Nursery and Landscaping Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• When installing a landscape, which step should be completed FIRST?
• Which planting arrangement is typically located along the outer edge of a landscape use area?
• What term describes plants that remain green year-round?
• A propagator in a nursery business is responsible for:
• Why is Nutsedge difficult to control by hand-pulling, hoeing, or tilling?
• Plants showing symptoms of nitrogen deficiency will show which of the following symptoms?
• Which of the following is a group of terms related to landscaping design principles?
• In botanical nomenclature, what does an 'x' in the plant name signify?
• Which tissue moves food from the leaves to other parts of a plant?
• In the nursery and landscape trade, what does B&B stand for?
• Which landscape tool is used to prune branches an inch or larger in diameter?
• If soil around a newly planted tree or shrub is not firmed down, air pockets can form, leading to what issue?
• Which insect eats out trails between leaf surfaces?
• When planting a bare-rooted tree, at what depth should the tree be planted?
• The approximate range of average annual minimum temperature for Plant Hardiness Zone 7a is approximately:
• If a house is painted in several colors, which flower color would be safest to avoid clashing with the house color?
• Which tree has the finest textured foliage?
• Which watering system can reduce water usage by as much as 80%?
• The factor used as an indication of grade and general vigor of Hybrid Tea Rose plants sold at retail is the number of healthy
• Which description best captures the purpose of berms in landscape design?
• Tree fertilization using granular fertilizer is performed by spreading in which area?
• Freshly cut bark chips and sawdust should not be used as a soil amendment because they...
• After applying dry fertilizer to a lawn, which practice improves efficiency?
• Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that will kill which of the following?
• Lonicera japonica is an example of a plant that is classified as a:
• Balled and Burlapped plants are typically transported with the root ball wrapped in what material?
• Large trees used to frame a one-story, ranch-style home typically make the home appear how much smaller?
• Large nursery pots are measured by which unit of capacity?
• Which of the following is an indication of fertile soil?
• The best time to spray a glyphosate is:
• Which factor is most directly affected by the time to first saleable crop in a wholesale nursery?
• Which is NOT a type of leaf arrangement?
• In nursery production, a liner is best described as what?
• One reason midday watering of lawns in the summer is not recommended is because:
• Plants sold in the landscape trade are sold by ______ name.
• Once they are beneath the bark surface, which pests are difficult to control?
• A pre-emergence herbicide is applied when?
• When selecting ginkgo trees for the home landscape, which option is recommended?
• Which turfgrass has the longest turf dormancy period?
• Plants that have been clipped or pruned into two-dimensional forms are called what?
• Nutsedge propagates from underground structures, making it difficult to control by hand. Propagation occurs from which structures?
• PVC pipe used for irrigation is connected to couplings and fittings that are __________ to the pipe.
• The most common synthetic root-promoting chemicals used in rooting hormones are:
• Liriope and Ajuga are generally classified as:
• Which of the following is important in producing a uniform size and quality container grown nursery crop?
• Rod plans to start a wholesale nursery growing Japanese maples. It will take him two years to produce the first saleable crop. Which of the following will be most affected?
• Which of the following is NOT typically considered a site feature during a site survey?
• When servicing the spark plug on a lawn mower, the electrode should be _____ before reinstalling it in the mower.
• The nursery landscape trade and related industries are commonly referred to as the
• Pampas grass is commonly used in landscapes to achieve which effect?
• In soil terms, organic matter is defined as
• Which plant is an example of a creeping or prostrate evergreen?
• One of the best methods to speed up rooting of cuttings is to
• Which of the following lists is an example of a group of small-growing trees?
• Which grouping is recommended for shrubs planted in small clusters?
• How many essential elements do plants need for proper growth?
• Soil texture refers to:
• At scale 1:20, 3 inches on the plan equals how many inches in the landscape?
• Some vines use ____ to support themselves as they climb.
• Alan referenced the orange triangle on the back of a tractor to warn drivers of a slow-moving vehicle. This warning sign indicates a:
• A scale of 1:20 means that what is true?
