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SWHS FFA Nursery/Landscape General Knowledge

Total questions: 150

Worksheet time: 1hrs 15mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What is the advantage of using plants in the landscape that are native to the area or plants that are derived from native species?

a)

Native plants and selected varieties of native plants are less expensive.

b)

Native plants and selected varieties are smaller at maturity and require less pruning.

c)

Native plants and selected varieties will grow in all soil conditions in the area

d)

Native plants and selected varieties are usually more resistant to pests and are better adapted to the environment of the area

2.

A pesticide that enters the plant system and moves throughout the plant to control plant pests as they feed on the plant tissues is best defined as which of the following?

a)

systemic

b)

internal poison

c)

fumigant

d)

contact poison

3.

Which nutrient is most readily lost from the soil and is applied according to general recommendations for plant needs rather than soil test results?

a)

nitrogen

b)

phosphorous

c)

calcium

d)

magnesium

4.

Generally, solid wooden fences should be about ___ feet high to provide privacy, some wind protection, and reduced noise

a)

4

b)

6

c)

8

d)

10

5.

Which of the following is the best definition of “massing plants” in landscape design?

a)

many plants that grow at different heights so that a vertical wall of green is formed

b)

one half deciduous and one half evergreen plants in a bed

c)

one-third each of deciduous plants, blooming plants, and evergreen plants.

d)

many plants of one or a few species in a group to fill large amounts of landscape space

6.

An example of items commonly found in the service area of the home landscape include

a)

birdbaths, statuary, and fountains

b)

specimen trees, fruiting shrubs, and fountains

c)

miniature putting greens, vegetable gardens, and sitting areas

d)

tool sheds, garbage cans, and storage

7.

The walkway leading to the front door of a home should be at least ___ feet wide.

a)

2

b)

3

c)

4

d)

5

8.

Hydroseeding, which is the process of_____________, is often used to establish grass on steep slopes

a)

applying a mixture of seed, water, fertilizer, and mulch in a spray slurry

b)

infusing hydrogen into seed for quick germination

c)

planting seeds by air pressure

d)

soaking seeds in water and a mild paste before application

9.

Turf that is to be maintained at 2 inches high should be mowed when it is about ____ inches tall.

a)

3

b)

4

c)

5

d)

6

10.

Grasses that are to be maintained at a low height, such as bent grass on golf greens, are best cut with a _____ mower.

a)

rotary

b)

reel

c)

flail

d)

riding

11.

Which federal agency is responsible for inspecting businesses to ensure that employers provide employees with a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause harm to the employees?

a)

American Community and Workplace Administration.

b)

Cooperative Extension Service.

c)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

d)

Hazard Prevention Administration

12.

In the process of obtaining bids on large landscape projects, a _________ bond is often required to assure that the contractor who is selected as the winning bidder for the job will actually sign the contract and follow through to complete the landscape job he/she bid

a)

bail

b)

bid

c)

loss

d)

materials

13.

Upright trees generally have a center, main branch called a _____ and side branches often called _________ branches

a)

top, terminal

b)

sucker, scaffold

c)

main, terminal

d)

leader, lateral

14.

A Federal governmental agency which, among other responsibilities, protects plant health by inspecting for plant diseases that may be brought into the U.S. by international travelers at airports, ports, etc., is:

a)

PLANET

b)

APHIS

c)

NLCA

d)

OSHA

15.

Carrying adequate liability insurance on the business helps reduce_____for the business

a)

inventory

b)

gross sales

c)

costs

d)

risk

16.

simple plant leaf is made up of which of the following?

a)

lenticels, internode, and serrations.

b)

petiole and lenticels

c)

internode, node, petiole, and leaf blade.

d)

petiole and leaf blade.

17.

In the analysis of a landscape business the following data for the year were collected. Which single item is most accurate in indicating the profitability of the business?

a)

Gross sales = $68,000

b)

Payroll = $185,000

c)

Inventory = $213,000

d)

Payroll= $350,000

18.

A customer tells you that a large limb about 5 inches in diameter was broken off of their tree recently in a storm leaving a frayed stub about 15 inches from the tree trunk. What is the best advice for this customer?

a)

Spray the frayed stub with wound spray.

b)

Cut the frayed stub back about 5inchesfrom the trunk and seal with wound dressing

c)

Do nothing. Research has shown that treating wounds of this nature is not beneficial.

d)

Make a clean cut next to the trunk, avoiding the collar area. Apply wound spray if desired.

19.

Which of the following is a Federal tax that is deducted from the pay checks of full time employees?

a)

property tax

b)

Medicaid

c)

Social Security

d)

state income tax

20.

