Browse all practice questions for the Setting of Landscape Plants (SLP) Practice Test. Search by topic, open any question and review its full explanation, then test yourself in the practice quiz.

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  • How much nitrogen should be applied per 1,000 square feet to Bermuda grass?
  • How should fertilizer be applied to a tree?
  • When selecting mulches for landscaping, what characteristic should be considered?
  • Do plants exchange water vapor and oxygen for carbon dioxide to create sugars?
  • What characterizes included bark?
  • True or False: Established ornamental plants can go days or even weeks without supplemental irrigation.
  • What is hardpan?
  • What should be avoided in the vicinity of newly planted ornamentals?
  • When is overseeding particularly beneficial?
  • What is the ideal spread area for tree fertilization?
  • What type of planting window do bare root trees have?
  • When is the 3-Cut method employed for limb removal?
  • What method is used to determine soil texture?
  • True or False: Newly installed container plants often require frequent watering due to quick drying.
  • When using walk-behind mowers, what terrain should be avoided?
  • What is the key indicator that signifies plants should start receiving fertilizer again?
  • How should you bid your labor?
  • What effect does sulfur have on soil when overused?
  • What does the term "root or pot bound" indicate?
  • Which pruning method fully transforms plants into hedges or unnatural shapes?
  • Which type of saw is specifically mentioned for limb removal?
  • True or False: Caffeine and high sugar drinks put more pressure on your heart and general metabolism.
  • What percentage of nitrogen does a fertilizer with a rating of 20-0-10 contain?
  • What is the recommended mowing height for Bermuda grass?
  • What is transpiration in plants?
  • When should warm season turf be aerified?
  • What type of fertilizers are considered beneficial for turf management?
  • Which type of fertilizer is often considered the best choice for turfs?
  • How do soil conditions affect root health?
  • Which macronutrient is primarily responsible for root growth?
  • What is recommended to drink on the job?
  • How can optimal drainage and oxygen content be ensured in soil?
  • True or False: Disposable earplugs and earmuffs are recommended for employees that use power equipment.
  • What is one major benefit of using organic matter in soil?
  • Which of the following leaves would typically be classified as deciduous?
  • What type of ear protection can be useful for users of power tools?
  • Which method is effective for controlling weeds in landscape beds?
  • Which of the following statements is true regarding balled and burlapped plants?
  • Why is it advised to avoid damaging plants?
  • What kind of drinks should you avoid while landscaping?
  • What is "Actual Nitrogen" in the context of fertilizers?
  • For best results, what is a suggested practice after applying fertilizer?
  • What should be avoided when installing container plants?
  • How should turf be watered for the best results?
  • When staking balled and burlapped plants, what is an important consideration?
  • What is one important safety rule when using push mowers?
  • Which of the following is an example of inorganic mulch?
  • Why is the heading back pruning method used?
  • For an area measuring 25' x 40', how many square yards of zoysia are required to order?
  • Who proposed the concept of root ball staking?
  • What distinguishes deciduous leaves?
  • Which method can be used to improve soil structure?
  • What is the most critical factor that influences plant growth according to nutrient availability?
  • What is the proper approach to maintaining root flares of trees?
  • What benefit does cutting grass at higher heights provide?
  • How is soil pH defined?
  • When calculating labor for a planting job, what is the first step?
  • Which of the following characteristics defines bypass pruners?
  • When do plant roots typically die?
  • What type of soil is ideal for turf growth?
  • What benefit do organic fertilizers provide beyond nutrients?
  • How fast can projectiles fly off of mowers and string trimmers?
  • Liquid or water-soluble fertilizers are primarily used on which types of plants?
  • What is one advantage to keeping mower blades sharp?
  • What is the equivalent of 3 inches in feet when calculating mulch volume?
  • Under what conditions do roots grow optimally?
  • When should fertilization be avoided?
  • What are the three primary macronutrients essential for plant growth?
  • Which of the following is true when calculating the weight of fertilizer for coverage per square foot?
