1|Page
North Carolina Landscape Contractor Practice Exam (Full 300 Questions
Latest 2025Comprehensive Study Edition
Includes Answers in Bold & Detailed Rationales
Overview
This North Carolina Landscape Contractor Practice Exam is designed to help you prepare
for the official state licensing examination administered by the North Carolina Landscape
Contractors’ Licensing Board (NCLCLB).
It reflects the most current standards, laws, and best practices required to pass the NC Landscape
Contractor License Exam in 2025.
Main Knowledge Areas Covered
1. Landscape Design & Planning
o Reading blueprints and site plans
o Plant selection and placement principles
o Soil testing and amendment recommendations
2. Site Preparation, Grading & Drainage
o Soil stabilization and erosion control
o Grading for proper drainage
o Retaining wall and slope construction basics
3. Planting & Horticulture Practices
o Installation techniques for trees, shrubs, and turf
o Native and adaptive plant use in NC
o Pruning, mulching, and fertilization
4. Irrigation Systems & Water Management
o Design, installation, and calibration
o Backflow prevention and water conservation methods
5. Hardscaping & Construction
o Pavers, walkways, and retaining walls
o Site layout, compaction, and materials calculation
6. Laws, Contracts & Business Practices
o NC licensing rules and enforcement
o Contract law, bids, and project management
o Workplace safety (OSHA) and environmental regulations
Prepared By:
Professional Landscape Contractor Educators — 2025 Edition
Based on NC Laws, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and NCLCLB Reference Materials
,2|Page
1. The North Carolina Landscape Contractor Licensing Board was
established to:
A. Promote agricultural education
B. Regulate the practice of landscape contracting and protect the public
C. Issue building permits for contractors
D. Manage environmental assessments
Rationale The NCLCLB ensures only qualified individuals practice landscape
contracting, protecting public welfare and maintaining standards.
2. Which of the following must be included in a landscape contract under NC
law?
A. Only the total price
B. A list of plants only
C. The scope of work, total price, and payment terms
D. A verbal agreement
Rationale Contracts must clearly outline the scope, total price, and terms to
prevent disputes and comply with NC regulations.
3. What is the most accurate method for determining the grade on a site?
A. Tape measure
B. Carpenter’s level
C. Transit level or laser level
D. Visual inspection
Rationale A transit or laser level provides precise elevation readings necessary for
grading and drainage accuracy.
4. Which soil texture has the best balance of drainage and nutrient retention?
A. Sand
B. Clay
C. Loam
D. Silt
,3|Page
Rationale Loam combines the best properties of sand, silt, and clay, supporting
plant growth effectively.
5. The ideal pH for most turfgrass species in North Carolina is:
A. 4.5–5.0
B. 8.0–9.0
C. 6.0–6.5
D. 5.5–6.0
Rationale A slightly acidic pH of 6.0–6.5 is optimal for nutrient uptake in most
NC turf species.
6. When preparing a landscape site, erosion control measures should be
installed:
A. After planting
B. After grading
C. Before any earthwork begins
D. Only if the area exceeds one acre
Rationale Erosion control must be in place before site disturbance to prevent
sediment runoff.
7. Which plant is best suited for a full-sun, drought-prone site in NC?
A. Azalea
B. Dogwood
C. Juniper
D. Hydrangea
Rationale Junipers tolerate dry, sunny conditions common in many NC
landscapes.
8. In irrigation design, precipitation rate refers to:
, 4|Page
A. Pressure at the sprinkler head
B. Flow rate through the pipe
C. Depth of water applied over a given area in a set time
D. Size of the sprinkler nozzle
Rationale Precipitation rate measures how much water is distributed over a given
area and time period.
9. Which of the following plants is native to North Carolina?
A. Japanese Maple
B. Bradford Pear
C. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
D. English Ivy
Rationale Red Maple is native to NC and supports local ecosystems.
10. What is the primary function of a French drain in landscape construction?
A. Increase water supply
B. Retain water for irrigation
C. Redirect and remove excess subsurface water
D. Filter pollutants
Rationale French drains prevent water accumulation and promote site drainage.
11. When estimating materials for mulch installation, coverage is typically
calculated in:
A. Linear feet
B. Square feet
C. Cubic yards
D. Pounds
Rationale Mulch is sold and measured in cubic yards, based on area coverage and
depth.