• To visually enlarge a living area in landscape design, which color family should be emphasized?
• Which statement about landscape heat management is true?
• A transplanted tree or shrub should be set into the ground at what depth relative to its original growing depth?
• In horticulture, which term is used to define plant injury sometimes caused by pesticides?
• From the following LD-50 ratings, which value is most potentially lethal to humans based on animal studies?
• Which shrub would be most suited for a hot, dry, steep bank in the landscape?
• Which term describes an underground storage organ seen in onions and garlic?
• Which propagation technique involves joining a scion to a rootstock to propagate desirable traits?
• The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map indicates what property of a location?
• Functional roles of plants in the landscape do not include:
• A plant that produces flowers that have either stamens or pistils, but not both on the same plant is called:
• What is a major reason for mulching landscape plants?
• Trees are fertilized with granular fertilizer by spreading it within which area?
• The area for applying granular fertilizer around a tree should extend to which distance from the trunk?
• Plants that use less water and are tolerant of dry landscape sites are called:
• What is the best definition of understory in landscaping?
• To reduce damping-off in seedlings, which practice is most effective?
• Leaves that show interveinal chlorosis probably suffer from which nutrient deficiency?
• What was wrong when Alan's rotary mower blade caused heavy vibration?
• Xeriscaping focuses on reducing reliance on what resource?
• Which of the following is an input to photosynthesis?
• Modern horticultural fabrics are considered better than black polyethylene film because they:
• Which statement best reflects the benefits of landscaping?
• The nursery landscape trade and related industries are commonly referred to as the
• Which of the following statements describes a woody perennial that loses leaves seasonally?
• What is the name of the sign used to warn drivers of slow-moving vehicles?
• Which factor contributes to soil near building foundations becoming more alkaline?
• Which type of insecticide would be most effective against sucking-type insects?
• Plowing or tilling a bed or lawn when it is excessively wet may:
• Which of the following site features should be considered during a site survey?
• Under equal conditions, which pipe will carry the greatest flow?
• Informal landscapes are constructed with which balance and line characteristics?
• Which soil texture has the smallest particle size and high water retention among sand, silt, and clay?
• During planting, pruning should be limited to shaping the plant by removing dead or damaged limbs.
• Training plants into three-dimensional ornamental forms, such as animals, is called:
• Which of the following is a disadvantage of using a time clock to control an irrigation system?
• Which plant grows from a tuber?
• Traditional garden centers often compete with chain department stores by offering what advantage?
• Salt buildup in containerized plants can be removed by which practice?
• Which characteristic is the most important factor in deciding whether to put a ground-cover instead of turf-grass on a site?
• Soil around the foundation of a house is often more alkaline than surrounding soil due to which of the following?
• To determine whether plant material will survive winter in a specific city, a landscaper should consult which reference?
• The best time to prune azaleas is?
• Shrubs planted in small groups in the landscape are generally placed in which grouping?
• Which of the following is a major environmental benefit of landscaping?
• The pH level of soil primarily influences the availability of nutrients to plants?
• Divide and separate fall blooming perennials: When should you do this?
• Which is the best time to prune azaleas?
• In a landscape design, properly located plants and structures can
• Tree roots that are responsible for most nutrient uptake are found
• In pruning, the tissue where healing callus forms is located at the
• Topiary is a horticultural practice used to shape plants into:
• The synthetic growth regulator indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is used in the nursery trade as a
• Which irrigation method delivers water directly to the root zone with minimal evaporation?
• Which growth habit is described as dying back to the ground and regrowing from roots yearly?
• The phenomenon where plants release chemicals into the soil that inhibit the growth of nearby plants is called what?
• Surfactants are added to spray solutions to improve leaf coverage by reducing surface tension. The primary purpose is to:
• Mowing the lawn in a different direction helps reduce which problem?
• What term describes a layer of partially decomposed stems, roots, and leaves that forms on the surface of a lawn?
• Fireblight disease most often affects susceptible plants during which growth phase?
• In a landscaping business, which costs are overhead costs?