  • What are pre-emergent herbicides used for?
  • Which of these factors is affected by soil pH?
  • If the scale of a drawing is 1" = 20', plants that are 1/4" apart on the plan will become?
  • Which of the following is a benefit of core aerification?
  • What are the reproductive parts of the plant responsible for new growth?
  • How can one determine if a granular fertilizer has slow-release properties?
  • What is one downside of not properly dealing with root flares?
  • What should container plant roots be covered with during installation?
  • How often are pre-emergent herbicides typically applied on turf?
  • What is the function of the petiole?
  • When calculating needed fertilizer, what formula is used to find the number of plants based on spacing?
  • What fertilization strategy is considered best for turf management?
  • Which fertilizer type is least harmful to newly planted ornamentals?
  • How is tree topping defined?
  • What may result from over-fertilizing?
  • True or False: A properly sharpened blade is essential for mowing turf.
  • What are the secondary macronutrients included in plant nutrition?
  • What is the primary function of xylem in a tree?
  • Which grasses are known to tolerate shade?
  • What is the primary characteristic of inorganic fertilizers?
  • True or False: Specifications typically call for applying fertilizer in pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
  • Which function of a plant's stems can be vital in food production?
  • What is involved in soil sampling?
  • Which scenario suggests that fertilization might be necessary?
  • How often should mower blades ideally be sharpened for optimal performance?
  • What type of accident can occur due to projectiles from mowers?
  • Which of the following plants is known for producing numerous suckers?
  • What is the main role of the stems, branches, and trunks in plants?
  • What are apical or terminal buds?
  • Which of the following statements about riding and push mowers is true?
  • True or False: Wire basket trees above 3" caliper may lose 90% of their existing roots in the harvesting process.
  • If the site is tilled, is there a need to dig a hole larger than the root ball?
  • If you send a five-man crew to plant 300, 3-gallon plants, how many hours will it take to complete the job?
  • How many cubic yards of soil are needed to fill a planter that is 10' wide, 40' long, and 1' deep?
  • What does Cation Exchange Capacity measure?
  • What is the purpose of the "finish cut" in the 3-Cut method for limb removal?
  • Should you apply excess fertilizer to turf to nourish nearby trees?
  • If you aim to provide 1 pound of actual nitrogen using 20-4-10 fertilizer per acre, how much fertilizer is needed?
  • Why should cuts be avoided along slopes when mowing?
  • If a fertilizer has an analysis of 20-0-5, what is the percentage of actual nitrogen it contains?
  • Which of the following items is NOT advised to use while landscaping for hydration?
  • Which of the following does pH NOT affect?
  • Which approach is considered safest when operating a riding mower?
  • True or False: Plants growing in shade generally require less fertilizer than those in full sun.
  • Is it beneficial to conduct a soil test before applying lime?
  • What type of license is required to give landscape design advice?
  • What is the primary goal of using the 3-Cut method?
  • Is it easy to change soil texture on a large scale?
  • If a plant is root or pot bound, what is a recommended action?
  • What is the main role of Nitrogen in plants?
  • What advantage does the "1/3rd Rule" provide for turf health?
  • Describe the second cut in the 3-Cut method.
  • What is the main goal of thinning in pruning?
  • What type of fertilizer is recommended for a new site where phosphorus has never been applied?
  • True or False: All businesses must have licenses in every city or county in which they operate.
  • If the scale of a drawing is 1" = 10', a plan with a tree 5" from a house corner will become?
  • Which of the following is NOT a major safety concern for workers in landscaping?
  • What does frequent shallow watering lead to?
  • What aspect of root ball staking allows trees to have natural growth?
  • Which practice can help improve soil drainage in landscaped areas?
  • What happens to plants that settle below grade?
  • What is a potential risk of using tight materials around the trunk of trees?
  • What is the primary function of plant roots?
  • What are micronutrients in relation to plant nutrition?
  • Which trees are categorized as having evergreen leaves?