A call to ________ is always advisable if you think you may be digging anywhere near underground utility lines.

a)

411

b)

811

c)

888

d)

977

21.

Patented plants cannot legally be propagated without ___________being paid to the patent holder

a)

development taxes

b)

patent rentals

c)

hybrid taxes

d)

royalties

22.

Which of the following would be the most likely to survive being planted into the landscape during the hot summer months?

a)

bare root deciduous plants

b)

containerized plants

c)

bare root evergreens

d)

balled and burlapped trees

23.

The gap on a spark plug must be a specified width in order to:

a)

provide for the proper flow of gasoline into the cylinder.

b)

allow air flow into the cylinder, which vaporizes the gasoline.

c)

regulate the mixture of air and gasoline.

d)

allow electricity to jump the gap, creating a spark to ignite the fuel.

24.

In most landscape plants, pruning stimulates:

a)

regrowth of shoots near the cut.

b)

development of V-shaped crotches

c)

root growth

d)

internode growth near the cut

25.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones are based on the ___________ for an area.

a)

lowest expected temperatures

b)

highest expected temperatures

c)

rainfall and soil characteristics

d)

none of the above

26.

Which of the statements below is true concerning the turf grass species specified?

a)

Annual Rye grass is sometimes used as a nurse grass to hold soil in place until a permanent turf grass is established.

b)

Bermuda grass is always grown from seed and is one of the most shade tolerant turf grasses.

c)

Bent grass is a noxious weed that invades lawns and golf greens in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 12.

d)

Annual Blue grass is often used on putting greens due to its cold hardiness and fine texture.

27.

Astilbe, Purple Coneflower, Shasta Daisy, and Day Lily are all classified which of the following?

a)

bulbous

b)

annuals

c)

perennials

d)

biennials

28.

In pruning shrubs, heading back cuts should be made

a)

just below a bud, and as close to the bud being removed as possible

b)

just above a bud in the middle of the internode

c)

diagonally across the center of a node

d)

just above a node, about one fourth of an inch above a bud

29.

Plants that are unusually colorful or have striking growth habits, as well as fountains and statuary, are often used in the landscape as which of the following?

a)

focalization points

b)

convex balance points

c)

silhouettes for balance

d)

mass materials for rhythm

30.

Which of the following is the recommended type of turf aeration that allows for maximum penetration of air and water into the soil?

a)

core

b)

triangular

c)

spike

d)

square

31.

In general, when pruning trees which of the following should be removed?

a)

crossing branches

b)

branches that grow toward the center of the plant

c)

water sprouts

d)

all of the above

32.

Which of the following should NOT generally be added to a potting mix for azaleas?

a)

perlite

b)

lime

c)

peat moss

d)

sand

33.

The signal word “caution” on a pesticide label indicates:

a)

the lowest level of toxicity

b)

the highest level of toxicity

c)

extreme danger to vertebrates

d)

a highly restrictive pesticide

34.

To help prevent plants from growing too close to a building at maturity, most shrubs in the foundation planting should be planted:

a)

about 6 to 12 feet from the foundation.

b)

between 1 to 2 feet from the foundation

c)

no closer than 3 feet from the foundation

d)

no closer than 6 feet from the foundation

35.

An organism capable of causing a disease is called a(n):

a)

enzyme

b)

systemic

c)

pathogen

d)

carcinogen

36.

Which of these grasses cannot generally be established from seed and is most successfully established by plugs, sod, or sprigs?

a)

Hybrid Bermudagrass

b)

Kentucky Bluegrass

c)

Kentucky 31 Fescue

d)

Annual Ryegrass

37.

Which of the following is one strategy that small retail nurseries often use to successfully compete with big box stores and chain garden centers?

a)

selling products at a lower price.

b)

providing better service.

c)

advertising negatively against big box stores and chain garden centers.

d)

advertising on TV.

38.

On which area of a golf course is the care of turf grass most intense and most important?

a)

green

b)

fairway

c)

rough

d)

fringe

39.

Which tree does NOT provide good fall color?

a)

Red Maple

b)

Sugar Maple

c)

Ginkgo

d)

Norway Spruce

40.

Changing the color of blooms on certain Hydrangea macrophylla varieties from pink to blue or from blue to pink is controlled by the availability of _____ in the soil.

a)

nitrogen

b)

aluminum

c)

phosphorus

d)

iron

41.

Which of these is NOT a common type of night lighting for the landscape?

a)

shadow

b)

silhouette

c)

up

d)

crescent

42.

Which of these plants has the finest leaf texture?

a)

Chinese Holly

b)

Japanese Holly

c)

Oregon Grape Mahonia

d)

Red Maple

43.