• The best type of sand to use in soil mixtures for container grown plant is:
• What is the best definition of a surfactant?
• Which option best describes friable soil?
• In nursery practice, trunk caliper measurements for a 3-inch caliper tree are typically taken at what height?
• In the plant name Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Princess', what does the 'x' indicate?
• Which statement best describes seed scarification?
• Stratification involves exposing seeds to winter conditions to break seed dormancy. Which season is involved?
• An important step in properly composting landscape refuse is to:
• Which grass is most commonly used on golf greens in Texas?
• The phenomenon where the terminal bud inhibits growth of lateral buds is called what?
• A privacy fence should be at least how many feet high to screen the view of neighbors at ground level?
• What are the four life cycle stages of beetles such as the Japanese beetle?
• The "puff balls" found on dandelions that are easily blown away by the wind are actually:
• A color scheme in a garden that produces a carnival-like effect is referred to as being?
• What is the main objective of root pruning?
• A major advantage for producing nursery stock in containers is that it
• The hardscape in a landscape design is defined as:
• Which factor improves drought tolerance in turf grasses?
• Blue spots along the cutting edge after sharpening indicate which of the following?
• Bubble diagrams are used in developing the preliminary design. They are most associated with which stage of landscape planning?
• What term describes the layered arrangement of natural soil?
• Where are the tree roots that are primarily responsible for nutrient uptake located?
• Which plant is commonly grafted or budded to propagate desirable traits?
• Which are the three major divisions of a soil profile?
• Which statement best describes stratification’s role in seed germination?
• To preserve the germination ability of most seeds, store them in a:
• Lawn sprinkler systems achieve even coverage by which design principle?
• In landscaping design, which term refers to creating a focal point in the composition?
• The basic underlying principle of using a mist propagation system is that it _________
• Which signal word on pesticide labels indicates the lowest level of toxicity?
• The landscape design principle of interconnection describes what?
• Which set includes essential elements commonly required for plant processes?
• Large nursery pots are measured in which unit?
• Which of the following is a cool-season grass?
• Fresh bark chips and sawdust in soil amendments primarily cause which issue during decomposition?
• Fairy ring in turf-grass is caused by which organism?
• Landscape plans generally include all of the following except which item?
• When mowing Bermuda grass lawns, what is the general range for the proper height of cut?
• What is the recommended minimum width for a residential walkway in the public area of the landscape?
• When planting B&B plants, which action should be taken with the tie string?
• In developing the preliminary design for a project, a landscape designer uses many _____.
• A ______ is a woody perennial that has more than one main trunk.
• Which of the following is not a rule-of-thumb traditionally followed by landscapers?
• Recommended service intervals for jobs such as changing the oil in motorized landscape equipment, is usually measured in ____ of operations.
• The optimum germination temperature for most bedding plant seeds is:
• Fertilizers should be added to soil
• When planting ground covers grown in compressed peat containers, what should be done before planting?
• A plant that remains vegetative during its first season and flowers in the second season is classified as a
• Which pruning term refers to pruning that centers on removing branches that could cause damage?
• The soil pH level primarily controls:
• Which is most likely not a benefit from using mulch?
• What is the function of the axillary bud on the stem?
• Germination percentage is used to assess which property of seeds?
• Natural soil is arranged in layers referred to as what term?
• Which material is commonly used as an organic soil amendment?
• In the name Acer palmatum 'October Glory,' 'October Glory' is a ____ if it did not occur as a natural mutation.
• When mowing turf, what fraction of the leaf blade should typically be removed at a single cutting?
• Most landscape plants like the soil pH:
• Which government organization would regulate shipping nursery plants across state lines if you do not have a license?
• Which term describes applying fertilizer along the base of plants between rows or around the root zone?
• Which fertilizer application method places nutrients in the soil along the base of plants after growth has started?
• What is the process called when water, grass seed, fertilizer, cellulose fiber, and a glue-like material are mixed and sprayed onto the soil to establish turf?
• Which term describes a plan for anticipated income and expenses over a future period?