  • What type of soil should be used for backfilling planting holes?
  • Where is Calcium commonly found in the soil?
  • What is a significant factor to consider when selecting plants for landscaping?
  • Why is it important to maintain proper slopes away from the foundation?
  • How is the staking of container trees typically performed?
  • How should sandy soil textures be treated?
  • What has research shown about the roots of wire basket trees?
  • What are water sprouts?
  • What environmental factor is influenced by a plant's transpiration rate?
  • If a bag of fertilizer weighs 50 pounds and is labeled 20-0-10, how many pounds of actual nitrogen does it contain?
  • What is the primary function of respiration in plants?
  • What is a percolation test used for?
  • How does phosphorus contribute to plant growth?
  • What does Calcium contribute to in plant health?
  • Noises above what decibel level can create permanent hearing loss?
  • Should container plants be watered several hours before being installed in the landscape?
  • What is a primary benefit of the 3-Cut method?
  • What does transportation or loss of water by leaves, stems, and buds indicate?
  • Is it necessary to remove mulch when applying fertilizer?
  • How high should the root ball be set in poorly drained clay soils?
  • What did Dr. Ed Gilman propose regarding tree root ball anchoring?
  • When working with machinery, what is a primary concern for eye safety?
  • How many 2-inch pots of mondo grass are needed to plant in a 10' x 20' bed at 8" centers?
  • What is the consequence of applying too much fertilizer to sandy soils?
  • Why is it important to avoid working wet soils during cultivation?
  • What are suckers in terms of plant growth?
  • True or False: It is important to price jobs with a keen eye on labor as it is the greatest risk for most contractors.
  • What characterizes bare root planting?
  • What should you do when using a riding mower on slopes?
  • What is the purpose of using a soil probe during sampling?
  • What is the nature of the first cut in the 3-Cut method?
  • How should balled and burlapped plants be planted?
  • How can low mowing heights be successfully maintained?
  • What is the first step you should take before applying any pesticides?
  • How many additional plants are needed when comparing planting 2-foot versus 3-foot centers for a 1,000 square foot ground cover?
  • True or False: Balled and burlapped plants can lose a significant portion of their root system during harvesting and may experience transplant shock.
  • What is the flat part of the leaf called?
  • True or False: Most mowing equipment should not be used on slopes greater than 30%.
  • What does the term "inorganic" refer to in soil amendments?
  • What is the weight of fertilizer needed if applying 2 pounds of actual nitrogen for 2,000 square feet using 16-4-8?
  • True or False: Contractors with trucks and trailers over a certain Gross Vehicle Weight will be required to comply with signage, safety, and health regulations before traveling to job sites.
  • What is the primary purpose of selecting native plants for landscaping?
  • When should you wear safety goggles?
  • If aiming to cover 1,000 square feet using 2-foot centers, how many plants would be needed?
  • Besides leaves, what other parts of a plant can produce food?
  • Why are materials like wires and rubber hoses not advisable for trees?
  • What is the primary function of leaves in plants?
  • In what condition should bare root plants ideally be soaked before planting?
  • Why might selective pruning be more expensive than shearing?
  • What factors should determine the type of fertilizer used?
  • What impact does excessive nitrogen have on grassy lawns?
  • How can you ensure effective fertilizer application over mulch?
  • What does overseeding typically involve?
  • What kind of stakes are often used for container trees?
  • Which practice helps improve drainage during planting?
  • What factors determine the quantity of fertilizer applied on established ornamentals?
  • How many applications of pre-emergent herbicides would you typically perform on turf within a year?
  • What is a common misconception about tree topping?
  • What does phloem primarily do in a tree?
  • Is adding several inches of organic matter to a bed planting helpful?
  • What feature enhances the effectiveness of loppers?
  • What is one reason to reduce fertilizer during drought conditions?
  • What does understanding soil texture help identify?
  • Do overseeded lawns suffer competition with the ryegrass?
  • True or False: Back injuries are a major source of workman's compensation claims.
  • What condition can prolonged exposure to loud machines result in?
  • True or False: During periods of drought, it is recommended to increase the amount of fertilizer applied.
  • Magnesium is crucial for which component of plants?
  • True or False: Turf maintained at 2 inches or more has less weeds and a deeper root system.
  • Which of the following statements is true regarding low oxygen soils?
  • Why is understanding soil organic matter important for landscape plants?
  • What is one of the important functions of Potassium in plants?
  • Which of the following is NOT a commonly available slow-released fertilizer?
  • What can be used to amend soil for improved plant conditions?
  • Which of the following is beneficial for plant installation in heavy soils?
  • What is the primary benefit of root ball staking?
  • Which of the following leads to wasted maintenance dollars?
  • If the scale of a drawing is 1" = 10', a shrub bed 2" x 3" will become?
  • Which factor is most important when determining the planting location for a new landscape plant?
  • How can soil structure be improved?
  • What impact does organic matter have on soil structure?
  • How can back injuries best be avoided in the landscape industry?
  • If your soil test requires 2 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year, what amount of 16-4-8 fertilizer is necessary for an area of 2,000 square feet?
  • Which fertilizer type is beneficial for annual flowers in their planting hole?
  • If the scale of a drawing is 1" = 4', a flower bed 2" x 2" will become?
  • What formula is used to find the area of a circle?
  • What is a bark ridge?
  • What is recommended for enhancing shady areas in landscapes?
  • True or False: Aggressive driving with a crew and equipment on board is a recipe for disaster.
  • Which tissue system is primarily responsible for transporting nutrients in a tree?
  • What is the recommended practice for mowing turf grass?
  • Why is phosphorus required in lower amounts compared to nitrogen and potassium?
  • Which statement best describes the care of ornamental plants once established?
  • What is one disadvantage of mowing grass too short during hot summers?
  • For a 10,000 square foot bermuda lawn, how much of a 32-3-10 fertilizer is needed to apply 1.5 pounds of actual nitrogen?
  • What type of amendment might be used for improving sandy soil?
  • True or False: Ryegrass is known to create mowing problems due to its wet nature.
  • How much fertilizer is needed to supply 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet if using 20-0-10 fertilizer?
  • What are common symptoms in plants that need water?
  • During what frequency of cuts can low mowing heights be achieved?
  • What does the collar refer to in tree anatomy?
  • What is an important factor to consider when mowing grass?
  • Which method is recommended for broadcasting fertilizer?
  • True or False: The frequency of fertilization is the same for all types of plants and fertilizers used.
  • What is the general recommendation regarding staking plants or trees?
  • In what process do plants break down stored food that requires plenty of oxygen in the soil?
  • What happens to wounds created from improper pruning techniques?
  • What is a consequence of failing to read the pesticide label before application?
  • What characterizes selective pruning?
  • How does included bark affect tree stability?
  • Which of the following is a characteristic of well-structured soil?
  • What is one of the advantages of proper tilling?
  • What seasonal factor most influences when to plant annual flowers?
  • What is a potential disadvantage of using wound paints?
  • What is a negative effect of aerifying too late in the season?
  • Which of the following power tools can cause hearing loss?
  • What are adventitious buds?
  • What method should be used to amend roots that have conformed to the shape of a container?
  • Which feature is crucial for the health of newly planted trees?
  • What can happen if heavy clay is piled on top of roots?
  • What is a potential consequence of over-fertilization?
  • What benefit does proper selective pruning provide for a plant?
  • Are Alabama soils typically low or high in organic matter?
  • What is one consequence of the presence of hardpan in soil?
  • What does overseeding with annual ryegrass typically result in?
  • How many applications are recommended when using general-purpose granular fertilizers?
  • Is there a need to remove healthy branches from balled and burlapped plants to compensate for root loss?
  • Do woody ornamentals have an immediate demand for nutrients after transplanting?
  • Which nutrient is essential for the protein content within a plant?
