NORTH CAROLINA LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR EXAM – PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
*Core Domains*
*Landscape Design and Implementation*
*Plant Identification and Care*
*Soil Science and Nutrient Management*
*Irrigation Systems and Drainage*
*Business Law and Project Management*
*Turfgrass Management and Maintenance*
*Grading, Drainage, and Hardscaping*
*Pesticide Safety and Environmental Law*
*Introduction*
The purpose of this comprehensive practice assessment is to prepare candidates for the rigors of the North
Carolina Landscape Contractor licensing process. This exam evaluates the essential skills and technical
knowledge required to operate a professional landscape business within the state. Candidates are assessed on
a broad spectrum of topics, including botanical science, mechanical systems, and legal compliance. The
assessment utilizes a blend of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions designed to mirror the actual
exam environment. An emphasis is placed on real-world application, critical decision-making, and the safe
implementation of landscaping practices to ensure professional competency and public safety.
, *Section One*
1. Which of the following is the most common cause of plant failure in newly installed landscapes?
A. Excessive fertilization
B. Improper planting depth
C. Poor genetic stock
D. Seasonal temperature swings
🟢 B. Improper planting depth
🔴 RATIONALE: Planting a tree or shrub too deep can lead to root suffocation and stem girdling, while planting
too shallow can cause root desiccation; both are leading causes of establishment failure.
2. In North Carolina, a licensed landscape contractor must maintain a performance bond or an irrevocable
letter of credit in the amount of:
A. $5,000
B. $10,000
C. $2,000
D. $50,000
🟢 B. $10,000
🔴 RATIONALE: State regulations require a $10,000 compliance bond or equivalent security to protect
consumers and ensure adherence to the North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Act.
3. Which soil separate has the highest cation exchange capacity (CEC)?
A. Sand
B. Silt
,C. Clay
D. Gravel
🟢 C. Clay
🔴 RATIONALE: Clay particles have a large surface area and a negative charge, allowing them to hold and
exchange positively charged nutrients more effectively than larger soil particles.
4. A landscape contractor is grading a site and needs to ensure water flows away from a building foundation.
What is the minimum recommended slope for the first 10 feet?
A. 1%
B. 2%
C. 5%
D. 10%
🟢 C. 5%
🔴 RATIONALE: A 5% slope (6 inches of drop over 10 feet) is the standard minimum to ensure positive
drainage and prevent moisture-related foundation issues.
5. When applying a pre-emergent herbicide to a turf area, which factor is most critical for activation?
A. Sunlight
B. High nitrogen levels
C. Immediate mowing
D. Rainfall or irrigation
🟢 D. Rainfall or irrigation
🔴 RATIONALE: Pre-emergent herbicides must be moved into the soil profile where weed seeds germinate;
without water, the chemical remains on the surface and may break down via photodegradation.
6. Which of the following is a symptom of iron chlorosis in ornamental plants?
, A. Yellowing of older leaves only
B. Interveinal yellowing on new growth
C. Stunted root development
D. Brown necrotic spots on fruit
🟢 B. Interveinal yellowing on new growth
🔴 RATIONALE: Iron is immobile in plants; therefore, deficiency symptoms appear as yellowing between the
veins of the youngest leaves while the veins remain green.
7. Under the North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Act, how many hours of Continuing Education
(CE) are required annually?
A. 3 hours
B. 5 hours
C. 7 hours
D. 10 hours
🟢 C. 7 hours
🔴 RATIONALE: Licensed contractors in NC must complete 7 hours of board-approved continuing education
each year to maintain their license.
8. What is the primary purpose of a "backflow preventer" in a landscape irrigation system?
A. To increase water pressure to the heads
B. To filter out sediment from the main line
C. To prevent contaminated water from entering the potable water supply
D. To regulate the flow rate of the zone valves
🟢 C. To prevent contaminated water from entering the potable water supply
🔴 RATIONALE: Backflow preventers are safety devices that ensure fertilizers or pesticides in the irrigation
lines do not siphon back into the drinking water system during a pressure drop.