• In the beetle life cycle, what is the stage immediately after the egg?
• When taking a soil sample, cores should be at least how many inches deep?
• Fall blooming perennials should be divided during which season?
• Monoecious plants have male and female flowers on the same plant.
• Leaf miners are insects best described as those that
• Drift is best described as spray materials moving from the target area to non-target plants.
• Which statement about frost formation is NOT true?
• In horticulture, a larger container size is commonly expressed in which unit?
• Which of the following sets correctly lists the three ground pattern types used in landscape design?
• Which growth habit includes climbing plants such as Wisteria and Japanese honeysuckle?
• Which statement best describes the order of genus, species, and cultivar in a plant name like Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Princess'?
• During photosynthesis, which product is formed?
• Hardiness refers to what characteristic?
• In container production, tamping the soil helps achieve uniform size by ensuring which of the following?
• Which of the following groups contains only evergreen plants?
• Which plant is commonly described as growing from a tuber in landscaping?
• An example of an organic material is
• A shade loving border plant is:
• What is the recommended maximum fraction of leaf blade to remove during mowing?
• One function of stomates is to:
• Leaching is a practice used to remove buildup of what substance in containerized plants?
• Which propagation method usually produces the greatest amount of genetic variation in the offspring?
• A plant that dies to the ground at the end of each growing season but comes back from the same root-stock year after year is most accurately described as a(n):
• Which term describes plants that occur naturally in their native region?
• What term describes underground stems with scale-like fleshy leaves, as found in leek and onion?
• To help ensure grass seeds are evenly distributed during planting:
• Which of the following is a climbing mechanism described for some vines?
• The analysis of fertilizer is guaranteed by the manufacturer and regulated by the:
• What tool does a landscape designer use to draw circles on a landscape plan?
• Which term describes plant injury that can be caused by pesticides?
• Which of the following is one of the five common methods of night lighting for landscapes?
• Which statement best describes the timing of pre-emergence herbicide application?
• If 2-cycle engine fuel is used in a 4-cycle engine, what is the expected outcome?
• Which of the following are among the most pressing current issues facing the landscape industry?
• A large perennial that provides a mass planting effect and grows taller than five feet is which plant?
• What watering pattern would cause turf grass roots to cluster near the soil surface when there has been little to no rainfall?
• Landscape plans generally include all of the following except which item?
• In the nursery trade, a tree described as having a 3-inch trunk caliper is measured at what height above ground?
• Callus refers to which tissue in plant propagation?
• An area that has slightly different climate conditions than the surrounding land, such as the north side of a house which provides shelter from excess sun and wind, is called a:
• Water ____ to help reduce disease in nursery crops.
• What were berms used for in landscaping as described by the landscaper?
• Lowering the soil grade around a tree removes many of the tree's ______ roots.
• Lowering the soil grade around a tree removes many of the tree's ______ roots.
• In the plant name Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Princess', which part identifies the cultivar?
• One characteristic shared by Roundup (glyphosate) that customers sometimes object to is:
• Which turfgrass is least tolerant of shade?
• Dioecious plants require what for successful reproduction?
• For rooting shrubs, the temperature should be no lower than 70 degrees. He was referring to the:
• Which spring flowering bulb would you suggest for Mrs. Thompson to plant?
• In landscape design, hardscape elements such as pavements and fences serve primarily to:
• Which of the following is not a major division of a soil profile?
• Which item would not typically be part of a lawn irrigation system?
• Which design element, similar to texture, can be used to create spatial illusions in a perennial garden?
• Which of the following is microscopic?
• Overwatering a container-grown nursery crop for an extended period most likely results in root conditions where:
• Auxin is produced in which part of most plants?
• What fuel is used in 2-cycle engines such as chainsaws?
• The term used to describe the suppression of lateral bud growth by the dominant terminal bud is called what?
• Dead, decaying plant and animal material in the soil is referred to as
• When installing a landscape, which step should be completed last?
• _________ is an example of a parasitic plant.
• Which of the following definitions best describes 'auxin'?
• Which information is not contained in the legend on a final landscape plan?