  • Plants with high transpiration rates should be located in which environment?
  • Which license do you need to apply fertilizers that contain pesticides?
  • How often should most landscape plants be fertilized?
  • What does core aerification involve?
  • What role does organic matter play in the soil?
  • Selective pruning emphasizes which of the following?
  • How long does it typically take field-grown materials to recover from harvest?
  • When is the optimal time to water landscape plants?
  • What does workman's compensation provide?
  • How can pruning contribute to plant health in landscapes?
  • What is meant by mid-rib in leaf anatomy?
  • How can you test if burlap is real or synthetic?
  • What term describes roots that become more exposed as their diameter increases?
  • What does the pruning term "heading back" refer to?
  • What do most manufacturers recommend for safe riding mower operation on slopes?
  • What will be the labor cost if your charge is $35 per man hour and the job will require 30 hours of labor?
  • What are common issues encountered while using a mower?
  • Which of the following is true regarding pesticide application licenses?
  • How is a pruning saw typically characterized?
  • Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of water sprouts?
  • What does soil structure refer to?
  • How do roots contribute to food storage in plants?
  • If slow-release fertilizers are used, how many applications are generally sufficient for the growing season?
  • How many pounds of Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet should be applied to centipede grass?
  • What is the general guideline for fertilizer ratios for most ornamental plants?
  • Which type of soil requires more frequent fertilization?
  • How much bark mulch should you order for an area that is 20' wide, 100' long, and 3" deep?
  • How is shearing described in terms of pruning?
  • Which practice should be avoided when fertilizing turf?
  • Which of the following is a sign of tree topping?
  • What area of the plant does the cambium represent?
  • True or False: Contractors that install jobs over $50,000 must be Licensed General Contractors.
  • What role does soil texture play in agriculture?
  • If you need to plant 300, 3-gallon plants and your crew plants an average of 10 plants per hour, how many total hours of labor is necessary?
  • Which of the following best describes girdling roots?
  • Which part of the plant is primarily responsible for nutrient transport?
  • Before planting, what kind of fertilizer application should be avoided?
  • What are anvil type pruners best suited for?
  • What is the primary benefit of soil testing?
  • Should the soil be tilled before installing any plants?
  • Where are lateral buds found?
  • Which of the following represents the formula needed to convert square feet into square yards?
  • What type of grass is typically overseeded during dormancy?
  • True or False: As wire basket trees increase in caliper, the wire will girdle the trunk.
  • What should all employees do before doing any type of heavy lifting?
  • What benefit do well-structured soils with good tilth provide?
  • What size and depth should the hole be for a plant/tree?
  • What type of fertilizer is likely to provide the best results for turf managers?
  • Which of the following is a benefit of using mulches in landscaping?
  • What condition do pre-emergent herbicides prevent in lawns?
  • What is critical when dealing with balled and burlapped plants?
  • What type of soil is most commonly used for container plants?
  • Which soil amendment can add calcium without altering pH and improve drainage?
  • Does adding organic matter to a planting hole improve plant growth?
  • True or False: Turfgrasses do their best in full sun.
  • What is released through the leaves during photosynthesis?
  • What is an advantage of using drip irrigation systems?
  • What is a common misconception about fertilizer applications?
  • Why is liability insurance essential for landscape contractors?
  • What are the possible repercussions of improper or non-payment of payroll taxes?
  • What is a common issue that newly installed container plants face in their initial growth period?
  • What is a disadvantage of not tilling the soil before planting?
  • In sandy soils, how high should the root ball be in relation to the grade?
  • Where should plants with lower transpiration rates be placed?
  • What is a good gauge that hearing loss has occurred?
  • What purpose do loppers serve in pruning?
  • Which plant is characterized by a high transpiration rate and prefers shaded conditions?
  • What is necessary for large trees when using stakes?
  • Are bare root trees sold large or small?
  • What is the outcome of tree topping?
  • Which process includes the uptake of carbon dioxide for the formation of sugars?
