Exam Practice Questions And Correct

Landscape Industry Certified Technician Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

Horticulture and Plant Materials

• Which of the following is a deciduous tree?
• Eastern Red Cedar
• Maple
• Pine
• Spruce

Rationale: Deciduous trees lose their leaves seasonally. Maples are classic

examples, whereas pines, spruces, and cedars are evergreen.

• What is the primary purpose of pruning a tree?
• Increase fruit production only 1 / 4

• Make the tree grow taller only
• Improve plant health, structure, and aesthetics
• Reduce leaf size

Rationale: Pruning removes dead, diseased, or crowded branches, enhancing

health, safety, and appearance.

• A soil test shows a pH of 5.0. Which amendment would raise the soil

pH?

• Sulfur
• Lime
• Compost
• Peat moss

Rationale: Lime (calcium carbonate) neutralizes acidic soils, increasing pH.

Sulfur lowers pH.

• Which of the following plants is a monocot?
• Rose
• Oak
• Lily
• Maple

Rationale: Monocots have one seed leaf and parallel leaf venation. Lilies are

monocots; roses and maples are dicots.

• What is the correct depth for planting most trees?
• At the original nursery root ball depth 2 / 4

• Twice the root ball height
• At or slightly above the root flare
• At soil grade minus 6 inches

Rationale: Planting too deep can suffocate roots; the root flare should

remain visible above the soil.

• Which of the following is a sign of nitrogen deficiency in plants?
• Dark green leaves
• Yellowing of older leaves
• Purpling of stems
• Leaf curling

Rationale: Nitrogen is mobile in plants, so older leaves yellow first when

deficient.

• What type of irrigation system is most efficient for water

conservation?

• Overhead sprinkler
• Flood irrigation
• Drip irrigation
• Rotor sprinklers

Rationale: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to roots, minimizing

evaporation and runoff.

• What is the primary function of mulch in landscape beds?
• Attract insects 3 / 4

• Conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature
• Increase soil pH
• Reduce soil nutrients

Rationale: Mulch acts as a protective layer, improving soil conditions and

plant health.

• Which of the following is a broadleaf evergreen shrub?
• Boxwood
• Azalea
• Forsythia
• Dogwood

Rationale: Azaleas retain leaves year-round in many climates; dogwood and

forsythia are deciduous.

• What is the primary benefit of using native plants in

landscaping?

• Require more fertilizer
• Require more irrigation
• Adapted to local climate and soil, low maintenance
• Grow faster than non-natives

Rationale: Native plants typically thrive in local conditions, requiring fewer

inputs.

Turfgrass Management

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