North Carolina Landscape Contractor Practice Exam (Full 300 Questions
Latest 2025Comprehensive Study Edition
Includes Answers in Bold & Detailed Rationales
Overview
This North Carolina Landscape Contractor Practice Exam is designed to help you prepare
for the official state licensing examination administered by the North Carolina Landscape
Contractors’ Licensing Board (NCLCLB).
It reflects the most current standards, laws, and best practices required to pass the NC Landscape
Contractor License Exam in 2025.
Main Knowledge Areas Covered
1. Landscape Design & Planning
o Reading blueprints and site plans
o Plant selection and placement principles
o Soil testing and amendment recommendations
2. Site Preparation, Grading & Drainage
o Soil stabilization and erosion control
o Grading for proper drainage
o Retaining wall and slope construction basics
3. Planting & Horticulture Practices
o Installation techniques for trees, shrubs, and turf
o Native and adaptive plant use in NC
o Pruning, mulching, and fertilization
4. Irrigation Systems & Water Management
o Design, installation, and calibration
o Backflow prevention and water conservation methods
5. Hardscaping & Construction
o Pavers, walkways, and retaining walls
o Site layout, compaction, and materials calculation
6. Laws, Contracts & Business Practices
o NC licensing rules and enforcement
o Contract law, bids, and project management
o Workplace safety (OSHA) and environmental regulations
Prepared By:
Professional Landscape Contractor Educators — 2025 Edition
Based on NC Laws, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and NCLCLB Reference Materials
,2|Page
1. The North Carolina Landscape Contractor Licensing Board was
established to:
A. Promote agricultural education
B. Regulate the practice of landscape contracting and protect the public
C. Issue building permits for contractors
D. Manage environmental assessments
Rationale The NCLCLB ensures only qualified individuals practice landscape
contracting, protecting public welfare and maintaining standards.
2. Which of the following must be included in a landscape contract under NC
law?
A. Only the total price
B. A list of plants only
C. The scope of work, total price, and payment terms
D. A verbal agreement
Rationale Contracts must clearly outline the scope, total price, and terms to
prevent disputes and comply with NC regulations.
3. What is the most accurate method for determining the grade on a site?
A. Tape measure
B. Carpenter’s level
C. Transit level or laser level
D. Visual inspection
Rationale A transit or laser level provides precise elevation readings necessary for
grading and drainage accuracy.
4. Which soil texture has the best balance of drainage and nutrient retention?
A. Sand
B. Clay
C. Loam
D. Silt
,3|Page
Rationale Loam combines the best properties of sand, silt, and clay, supporting
plant growth effectively.
5. The ideal pH for most turfgrass species in North Carolina is:
A. 4.5–5.0
B. 8.0–9.0
C. 6.0–6.5
D. 5.5–6.0
Rationale A slightly acidic pH of 6.0–6.5 is optimal for nutrient uptake in most
NC turf species.
6. When preparing a landscape site, erosion control measures should be
installed:
A. After planting
B. After grading
C. Before any earthwork begins
D. Only if the area exceeds one acre
Rationale Erosion control must be in place before site disturbance to prevent
sediment runoff.
7. Which plant is best suited for a full-sun, drought-prone site in NC?
A. Azalea
B. Dogwood
C. Juniper
D. Hydrangea
Rationale Junipers tolerate dry, sunny conditions common in many NC
landscapes.
8. In irrigation design, precipitation rate refers to:
, 4|Page
A. Pressure at the sprinkler head
B. Flow rate through the pipe
C. Depth of water applied over a given area in a set time
D. Size of the sprinkler nozzle
Rationale Precipitation rate measures how much water is distributed over a given
area and time period.
9. Which of the following plants is native to North Carolina?
A. Japanese Maple
B. Bradford Pear
C. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
D. English Ivy
Rationale Red Maple is native to NC and supports local ecosystems.
10. What is the primary function of a French drain in landscape construction?
A. Increase water supply
B. Retain water for irrigation
C. Redirect and remove excess subsurface water
D. Filter pollutants
Rationale French drains prevent water accumulation and promote site drainage.
11. When estimating materials for mulch installation, coverage is typically
calculated in:
A. Linear feet
B. Square feet
C. Cubic yards
D. Pounds
Rationale Mulch is sold and measured in cubic yards, based on area coverage and
depth.