• A landscaper should call 811 before starting certain landscape projects to:
• Synthetic root-promoting chemicals commonly used in propagation are classified as which type of plant growth regulator?
• Which of the following is a deciduous vine?
• In nursery terminology, a liner is best described as which of the following?
• What is the proper pruning recommendation at planting?
• Which plant is an example of a parasitic plant?
• In nursery operations, what is the primary responsibility of a propagator?
• Hardiness describes a plant's ability to do what?
• _____ drawings show an object as seen by the eyes at eye-level.
• Water availability, temperature extremes, and ______ should be considered when selecting trees for the landscape.
• The ideal soil is composed of what percentages of water, air, and solid material?
• If a two-cycle engine on a weed trimmer uses a 24:1 fuel ratio, you should mix
• Which statement best describes informal landscapes?
• Dandelion seed heads enable seed dispersal mainly by
• An area of the landscape that includes space for such items as a clothes line and garbage cans is the area:
• Which of the following would be considered part of existing vegetation during site planning?
• Who is credited with establishing the binomial naming system for plants?
• Which of the following is not used to power string trimmers?
• Damping-off is caused by which organism group?
• Which statement best defines an F1 hybrid?
• What is one reason the container-grown sector of nursery crop production has increased in recent years?
• When should soil NOT be tilled?
• Which factor is most important to the financial health of a nursery/landscape business?
• Which item is not typically considered a standard component of a lawn irrigation system?
• A systemic insecticide refers to an insecticide that
• Cuttings in the rooting bench should be:
• Which plant is a vine?
• Which option is NOT one of the five common methods of night lighting for landscapes?
• Which turf area is mowed to the lowest height?
• Which field focuses on diseases in plants?
• _______ pruning is a pruning technique concerned primarily with the removal of branches that could lead to damage or weaken a plant's health and appearance.
• Many insect traps attract insects with:
• Insects can be categorized into two major feeding types. Which option correctly names these feeding types?
• In plants, which process converts stored energy into energy for growth?
• What is hardening-off in nursery practice?
• In landscape planting, where should low-growing plants be placed relative to taller, intermediate-growing plants?
• In landscaping terms, if the mower blade is set too low and the turf is not level, the mower may ____ the turf in spots.
• Which statement is true about applying dry fertilizer to a lawn?
• An example of a creeping evergreen is which of the following?
• Which of the following groups contains only deciduous plants?
• A lawn mower with blades parallel to the ground is classified as which type?
• Scientific names in biology typically consist of two words; what is the second word called?
• Horticultural chemicals should be stored in which type of structure?
• When propagating woody cuttings, a growth promoting substance is sometimes applied to the base of the cuttings to
• What serves as the primary energy storage for the developing embryo in monocot seeds?
• In October, if a 20-foot Japanese pine has turned completely brown, what is the best course of action?
• Mowing the lawn in a different direction each time helps reduce the chance of what?
• Setting the mower blade too low can cause the turf to become what?
• Which pesticide label term indicates the lowest level of toxicity?
• To increase the bushiness of a flowering plant while the plant is young, one should:
• When is a post-emergent herbicide applied?
• If a landscaper notes that the soil will not perk, what does this mean?
• The most commonly used lawn grasses in the U.S. can be divided into which two types?
• A growth-promoting substance used on woody cuttings can provide which of the following benefits?
• Warm-season turf grasses include which of the following?
• Generally, in Texas summers, approximately how many inches of water per week is needed for a lawn?
• Which description best defines a friable soil?
• Which term describes plants that tolerate dry landscapes?
• Which option best describes essential elements needed for plant processes?
• A financial plan for the future is called a ________.
• Which outcome is most likely when a mower blade overheats during sharpening?
• Mulches should be applied about ______ deep.
• Which statement is true about applying a lawn herbicide in granular form versus a liquid spray?
• Which metric most directly indicates profitability after expenses in a nursery/landscape business?
• The statement on a bag of fertilizer listing the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is called a(n) ________ analysis.
• The classifications of soil particles based on size, from largest particle, are sand, silt, and which?