Extra fuel for easier starting of a small engine is often supplied by pressing the_________.

a)

primer bulb

b)

flywheel

c)

fuel cell

d)

float valve

44.

When is the optimum time to prune Azaleas?

a)

shortly before bud break in the spring.

b)

shortly after blooming in the spring

c)

in the late fall

d)

Between January 1st and March 1st

45.

A fuel/oil mix ranging from 16:1 to 50:1, depending on the manufacturers’ recommendation ,is required in:

a)

two-cycle engines

b)

three-cycle engines

c)

four-cycle engines

d)

diesel engines

46.

Which of these ornamental trees is commonly sold in either white or pink blooming varieties?

a)

Ginkgo

b)

Japanese Maple

c)

European Beech

d)

Dogwood

47.

Which plant disease organism is the most difficult to control with chemicals once the plant is infected?

a)

bacteria

b)

fungus

c)

virus

d)

mildew

48.

IPM is an acronym for which of the following?

a)

interrelated pest management.

b)

integrated pest management.

c)

intensive pest management.

d)

intensive pest material

49.

During a recession, businesses often have to cut costs to stay in business as sales decline. If sales fall for a production nursery, which cost can be reduced most effectively in the short-run to help preserve the business?

a)

overhead costs

b)

variable costs

c)

fixed assets

d)

property taxes

50.

Which of the following is false statement?

a)

Generally, shrubs in the landscape should be within bed lines.

b)

Shrubs of the same species that are grouped together should generally be used in odd numbers.

c)

Tall growing trees should be planted on the sides of the home with short trees in the back and medium sized trees in the front.

d)

Cornus florida prefers partial shade.

51.

A method used to measure the acute oral and dermal toxicities of pesticides is called:

a)

A. Insecticide Tolerance Dosage (ITD)

b)

LD50

c)

2, 4-D25

d)

Toxicology Dose (TD).

52.

In which of the following situations would a soil sterilant be used most appropriately?

a)

On a gravel parking lot

b)

Under mature trees

c)

Around shrubs planted in beds

d)

Under small to medium sized trees

53.

Which of these is NOT a type of plant grafting or budding?

a)

Whip and tongue grafting

b)

Cleft grafting

c)

Root-budding

d)

T-budding

54.

In a weed-infested lawn where there are large bare spots, and less than one-third of the lawn is covered with a desirable grass, a landscaper may decide it is best to start over by spraying the lawn with _________ to kill all existing grass and weeds and then replant the lawn.

a)

Glyphosphate (Roundup)

b)

A selective insecticide

c)

Mercaptan (Captan)

d)

2, 4-D

55.

Which of the following is NOT true about leaf galls on trees and shrubs?

a)

Leaf galls look unattractive but most are harmless to the overall health of the tree or shrub.

b)

Leaf galls are abnormal growths of plant tissue caused by an organism attacking the leaf

c)

Leaf galls may be caused by insects, mites, fungi, or bacteria.

d)

Once leaf galls appear, a comprehensive spray regime must be followed to save the plant.

56.

A bright orange triangle on the back of a vehicle means:

a)

Slow moving vehicle.

b)

Disabled veteran.

c)

Oversized load.

d)

Farm truck.

57.

Which of these statements about turf irrigation is most accurate?

a)

It is best to water turf each day with shallow watering.

b)

It is best to irrigate turf every other day with shallow watering rather than deep watering.

c)

Turf should be watered only during mid-day

d)

Turf should be watered deeply about once a week as needed.

58.

An important factor in applying pesticides is knowing what part of the plant is generally attacked by the pest and where the pest is usually found on the plant. Spider mites usually congregate:

a)

Under the leaves

b)

Along the main trunk and stems.

c)

On top of the leaves along the midrib.

d)

Along the petioles of new-growth leaves.

59.

Many nursery and landscape operations are incorporating more environmentally sustainable practices into their businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. These include all of the following EXCEPT:

a)

Reducing energy and fossil fuel use.

b)

Conserving natural resource inputs.

c)

Recycling materials

d)

Decreasing production efficiency.

60.

Larger landscape projects, such as commercial building complexes, should include a storm water management plan to help route storm water runoff into:

a)

Infiltration swales and basins

b)

Small creeks that flow to rivers

c)

Municipal sewer systems.

d)

Rivers that flow to lakes.

61.

Which of the following concerning the inventory of nursery and landscape businesses is true?

a)

Items in inventory are assets.

b)

If items are in inventory at the end of the year, it indicates that a profit was made in the business

c)

Inventory items are reported as a loss in the business analysis.

d)

An increase in inventory is not considered in the business analysis.

62.

If production and sales at a container nursery increase dramatically, variable costs most likely would:

a)

Remain the same.

b)

Decrease.

c)

Not be a factor in increased production

d)

Increase.

63.

In monocots, the number of cotyledons is ____, while the number of cotyledons in dicots is ____.

a)

One; two

b)

One; three

c)

Two; three

d)

Two; four

64.

Rooting softwood cuttings requires management of several environmental factors for the highest rate of success. These factors include which of the following?

a)

Low humidity, saturated rooting media, full sunlight

b)

High humidity, bright but indirect light, moist rooting media

c)

Cool rooting media, warm air temperature, and low light

d)

Fine textured rooting media, low light, and low soil temperature

65.

. It is always wise to have the landscape site checked for underground utility lines before digging. Call _____ to request that utility lines be located and marked before beginning a landscaping job.

a)

911

b)

811

c)

711

d)

611

66.

Which of these generally increases the rooting percentage of softwood cuttings?

a)

Applying gentle bottom heat

b)

Fertilizing cuttings heavily for the first thirty days

c)

Providing soil moisture through sub-irrigation

d)

Allowing the soil and plants to dry between irrigation cycles

67.

Blackspot on roses, as well as powdery and downy mildews on plants, are caused by:

a)

Fungi

b)

Insects

c)

Viruses

d)

Bacteria

68.

Which of these tress, depending on variety, may bloom white or pink?

a)

Tulip tree

b)

Sweet Gum

c)

European Beech

d)

Dogwood

69.

Which of the following is considered a landscape maintenance task?

a)

Laying sod

b)

Deadheading marigolds

c)

Harvesting sod

d)

Planting trees

70.

Generally, the best time to prune deciduous trees is:

a)

Early winter and early fall.

b)

Late summer and early fall.

c)

Late winter and early spring

d)

Mid-winter and mid-summer

71.

A bag of fertilizer with an analysis of 5-10-15 consists of:

a)

5% nitrogen, 10% potash, and 15% phosphorus.

b)

5% potash, 10% nitrogen, and 15% phosphorus

c)

5% phosphorus, 10% potash, and 15% nitrogen.

d)

5% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 15% potash.

72.

Which of the following is a characteristic of dicotyledons?

a)

Dicot veins are net-like, branching from the midrib into a network of finer veins

b)

Dicots have parallel leaf veins.

c)

Dicot seedlings have one cotyledon.

d)

Grasses are dicotyledons.

73.

Which of these fertilizers is most likely to cause the greatest flush of new vegetative growth if applied to lawn grasses when other conditions are favorable for growth?

a)

33-0-0

b)

5-10-15

c)

0-10-10

d)

15-25-10

74.

If the pH of a Bermudagrass or fescue lawn is 5.0, then an application of _____would most likely be recommended to adjust the pH

a)

Sulfur

b)

Lime

c)

Ammonium nitrate

d)

Aluminum

75.

Overhead watering of nursery crops in the evening, especially after the sun sets may:

a)

Cause leaching.

b)

Increase insect problems.

c)

Cause damage to the leaf stomata.

d)

Increase the chance of disease development.

76.

Which signal word on a pesticide label indicates the most serious hazard?

a)

Caution

b)

Warning

c)

Danger

d)

Harmful

77.

A foundation planting with 10 foot high plants in the background and 1 foot high plants in front of them would most likely violate this principal or element of design:

a)

Proportion

b)

Simplicity

c)

Texture

d)

Variety

78.

Which items should be included in variable costs for a container plant nursery?

a)

Containers and plant labels

b)

Utilities and computer equipment

c)

Equipment payments and land payments

d)

Land payments and utility bills

79.

PLANET is best described as:

a)

A national trade association serving the landscape and lawn care industry.

b)

The national organization of plant hobbyists

c)

A federal agency charged with protection of the nursery and landscape industry.

d)

An arm of the USDA for tracking and controlling pests in the nursery and landscape industry.

80.

A plant process in which stored sugars are used as energy by the plant for growth is:

a)

Photosynthesis.

b)

Cellular respiration.

c)

Chlorosis.

d)

Embryonic exchange.

81.

A number of good management practices may be used to control pests, including removing infested plants, maintaining healthy propagation stock, and applying pesticides. When used together as needed, these methods are best described as:

a)

Regulated Plant Management

b)

Integrated Pest Management.

c)

Integrated Plant Observation.

d)

Regulated Pest Control.

82.

If sand and organic matter are incorporated into a growing media for container plants, it would be expected that _______________ will be improved.

a)

Drainage

b)

Topography

c)

Silt content

d)

Clay content

83.

How many trees can be grown on an acre if they are planted in rows that are 6 feet apart with trees in the row spaced 4 feet apart?

a)

20,708

b)

13,560

c)

10,893

d)

1,815

84.

Most hollies are ________, having male parts on one plant and female parts on another plant

a)

Dioecious

b)

Monecious

c)

Dichotomous

d)

Monogamous

85.

If a tree is a weeping variety, such as a weeping willow or weeping cherry, it would be expected to:

a)

Lose unusually large amounts of water through transpiration

b)

Develop gracefully drooping limbs.

c)

Be highly susceptible to breaking limbs.

d)

Require regular shearing to control growth.

86.

Crowding container-grown shrubs closely together for long periods during growth will most likely result in plants being too:

a)

Tall and leggy.

b)

Short and wide.

c)

Compact.

d)

Stiff and easily broken by wind.

87.

Some non-native landscape plants have spread out of control into the surrounding natural landscape. They grow aggressively and compete with native plants. In the landscape trade they are known as:

a)

Natives

b)

Invasives

c)

Perennials

d)

Occidentals

88.

A lawn is observed to have hundreds of rod-shaped plugs of soil about three inches long lying on top of the turf where they have been pulled from the soil. What landscape practice is most likely to have been performed on this turf?

a)

Core aeration

b)

Spike aeration

c)

Fertilizer injection

d)

Pesticide injection

89.

One guideline for retail face-to-face sales is to:

a)

Show the customer all items that meet their need as well as all the items they should not consider.

b)

Provide the customer with the two least expensive items for them to choose from

c)

Tell the customer your favorite item and don’t offer any other choices until they have refused that item.

d)

Help the customer narrow their choices and provide a few, two to three, items to choose from.

90.

A 50 pound bag of fertilizer with an analysis of 16–4–8 contains ________ pounds of nitrogen

a)

8

b)

16

c)

28

d)

30

91.

A soil with a pH of 4.0 would probably be too __________ for most landscape plants

a)

Alkaline

b)

Acidic

c)

Dry

d)

High in Potash

92.

The use of parasitic wasps and lady bird beetles to control insects is considered:

a)

Insecticidal pest control

b)

Cultured pest management

c)

Biological pest control

d)

Cannibalistic pest management

93.

Two closely related plants may be the same genus and species yet have different characteristics because they are:

a)

In different kingdoms

b)

In different cultivars

c)

In different families

d)

In different orders

94.

A dichotomous key may be used to:

a)

Identify an unknown plant.

b)

Initiate safety procedures.

c)

Analyze the profitability of a business.

d)

Determine the proper spacing of plants in the growing area.

95.

A light covering of straw is sometimes placed over newly seeded turf areas to:

a)

Hold moisture

b)

Supply nitrogen

c)

Conserve nutrients

d)

Supply organic nutrition

96.

Which of the following is NOT true about the proper construction and maintenance of a compost pile?

a)

Food scraps are usually excluded from compost piles to prevent rodent infestation.

b)

The compost pile should be kept as cool as possible

c)

Topsoil may be added as an inoculant to a compost pile

d)

A compost pile should be kept moist.

97.

Which of these parts on a small gasoline engine allows electricity to jump a gap during the cranking process, creating a spark that ignites the fuel and starts the engine?

a)

Cylinder

b)

Air gap

c)

flywheel

d)

spark plug

98.

Most plant diseases are caused by:

a)

Pythium and rhizoctonia

b)

Bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

c)

Nematodes

d)

Molds, nematodes, and mildew

99.

One of the primary safety features on a chainsaw is the:

a)

pressure valve

b)

chain brake

c)

differential

d)

plastic handle

100.

Focalization in the home landscape is used to:

a)

Focus the viewer’s eye on a feature of the landscape or home.

b)

Balance the landscape between each end of the home.

c)

Unify the public and private areas of the landscape.

d)

Simplify the overall landscape complexity.

101.

In most interiorscapes, such as those found in indoor malls and large office buildings, the most limiting factor in maintaining good plant health is usually:

a)

soil nutrition

b)

light

c)

daily variation in temperature

d)

water

102.

Which of these plants die to the ground each fall and reemerge in the spring from the same root system in most areas of the US?

a)

Peony

b)

Marigold

c)

Wax begonia

d)

Zinnia

103.

Which of these plants bloom naturally in the fall only?

a)

Chrysanthemum

b)

Marigold

c)

Wax bagonia

d)

Zinnia

104.

After the agriculture class planted hollies on each side of the entrance to the school, it was noticed that those plants on the right of the entrance produced colorful berries while those on the left never produced berries. What is the most likely explanation?

a)

Hollies on the left and right are most likely different cultivars.

b)

The soil on the right side has better structure.

c)

Plants on the left side of the entrance probably did not receive enough fertilizer.

d)

Hollies are dioecious and the plants on the left are likely male.

105.

Which area of turf on a golf course is usually mowed shortest and generally receives the most care?

a)

collar and apron

b)

fairway

c)

green

d)

rough

106.

When a golf ball lands on the green, the ball may dig into the turf requiring repair of the ___ by the greensworker

a)

backspin path

b)

ball mark

c)

ball shot dip

d)

greens dip

107.

Which of the following statements is most correct about soils of the US?

a)

Soil pH is usually acidic

b)

Soil pH is usually alkaline

c)

Soil pH varies widely by region.

d)

Soils vary widely in nutrition but all require the addition of lime to some degree.

108.

Which description of job duties most accurately matches those of an arborist?

a)

Maintains, prunes, removes, plants, and performs general care of trees.

b)

Maintains landscapes, performing such tasks as fertilization, pruning, mowing, and mulch application.

c)

May plan and install specific portions of a landscape or entire landscape jobs including irrigation, walls, plant materials, landscape features, hardscapes, and softscapes

d)

Mainly plans and designs landscapes including grading, installing drainage, and irrigation systems. A four-year or higher college degree is required.

109.

Which of the plants below are considered invasive plants?

a)

White pine and Japanese maple

b)

English ivy and bamboo

c)

Bermuda grass and Japanese holly

d)

Winged euonymus and spirea

110.

A soil with a pH of 7.5 would probably be too __________ for most landscape plants.

a)

alkaline

b)

acidic

c)

dry

d)

high in potash

111.

If the _________ are pruned from a plant, the plant can generally be expected to become bushier.

a)

stamens

b)

lateral buds

c)

petioles

d)

terminal buds

112.

Which description of job duties most accurately matches those of a Landscape Contractor?

a)

Maintains, prunes, removes, plants, and performs general care of trees.

b)

Maintains landscapes, performing such tasks as fertilization, pruning, mowing, and mulch application.

c)

May plan and install specific portions of a landscape or entire landscape jobs including irrigation, walls, plant materials, landscape features, hardscapes, and softscapes.

d)

Mainly plans and designs landscapes including grading, installing drainage, and irrigation systems. A four-year or higher college degree is required.

113.

Which description of job duties most accurately matches those of a Landscape Architect?

a)

Plan and design landscapes. They hold bachelors or higher academic degrees. They are often involved in larger projects such as planning the building site, grading, drainage, and landscape features for an office complex before construction on the buildings begin.

b)

Maintains landscapes, performing such tasks as fertilization, pruning, mowing, and mulch application.

c)

May plan and install specific portions of a landscape or entire landscape jobs including irrigation, walls, plant materials, landscape features, hardscapes, and softscapes.

d)

Mainly plans and designs landscapes including grading, installing drainage, and irrigation systems. A two-year or higher college degree is required.

114.

Which of the following is an example of an unethical business practice?

a)

A nurseryman offers a 20% discount to a landscape company purchasing large numbers of plants

b)

A nurseryman accepts sample plants from a grower’s sales representative

c)

A landscape estimator exaggerates the need for repairs to a customer's landscape after a storm.

d)

A turf management company creates an advertisement that highlights their strengths and states that other companies cannot perform to their standards.

115.

In which of the following situations does the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) protect workers from disciplinary action if they refuse to perform a job that may be hazardous?

a)

All the workers agree that the work is too difficult.

b)

The workers have been informed of the type of disciplinary action that might be taken.

c)

The workers are paid less than $20 per hour.

d)

The workers believe in good faith that they are in imminent danger and have informed their employer.

116.

Which of the following best describes an entrepreneurial opportunity with the greatest opportunity for high personal profit, but also with the greatest chance for personal financial loss?

a)

A career as the sales representative for a plant biotechnology company

b)

A position as the marketing manager of a large, incorporated landscape company

c)

A position as head accountant for a newly franchised business that is not incorporated

d)

A career as the owner of a small landscape maintenance company.

117.

Which of these is the best description of an invoice?

a)

A bill sent to a supplier by the purchaser authorizing shipment of a product to the customer at a specified price and terms.

b)

A document sent to a vendor requesting prices and quantities of materials available and terms of payment for selected products.

c)

A document sent by the selling company describing their products or services for sale and terms of payment available.

d)

A bill sent by the business providing a product or service to the purchaser which establishes an obligation on the part of the purchaser to pay for the products or services.

118.

Which signal word on a pesticide label indicates the least serious hazard and is often found on pesticides sold to homeowners?

a)

Caution

b)

Warning

c)

Danger

d)

Harmful

119.

How many trees can be grown on an acre if they are planted in rows that are 5 feet apart with trees in the row spaced 3 feet apart?

a)

1,401

b)

1,560

c)

2,904

d)

4,215

120.

Which of these is a pest control system in which some pest damage is tolerated before pesticides are applied?

a)

integrated pest management

b)

zero tolerance pest management

c)

pre-treatment pest management

d)

fumigation pest management

121.

The most important type of insurance that a landscaper should have to help protect the property owner as well as themselves includes:

a)

collision and conversion insurance

b)

life insurance on each worker

c)

income protection insurance

d)

business liability insurance

122.

Which of these is a beneficial organism in the landscape?

a)

spider mites

b)

white grubs

c)

earth worms

d)

aphids

123.

Which of these is a complete fertilizer?

a)

46-0-0

b)

33-0-0

c)

0-46-0

d)

5-10-15

124.

Which of these fertilizer formulations would be best to use in a situation where root growth stimulation and flower production was desired instead of foliage growth?

a)

46-0-0

b)

3-20-20

c)

20-20-20

d)

33-0-0

125.

On a topographic map, lines are drawn to represent vertical elevation (slope of the property). These are referred to as:

a)

vertical detail lines

b)

common elevation bench marks

c)

contour lines

d)

lines of symmetry

126.

Plants, such as irises and daffodils, which produce foliage and flowers during the growing season, die back to the ground during winter, and re-sprout the next spring are called:

a)

Flowering annuals

b)

Woody perennials

c)

Herbaceous perennials

d)

Herbaceous annuals

127.

Landscape soils that are _______ are generally best for plant growth.

a)

sandy

b)

loamy

c)

high in silt content

d)

high in clay content

128.

The following notes were given for a landscape installation project. Which is NOT within standard recommendations?

a)

The walk to the front door should be 42 inches wide.

b)

The front drive should be 6 feet wide.

c)

Foundation plants should be a minimum of 3 feet from the foundation.

d)

The mature shrub height should not be high enough to cover windows.

129.

Which of the following types of organic matter generally should NOT be used in the landscape planting holes?

a)

Peat moss

b)

Composted leaves

c)

Aged, ground, pine bark

d)

Fresh sawdust

130.

Three of the six landscape design principles are: rhythm, unity, and focalization. What are the other three?

a)

Balance, proportion, and simplicity

b)

Orientation, texture, and pattern

c)

Line, form, and ray

d)

Spacing, color, and line

131.

Which of the following plants is most often propagated by budding or grafting?

a)

Azalea

b)

Hybrid Tea Rose

c)

Sweet Gum

d)

Red Maple

132.

Some of the most important topics of discussion affecting the nursery and landscape industry in recent years include:

a)

water use restrictions, green roofs/walls, and noise pollution control.

b)

temperature inversion, fertilizer analysis, and irrigation water temperature.

c)

biological propagation, topsoil restriction, and recycling safety.

d)

hazards of sharp equipment, diesel mowers, and carbon toxicity.

133.

One of the long recognized retail techniques to help with retail sales is to:

a)

place no more than nine products before the customer to choose from

b)

show the customer every possible product to meet their needs.

c)

let the customer hold, examine, and get the feel of the product.

d)

always point out the product specification on the side of the box.

134.

Which of the following is undesirable in landscape trees?

a)

Terminal buds

b)

V-shaped crotches

c)

Lenticels

d)

Internode growth

135.

If a home owner applied lime, nitrogen, phosphate, and potash at recommended rates to his lawn one year, which nutrient is he almost certain to have to reapply the next year?

a)

Lime

b)

Nitrogen

c)

Phosphorus

d)

Potash

136.

The most common type of landscape plan drawing prepared by designers is the _________. In this type of drawing, the viewer observes the site and landscape objects as though they are above the site, looking downward.

a)

plan view

b)

elevation view

c)

perspective view

d)

axonometric view

137.

Which of these is a good procedure when planting large balled and burlapped trees in the landscape?

a)

Remove all the burlap and any string or rope around the ball or tree trunk prior to placing the tree in the planting hole

b)

Set the tree in the planting hole, then remove ropes or string securing the burlap to the root ball and roll the burlap back from the trunk.

c)

At planting, leave the burlap and securing ropes and twine in place on the root ball for 6 to 12 months before removal.

d)

At planting, re-tighten the rope or twine securing the burlap to the root ball; leave the burlap and securing ropes and twine in place for approximately 6 to 12 months or until the tree is well established.

138.

Which of the grass types below will be LESS likely to increase in width of the grass plant and completely cover an area when planted at less than optimal rate?

a)

warm season grasses

b)

grasses with rhizomes

c)

grasses with stolons

d)

bunch type grasses

139.

A homeowner has been on vacation for 3 weeks and comes home to an out-of-control lawn with the grass 5 to 6 inches tall. She normally keeps the grass cut to about 2 inches high. What is the best advice for this homeowner?

a)

cut off no more than 1/3 of the growth at one time until the grass is back to the desired height

b)

make sure the mower blade is very sharp; cut the grass to two inches but water and fertilize heavily after mowing

c)

cut the grass to two inches high in the late afternoon and water heavily to prevent sun scorch

d)

fertilize and water the grass about two days before mowing to make sure the grass is in good health, then cut to two inches high

140.

At maturity, a large deciduous tree planted at the ______ corner of a home in North America will provide summer afternoon shade while allowing the winter sun to warm the home.

a)

northwest

b)

southeast

c)

southwest

d)

northeast

141.

. Suppose a landscaper has a client who wants more unusual plants in their home landscape. They have found photos of plants they like on the internet and sent them to the landscaper. After identifying the plants, the landscaper should consult ___________ to determine the likelihood of the plants surviving in the client’s landscape.

a)

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) national weather map

b)

the National Weather Service Rainfall Map for that area

c)

an Extension Service Weather Map

d)

the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

142.

Characteristics of the bare-root system of packaging of landscape plants for sale and transplanting include all of the following except:

a)

The transplanting season is extended through summer, much longer than container and balled and burlapped plants.

b)

Bare-root packaged plants are lighter in weight than container plants and balled and burlapped plants.

c)

Bare-root packaged plants are generally smaller plants and less expensive compared to container and balled and burlapped plants.

d)

The plants sold by this method are usually deciduous species.

143.

Although methods vary by grower, there are basic guidelines for preparing containers of soil for seeding. Which of these is one acceptable method of firming the seedbed in the nursery trade?

a)

Pack the soil in the container with the palms of the hand as tightly as possible to remove water and air.

b)

Lightly tamp the soil-filled contain on the bench two to three times to settle the soil.

c)

Firm the soil with the hands; water thoroughly and apply more hand pressure so the soil is very firm.

d)

None of the above. Soil in containers for seeding should be loose and contain as much air as possible.

144.

Which category of plants below fit this definition best? “A naturally aggressive plant species introduced to a new habitat. It colonizes easily in new areas and usually gains an ecological advantage over plants native to the area because the insects, diseases, and foraging animals that naturally keep its growth in check in its native habitat are not present in its new habitat.”

a)

domesticated plants

b)

bryophytes

c)

invasives

d)

epiphytic plants

145.

Which of the following statements is true about plant propagation by cuttings?

a)

Remove any leaves that will be under the soil or touching the soil when the cutting is stuck.

b)

Remove all lenticels and any leaves that will be under the soil when the cutting is stuck.

c)

Treat each node and bud on hard-to-root cuttings with the appropriate rooting hormone

d)

Avoid placing any of the cutting nodes under the soil surface

146.

A homeowner is having trouble with rodents and occasionally snakes around their compost pile. Which of these would be a good recommendation to alleviate this problem?

a)

Once the manure pile is constructed, do not disturb the organic matter.

b)

Keep the manure pile as dry as possible by covering with a water-proof tarp or plastic cover.

c)

Do not add meat scraps and similar food materials to the compost pile

d)

All of the above

147.

A group of foliage plants were taken from the nursery where they had received optimal light, nutrition, water, and other conditions for rapid growth and shipped to a contractor installing these and other plants in a large indoor shopping mall. The plants were installed in the interiorscape project within 3 days of leaving the nursery. In a few weeks these once healthy plants began to show signs of failing health such as leaf drop, yellowing leaves, and general unthriftiness. Which of these is the likely problem?

a)

the plants were not properly acclimated

b)

the plants were over fertilized

c)

a disease from other plants in the interiorscape infected the new plants

d)

the plants were getting too much light in the mall interiorscape

148.

The school agriculture department created a plant replica of the school mascot, a tiger, by training and pruning a plant into the shape of a tiger. This type of specialized plant art is best known as:

a)

residual pruning

b)

heading-back

c)

topiary

d)

micro-pruning

149.

A sidewalk in a high traffic area of a public site that would allow two people to walk together or pass each other comfortably should be about ___ feet wide minimum.

a)

12

b)

10

c)

8

d)

5

150.

In the botanical name Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus', Magnus is the:

a)

family

b)

cultivar

c)

genus

d)

species