NC LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR NEW VERSION QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS FOR EXAM SUCCESS

1. In North Carolina, a landscape contractor license is required when a
project exceeds:
A. $20,000
B. $25,000
C. $30,000
D. $40,000
ANSWER : C
Explanation: NC law requires a license for landscape contracts over $30,000
including labor and materials.
2. Which agency regulates NC Landscape Contractor licensing?
A. NC Department of Transportation
B. NC Department of Agriculture
C. NC Licensing Board of Landscape Contractors
D. Secretary of State
ANSWER : C
Explanation: This board administers exams, licenses, and enforcement.
3. Workers’ compensation insurance is required when a company:
A. Uses subcontractors
B. Owns heavy equipment
C. Has employees
D. Exceeds $30,000 per job
ANSWER : C
Explanation: NC law requires workers’ comp when employees are present.
4. The primary purpose of a written contract is to:
A. Protect the contractor only
B. Protect the client only
C. Define responsibilities of both parties
D. Reduce costs
ANSWER : C
Explanation: Contracts clarify scope, schedule, and payment.
5. General liability insurance covers:
A. Employee injuries

,B. Equipment breakdown
C. Third-party injury and property damage
D. Contract disputes
ANSWER : C
Explanation: It protects against claims from others.
6. Which soil type drains the poorest?
A. Sand
B. Loam
C. Silt
D. Clay
ANSWER : D
Explanation: Clay particles compact tightly, slowing drainage.
7. The ideal soil texture for most plants is:
A. Sand
B. Clay
C. Loam
D. Gravel
ANSWER : C
Explanation: Loam balances drainage and nutrient retention.
8. PPE stands for:
A. Professional Protection Equipment
B. Personal Protective Equipment
C. Primary Protective Equipment
D. Personal Production Equipment
ANSWER : B
Explanation: PPE protects workers from hazards.
9. The most common cause of landscape jobsite injuries is:
A. Chemicals
B. Equipment failure
C. Falls
D. Heat stress
ANSWER : C
Explanation: Slips, trips, and falls are most common.
10. Lime is applied to soil to:
A. Increase acidity
B. Lower pH
C. Raise pH

,D. Add nitrogen
ANSWER : C
Explanation: Lime reduces soil acidity.
11. Which plant prefers acidic soil?
A. Boxwood
B. Azalea
C. Juniper
D. Bermuda grass
ANSWER : B
Explanation: Azaleas thrive in acidic soils.
12. The primary function of roots is to:
A. Produce flowers
B. Absorb water and nutrients
C. Store sunlight
D. Protect leaves
ANSWER : B
Explanation: Roots anchor and nourish plants.
13. Which turfgrass is warm-season?
A. Tall fescue
B. Bluegrass
C. Ryegrass
D. Bermuda
ANSWER : D
Explanation: Bermuda thrives in warm weather.
14. Proper mulch depth around plants is:
A. 1 inch
B. 2–3 inches
C. 5–6 inches
D. 8 inches
ANSWER : B
Explanation: Prevents weeds without suffocating roots.
15. The safest slope for grading is typically:
A. 1:1
B. 2:1
C. 3:1
D. 4:1

, ANSWER : C
Explanation: 3:1 slopes reduce erosion and are easier to maintain.
16. A plate compactor is used to:
A. Cut concrete
B. Compact soil and aggregate
C. Spread mulch
D. Mix mortar
ANSWER : B
Explanation: Compaction prevents settling.
17. The best base material for pavers is:
A. Topsoil
B. Peat moss
C. Crushed stone
D. Clay
ANSWER : C
Explanation: Provides strength and drainage.
18. Typical paver base depth is:
A. 1–2 inches
B. 2–4 inches
C. 6–8 inches
D. 12 inches
ANSWER : C
Explanation: Ensures long-term stability.
19. Retaining walls over 4 feet usually require:
A. Mulch
B. Sod
C. Engineering and permits
D. Extra drainage rock only
ANSWER : C
Explanation: Code and safety requirements apply.
20. The main purpose of grading is to:
A. Improve appearance only
B. Reduce labor
C. Control water drainage
D. Increase soil fertility
ANSWER : C
Explanation: Proper drainage protects structures.