• Transpiration is defined as the loss of water by which process?
• Most landscape equipment engines require a little extra fuel to start. Most models use a(n) _______ to supply the extra fuel for starting.
• Which term describes plants that lose their leaves during winter?
• Exposing seeds to winter cold and moist soil is nature's method of ______ the seed.
• Scarification is used to accomplish which of the following?
• For container-grown plants, what texture is preferred for the sand component in the soil mixture?
• Which activity is typically the final stage in a residential landscape installation?
• On a final landscape plan legend, which item is not typically included?
• Wisteria, Campsis radicans, and Japanese honeysuckle are examples of:
• Which professional studies plant diseases?
• What unit is used to measure large nursery pots?
• The terms triploid, diploid, and haploid refer to what aspect of cells?
• A major advantage of using slow-release fertilizer in container-grown nursery stock is that it what?
• Leaf miners lay their eggs:
• A group of plants located along the perimeter of a landscape use area is called a _____ planting.
• Plants usually do not grow well in poorly drained soils because:
• All other things being equal, which diameter of pipe or combination of pipes will carry the most water?
• What term describes plants that grow naturally in an area without human introduction?
• What is the primary consequence of plowing or tilling wet soil?
• Clay soils require which of the following compared with sandy soils for irrigation water absorption?
• Binomial nomenclature consists of which two taxonomic terms?
• When pruning cuts are made on woody trees, one should not cut into or behind the _______. This area is where healing callus originates.
• Which of the following statements is true about allelopathy?
• Which of the following plant hardiness zones is colder than zone 6?
• Which term describes a climate variation caused by a building that shelters from wind and sun?
• The landscaping approach that uses plant materials and techniques to conserve soil moisture and reduce water usage is known as
• Generally, during the summer months in Texas, a lawn needs about how many inches of water per week?
• When saving trees on a construction site, how deep can cut and fill be under the drip line of the trees?
• Which of the following is true about ladybugs?
• What is the scientific name for Heavenly Bamboo?
• What part of a lawn mower prevents dust from entering the carburetor?
• Which is a correct composition for ideal soil in terms water, air, and solid material?
• What term describes spray materials blown from the target area to non-target plants?
• The landscape profession for which you are most likely to need a license is:
• The description 'produces large numbers of new plants, spreads easily, tolerates many soil types, grows rapidly, displaces native and slower growing plants, and spreads rampantly' best describes which plants?
• Which group do brown patch, dollar spot, and gray snow mold diseases affect?
• What factor is used to determine the grade and vigor of Hybrid Tea Rose plants sold at retail?
• In landscape design, large trees are used to frame a home. What effect does this typically have on the perceived size of the home?
• What tool is used to draw circles on a landscape plan?
• The viability of seeds is measured by which metric?
• In the plant name Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Princess', what is the genus?
• Brown patch, dollar spot, and gray snow mold are all diseases of:
• An individual or firm hired to install or construct a portion of a large landscape job is called a:
• To increase the bushiness in a young flowering plant, which practice is recommended?
• In landscaping business accounting, which option represents overhead costs?
• Which propagation method involves dividing a perennial plant's root mass to produce new plants?
• Which option is microscopic?
• Which statement about pampas grass is true in landscape design?
• For maximum effectiveness, mulch should be applied about how deep?
• Which method is used to join PVC irrigation pipe fittings?
• Which plant tissue is responsible for moving sugars produced by photosynthesis to other parts of the plant?
• What is the recommended practice when transplanting ground covers from compressed peat containers?
• When referring to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map, one can determine the:
• Which plant is commonly grafted or budded to propagate desirable traits?
• Which gas is not considered an essential environmental requirement for seed germination?
• Plant diseases caused by rain-splash from soil are reduced by which cultural practice?
• Which warm-season turfgrass is most commonly associated with poor shade tolerance, requiring full sun?
• Which statement about F1 hybrids is accurate?
• A drawback to planting English Ivy or Virginia Creeper on the side of a wood, brick, or vinyl-sided house is: