CHT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CHT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Biological nitrogen fixation, the conversion of atmospheric N2 into plant-available ammonia, is carried out by: → Nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium in root nodules of legumes
2. The 'drip line' of a tree refers to: → The outermost edge of the tree canopy projected onto the ground
3. Which potassium source is most commonly used in professional horticulture? → Muriate of potash (KCl)
4. Which type of cutting is taken from the current season's new growth before it hardens? → Softwood cutting
5. What is a key concept in Turf & Ornamental Maintenance? → Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard
6. Which of the following is part of sustainable landscape practices? → Use of native plants and compost
7. Emerald ash borer (EAB) attacks ash trees by: → Larvae tunneling beneath the bark and destroying the cambium and phloem
8. What is a key concept in Plant Identification & Pest Management? → Plant Identification & Pest Management standard
9. Which container size is typically designated as a '5-gallon' in the US nursery trade? → A trade size container holding approximately 3.8 gallons
10. C4 plants are better adapted to hot, sunny environments than C3 plants because they: → Concentrate CO2 around Rubisco, reducing photorespiration
11. What is a key concept in Plant Identification & Pest Management? → Plant Identification & Pest Management standard
12. What is a key concept in Turf & Ornamental Maintenance? → Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard
13. What is a key concept in Plant Identification & Pest Management? → Plant Identification & Pest Management standard
14. What is a key concept in Equipment Operation & Safety? → Equipment Operation & Safety standard
15. What is vernalization? → Exposure to prolonged cold that triggers flowering in certain plants
16. Which condition describes a tree that has died while still standing upright? → Snag
17. What is the term for the seed dormancy-breaking process that requires exposure to cold, moist conditions? → Stratification
18. What causes 'dry spots' in an otherwise irrigated lawn? → Poor head-to-head coverage or clogged nozzles
19. Which fertilizer analysis number represents phosphorus content? → Second number
20. What is the primary function of the phloem in vascular plants? → Transport of photosynthates (sugars) from leaves to other plant parts
21. Grafting is preferred over seed propagation for fruit trees because it: → Guarantees the exact genetic characteristics of the parent
22. Proper staking of a newly planted tree should: → Allow some trunk movement while stabilizing the root ball only as long as needed
23. What is a key concept in Turf & Ornamental Maintenance? → Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard
24. Micronutrient deficiencies often become apparent first in: → New growth (young leaves)
25. Job costing in a horticulture business involves: → Tracking actual labor and material expenses per job to compare against the estimate
26. Evapotranspiration (ET) data is used in irrigation scheduling to: → Estimate how much water plants use and need to replace
27. Slow-release fertilizers are preferred in professional horticulture primarily because they: → Reduce leaching and provide sustained nutrition
28. What is a key concept in Turf & Ornamental Maintenance? → Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard
29. What is the recommended practice when winterizing an irrigation system in a cold climate? → Blow out all water using compressed air
30. Photoperiodism refers to a plant's response to: → The relative lengths of day and night