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
*Core Domains*
*Landscape Design and Implementation*
*Plant Identification and Care*
*Soil Science and Nutrient Management*
*Irrigation Systems and Drainage*
*Business Law and Project Management*
*Turfgrass Management and Maintenance*
*Grading, Drainage, and Hardscaping*
*Pesticide Safety and Environmental Law*
*Introduction*
The purpose of this comprehensive practice assessment is to prepare candidates for the rigors of the North
Carolina Landscape Contractor licensing process. This exam evaluates the essential skills and technical
knowledge required to operate a professional landscape business within the state. Candidates are assessed on
a broad spectrum of topics, including botanical science, mechanical systems, and legal compliance. The
assessment utilizes a blend of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions designed to mirror the actual
exam environment. An emphasis is placed on real-world application, critical decision-making, and the safe
implementation of landscaping practices to ensure professional competency and public safety.
, *Section One*
1. Which of the following is the most common cause of plant failure in newly installed landscapes?
A. Excessive fertilization
B. Improper planting depth
C. Poor genetic stock
D. Seasonal temperature swings
🟢 B. Improper planting depth
🔴 RATIONALE: Planting a tree or shrub too deep can lead to root suffocation and stem girdling, while planting
too shallow can cause root desiccation; both are leading causes of establishment failure.
2. In North Carolina, a licensed landscape contractor must maintain a performance bond or an irrevocable
letter of credit in the amount of:
A. $5,000
B. $10,000
C. $2,000
D. $50,000
🟢 B. $10,000
🔴 RATIONALE: State regulations require a $10,000 compliance bond or equivalent security to protect
consumers and ensure adherence to the North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Act.
3. Which soil separate has the highest cation exchange capacity (CEC)?
A. Sand
B. Silt
,C. Clay
D. Gravel
🟢 C. Clay
🔴 RATIONALE: Clay particles have a large surface area and a negative charge, allowing them to hold and
exchange positively charged nutrients more effectively than larger soil particles.
4. A landscape contractor is grading a site and needs to ensure water flows away from a building foundation.
What is the minimum recommended slope for the first 10 feet?
A. 1%
B. 2%
C. 5%
D. 10%
🟢 C. 5%
🔴 RATIONALE: A 5% slope (6 inches of drop over 10 feet) is the standard minimum to ensure positive
drainage and prevent moisture-related foundation issues.
5. When applying a pre-emergent herbicide to a turf area, which factor is most critical for activation?
A. Sunlight
B. High nitrogen levels
C. Immediate mowing
D. Rainfall or irrigation
🟢 D. Rainfall or irrigation
🔴 RATIONALE: Pre-emergent herbicides must be moved into the soil profile where weed seeds germinate;
without water, the chemical remains on the surface and may break down via photodegradation.
6. Which of the following is a symptom of iron chlorosis in ornamental plants?
, A. Yellowing of older leaves only
B. Interveinal yellowing on new growth
C. Stunted root development
D. Brown necrotic spots on fruit
🟢 B. Interveinal yellowing on new growth
🔴 RATIONALE: Iron is immobile in plants; therefore, deficiency symptoms appear as yellowing between the
veins of the youngest leaves while the veins remain green.
7. Under the North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Act, how many hours of Continuing Education
(CE) are required annually?
A. 3 hours
B. 5 hours
C. 7 hours
D. 10 hours
🟢 C. 7 hours
🔴 RATIONALE: Licensed contractors in NC must complete 7 hours of board-approved continuing education
each year to maintain their license.
8. What is the primary purpose of a "backflow preventer" in a landscape irrigation system?
A. To increase water pressure to the heads
B. To filter out sediment from the main line
C. To prevent contaminated water from entering the potable water supply
D. To regulate the flow rate of the zone valves
🟢 C. To prevent contaminated water from entering the potable water supply
🔴 RATIONALE: Backflow preventers are safety devices that ensure fertilizers or pesticides in the irrigation
lines do not siphon back into the drinking water system during a pressure drop.
