C27 License - C-27 Landscaping Contractor License Landscape Maintenance and Repair Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client's lawn has several irregular brown patches where the turf feels spongy and lifts up easily, like a carpet. An increased number of birds have also been seen digging in these areas. What is the MOST likely cause of this damage?
- A fungal disease like Brown Patch.
- Compacted soil and poor aeration.
- An infestation of grub worms. (Correct answer)
- Improper irrigation and drought stress.
Correct answer: An infestation of grub worms.
The combination of irregular brown patches, spongy turf that pulls away easily from the soil, and increased animal activity (birds, skunks, raccoons) are classic signs of a grub infestation. Grubs are beetle larvae that feed on grass roots, severing them from the soil and causing the grass to die.
Question 2: An entire irrigation system is experiencing low water pressure across all zones. The controller is functioning, and the water supply to the property is confirmed to be normal. Which of the following is the MOST logical first component to inspect for a system-wide pressure issue?
- A clogged nozzle on the last head of a zone.
- A leaking valve in a single zone.
- The backflow prevention device. (Correct answer)
- A crushed lateral line in one of the zones.
Correct answer: The backflow prevention device.
Since the low pressure affects all zones, the problem must be located at a point common to the entire system, before the water is diverted to individual zone valves. The backflow prevention device is a primary component that, if a valve is partially closed or the device is clogged, will restrict flow and reduce pressure for the whole system.
Question 3: When performing a 'rejuvenation pruning' on a severely overgrown, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub, what is the recommended practice?
- Shear the entire shrub into a uniform, compact shape.
- Cut all stems down to about 6-12 inches from the ground in late winter or early spring. (Correct answer)
- Remove only the top one-third of all branches to reduce height.
- Selectively thin out about half of the interior branches.
Correct answer: Cut all stems down to about 6-12 inches from the ground in late winter or early spring.
Rejuvenation pruning is a hard pruning technique used to restore severely overgrown deciduous shrubs. The best practice is to cut all stems back to 6-12 inches above the ground during the dormant season (late winter/early spring). This drastic cut stimulates the well-established root system to produce vigorous new growth, effectively renewing the plant.
Question 4: A client's paver patio has a section that has sunken over time, creating an uneven and hazardous surface. What is the most common cause for this type of hardscape failure?
- Using the wrong color of polymeric sand.
- The pavers were sealed too soon after installation.
- Inadequate compaction of the sub-base material. (Correct answer)
- Pavers being spaced too far apart.
Correct answer: Inadequate compaction of the sub-base material.
The most frequent cause of sinking pavers is poor base preparation, specifically the failure to properly and adequately compact the sub-base material in layers. An improperly compacted base cannot support the load of the pavers and will settle over time, especially with exposure to water and traffic, leading to depressions.
Question 5: Which of the following is a core principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) that should be prioritized BEFORE considering chemical pesticides?
- Applying broad-spectrum insecticides on a preventative schedule.
- Utilizing cultural practices like proper plant selection and sanitation. (Correct answer)
- Relying solely on chemical solutions for quick results.
- Treating the entire landscape area regardless of pest location.
Correct answer: Utilizing cultural practices like proper plant selection and sanitation.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally sensitive approach that prioritizes non-chemical methods first. A key principle is using cultural controls, such as selecting pest-resistant plants, practicing good sanitation (e.g., removing diseased leaves), and ensuring proper irrigation and fertilization to maintain plant health, making them less susceptible to pests.
Question 6: A lawn is exhibiting small, circular, straw-colored patches roughly the size of a silver dollar. The grass blades at the edge of the patches may have a reddish-brown border. These symptoms are MOST indicative of which turfgrass disease?
- Brown Patch
- Rust
- Powdery Mildew
- Dollar Spot (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Dollar Spot
The distinct small, round, bleached or straw-colored spots, often the size of a silver dollar, are the classic symptom of the fungal disease known as Dollar Spot. These spots can merge into larger, irregular patches if the disease is left untreated.
C27 License - C-27 Landscaping Contractor License Landscape Maintenance and Repair Questions and Answers
A client's lawn has several irregular brown patches where the turf feels spongy and lifts up easily, like a carpet.
An increased number of birds have also been seen digging in these areas.
What is the MOST likely cause of this damage?