and compost – Combining sand and organic matter
improves texture and drainage.