  • How does proper tilling influence soil structure?
  • What is the total square footage of an area that is 20' wide and 100' long?
  • What does compartmentalization in plants refer to?
  • What is the recommended nitrogen application for Zoysia, St. Augustine, and fescue grass per 1,000 square feet?
  • Does ammoniacal nitrogen in a fertilizer indicate slow-release properties?
  • What does excessive mulching of root flares typically cause?
  • When is typically the best time to apply lime to soil?
  • What is the cambium composed of?
  • Who regulates all commercial vehicles in the state?
  • How do organic mulches benefit the soil?
  • What should be avoided to maintain good hydration during landscaping work?
  • What is photosynthesis primarily responsible for in plants?
  • What happens to plants when they experience improper pruning?
  • What does aerification improve?
  • When is it ideal to perform core aerification for warm season grasses?
  • True or False: A "Setting of Plants" license is required for anyone installing plants for a fee.
  • How is soil texture defined?
  • What type of leaves do pines typically have?
  • Is it recommended to use wound painting or sealing after cutting off a limb from a tree?
  • What is the ideal solution for improving poor soil structure in a garden?
  • What can happen if turf is scalped too often?
  • What type of structure do root flares represent?
  • Is it beneficial to mow turf at higher heights during hot summers?
  • True or False: Safety is not a major concern in the landscape industry.
  • What is the effect of adding magnesium to plants?
  • What is the recommended frequency of applying pre-emergent herbicides in shrub beds?
  • What are the vascular parts of the plant primarily made up of?
  • Why is it important to have business vehicle insurance?
  • What is an effective technique for fertilizing annual flowers?
  • What is the purpose of the first cut in the 3-Cut method?
  • Which of the following is an organic fertilizer source?
  • True or False: All synthetic burlap must be removed or pushed down from the root ball.
  • What condition might cause increased competition from overseeded ryegrass?
  • What is the optimal time for core aerification in Alabama?
  • Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a "Setting of Plants" license?
  • What occurs to the cores after the aerification process is completed?
  • What does the term "organic" refer to in the context of soil amendments?
  • True or False: Bare root plants are typically less expensive and often lead to better adaptable plants.
  • What is a significant risk when using a mower?
  • What is a consequence of plants being pot bound?
  • True or False: Container plant roots generally adjust to the shape of the pot after prolonged growth.
  • Why might a gardener choose to use slow-release fertilizers?
  • Do inorganic mulches improve the existing soil?
  • For what purpose is liability insurance particularly critical in landscaping?
  • What is the benefit of using light mulch over container plant roots?
  • Which statement is true about organic mulches?
  • True or False: Employees must have a valid driver's license and not take medications affecting driving.
  • What could happen if rye doesn't die out after a cool spring?
  • Which factor can help to assess soil drainage during a percolation test?
  • What type of pest management approach is recommended for sustainable landscaping?
  • What tools are needed for proper soil sampling?
  • When is the ideal time to apply fertilizer?
  • Which type of soil pH is better for blueberries, azaleas, camellias, and centipede grass?
  • What negative effect does scalping lawns have?
  • Do plants care about the form of fertilizer used, such as granulated or liquid?
  • How does the cambium contribute to the growth of a tree?
  • What defines the practice of pollarding?
  • Why is shallow watering discouraged in turf management?
  • What is the recommended treatment for clay soil textures?
  • What do pre-emergent herbicides primarily target?
  • What characteristic makes anvil pruners less suitable for certain plants?
  • What should you do before digging for planting?
  • What is the distinguishing feature of bypass pruners?
  • Which of the following statements is true regarding slow-release fertilizers?
  • What is a critical consideration when planning for plant growth over time?
  • When preparing to install container plants, what is a recommended practice?
  • What depth of mulch is required in the calculation of 20' wide by 100' long area?
  • What is recommended before planting bare root plants?
  • When is workman's compensation insurance required?
  • What happens to stored foods in plants during compartmentalization?
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