Exam Questions And Correct Answers

CA C27 Landscaping Contractor Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf

• Which soil type generally provides the best drainage for most

landscaping plants?

• Clay
• Silt
• Sand
• Loam

Rationale: Loam is ideal because it balances drainage and nutrient

retention, promoting healthy plant growth.

• What is the primary purpose of a soil amendment?
• To add decorative value
• To improve soil structure and fertility
• To increase soil pH only
• To repel pests

Rationale: Soil amendments enhance soil structure, fertility, and

water-holding capacity.

• When installing a sprinkler system, what is the recommended slope for

lateral pipes?

• 0%

B. 1–2%

• 5%

D. 10%

Rationale: A 1–2% slope prevents standing water and ensures proper

drainage.

• Which plant is considered a drought-tolerant choice for California

landscapes?

• Azalea 1 / 3

• Rice grass
• Fern
• Lavender

Rationale: Lavender is drought-tolerant and thrives in dry,

Mediterranean climates.

• What is the maximum recommended height for a retaining wall without

engineering?

• 2 feet
• 3 feet
• 4 feet
• 6 feet

Rationale: Retaining walls over 4 feet require engineered design to

prevent failure.

• Which tool is most appropriate for edging a lawn?
• Shovel
• Half-moon edger
• Trowel
• Hoe

Rationale: A half-moon edger creates a clean separation between

lawn and garden beds.

• When planting trees, what is the ideal depth for the root ball relative to

the surrounding soil?

• Twice as deep as soil level
• Half as deep
• Same level as surrounding soil
• Slightly below soil grade

Rationale: Planting at the same level prevents root suffocation or

instability.

• Which mulch type is most effective for weed suppression?
• Grass clippings
• Sand
• Wood chips
• Gravel

Rationale: Wood chips block sunlight, reducing weed growth and

retaining soil moisture.

• What is the standard spacing for drip irrigation emitters in shrub beds?
• 12–18 inches 2 / 3

• 18–24 inches
• 24–36 inches
• 36–48 inches

Rationale: 18–24 inches provides adequate water coverage for most

shrubs.

• Which material is considered permeable and suitable for

hardscape patios to reduce runoff?

• Concrete
• Asphalt
• Flagstone with mortar
• Gravel

Rationale: Gravel allows water infiltration, reducing runoff and

erosion.

• What is the correct angle to cut a hedge for proper sunlight

penetration?

• Flat top
• Rounded top
• Slightly narrower at the top than base
• Wider at top than base

Rationale: Narrowing at the top allows sunlight to reach lower

branches, promoting growth.

• Which tree root type is least likely to damage sidewalks?
• Aggressive surface roots
• Tap roots
• Deep, non-invasive roots
• Spreading fibrous roots

Rationale: Deep-rooted trees are less likely to lift sidewalks than

surface-spreading species.

• When installing sod, which practice is critical for root

establishment?

• Water only once a week
• Leave gaps between rolls
• Firmly press sod to soil and water immediately
• Fertilize after one month only

Rationale: Proper contact with soil and immediate watering ensures

sod roots establish quickly.

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