Landscape Industry Certified Horticultural Technician (CHT) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is a key concept in Plant Identification & Pest Management?

Ignoring safety
Guesswork method
Skipping maintenance
Plant Identification & Pest Management standard (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Plant Identification & Pest Management standard

A 'Plant Identification & Pest Management standard' is a key concept because it ensures consistent, accurate, and effective practices in horticulture. These standards provide reliable methods for identifying plants and pests, leading to appropriate and environmentally responsible management strategies. Following them is essential for plant health and sustainable practices.

Question 2: When is the best time to prune most flowering trees that bloom in spring?

Immediately after flowering in spring (Correct answer)
Late fall after leaf drop
Late winter before budbreak
Midsummer during active growth

Correct answer: Immediately after flowering in spring

Spring-blooming trees set their flower buds the previous season; pruning immediately after bloom preserves the current flowers and allows new bud development for next year.

Question 3: Which certification is specifically designed for horticulture technicians working in the landscape industry?

CHT – Certified Horticultural Technician (Correct answer)
ISA Certified Arborist
NALP Green Industry Credential
CLP – Certified Landscape Professional

Correct answer: CHT – Certified Horticultural Technician

The CHT (Certified Horticultural Technician) credential from PLANET/NALP is specifically designed for landscape technicians demonstrating competency in horticulture and landscape skills.

Question 4: What is a key concept in Turf & Ornamental Maintenance?

Guesswork method
Ignoring safety
Skipping maintenance
Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard

A key concept in Turf & Ornamental Maintenance is adhering to a 'Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard.' This refers to established best practices, guidelines, and industry benchmarks that ensure consistent quality, health, and appearance of landscapes. Following these standards prevents guesswork, promotes efficiency, and ensures the long-term vitality of turf and ornamental plants.

Question 5: Tree wound dressings (pruning paint) are now generally NOT recommended by arborists because research shows they:

Do not prevent decay and may interfere with the tree's natural compartmentalization (Correct answer)
Are too expensive for routine use
Are toxic to the tree's cambium
Attract more insects to wounds

Correct answer: Do not prevent decay and may interfere with the tree's natural compartmentalization

Studies show wound dressings do not prevent decay or infection and can seal in moisture and pathogens, impairing the tree's natural CODIT response.

Question 6: Which pruning cut removes a branch back to its point of origin at the trunk or a larger branch?

Stub cut
Thinning cut (Correct answer)
Heading cut
Crown reduction cut

Correct answer: Thinning cut

A thinning cut removes an entire branch back to its origin at the parent branch or trunk, improving light and air penetration without stimulating excessive regrowth.

Question 7: What is the recommended practice when potting a container plant that is root-bound?

Bare-root the plant and soak before potting
Score or tease the root ball before repotting (Correct answer)
Prune top growth by 75% first
Leave roots intact and pot up one size

Correct answer: Score or tease the root ball before repotting

Scoring or teasing circling and matted roots before repotting encourages outward root growth and prevents girdling as the plant grows.

Question 8: C4 plants are better adapted to hot, sunny environments than C3 plants because they:

Produce higher levels of ethylene to reduce leaf temperature
Fix CO2 using a 3-carbon intermediate that is more stable at high temperatures
Concentrate CO2 around Rubisco, reducing photorespiration (Correct answer)
Open stomata at night to reduce water loss via CAM photosynthesis

Correct answer: Concentrate CO2 around Rubisco, reducing photorespiration

C4 plants use a CO2-concentrating mechanism that delivers CO2 directly to Rubisco in bundle sheath cells, greatly reducing energy-wasting photorespiration.

Question 9: What is a key concept in Turf & Ornamental Maintenance?

Skipping maintenance
Guesswork method
Ignoring safety
Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard

Question 10: What is a key concept in Turf & Ornamental Maintenance?

Guesswork method
Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard (Correct answer)
Ignoring safety
Skipping maintenance

Correct answer: Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard

Question 11: A rain sensor or rain shutoff device is used in irrigation systems to:

Detect irrigation leaks
Automatically suspend irrigation during and after rainfall (Correct answer)
Boost water pressure after rain
Measure soil moisture

Correct answer: Automatically suspend irrigation during and after rainfall

Rain sensors detect rainfall and temporarily shut off the irrigation controller, preventing wasteful watering during and after rain events.

Question 12: General liability insurance for a landscape/horticulture business primarily covers:

Employee health benefits
Property damage or bodily injury caused to third parties during work (Correct answer)
Employee injuries on the job
Equipment theft or breakdown

Correct answer: Property damage or bodily injury caused to third parties during work

General liability insurance protects the business against claims of property damage or bodily injury to clients, bystanders, or their property during operations.

Question 13: When should irrigation systems be checked for efficiency?

During rainy days
Only in winter
Regularly throughout the growing season (Correct answer)
Annually

Correct answer: Regularly throughout the growing season

Irrigation systems should be checked regularly throughout the growing season to ensure they are operating efficiently and delivering water effectively. This helps identify and fix leaks, clogged emitters, or misaligned sprinklers promptly, preventing water waste and ensuring plants receive adequate hydration for optimal growth.

Question 14: What term describes a plant produced from a single parent by vegetative propagation, genetically identical to its parent?

F1 variety
Open-pollinated variety
Hybrid
Clone (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clone

A clone is a genetically identical copy of a plant produced through vegetative (asexual) propagation methods such as cuttings, division, or grafting.

Question 15: What is a key concept in Equipment Operation & Safety?

Ignoring safety
Guesswork method
Equipment Operation & Safety standard (Correct answer)
Skipping maintenance

Correct answer: Equipment Operation & Safety standard

A key concept in Equipment Operation & Safety is adhering to an 'Equipment Operation & Safety standard.' These standards encompass established protocols, procedures, and regulations designed to ensure the safe and efficient use of machinery. Following these guidelines is crucial for preventing accidents, protecting personnel, and maintaining equipment longevity, which are paramount in any operational setting.

Question 16: Which federal agency regulates pesticide registration and labeling in the United States?

FDA
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) (Correct answer)
OSHA
USDA

Correct answer: EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

The US EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs registers all pesticides sold in the US and approves all label language, making the label a federally enforceable document.

Question 17: Which type of sprinkler head is best suited for large turf areas?

Fixed spray head
Drip emitter
Rotary/rotor head (Correct answer)
Misting nozzle

Correct answer: Rotary/rotor head

Rotary (rotor) heads rotate and throw water over large distances, making them efficient and cost-effective for large turf areas.

Question 18: What is a key concept in Turf & Ornamental Maintenance?

Guesswork method
Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard (Correct answer)
Ignoring safety
Skipping maintenance

Correct answer: Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard

Question 19: What is the recommended planting depth for a balled-and-burlapped tree?

Root flare 6 inches below grade
Center of root ball at grade
Top of burlap at grade
Root flare at or slightly above grade (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Root flare at or slightly above grade

The root flare (where trunk transitions to roots) should be at or slightly above finished grade to prevent girdling, crown rot, and decline.

Question 20: Which factor is most important when selecting plants for a site?

Price of grass seed
Availability of tools
Color of mulch
Soil, sunlight, and water conditions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Soil, sunlight, and water conditions

The success of any plant depends on its suitability to the specific environmental conditions of the site. Matching a plant's needs for soil type, pH, drainage, sunlight exposure, and water availability to the site's characteristics is paramount for its health and long-term survival and thriving.

Question 21: Which material is most commonly used for modern residential irrigation mainlines?

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) (Correct answer)
Cast iron
Copper
Galvanized steel

Correct answer: PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

PVC pipe is the standard material for residential irrigation mainlines due to its affordability, durability, and ease of installation.

Question 22: What is a key concept in Equipment Operation & Safety?

Skipping maintenance
Guesswork method
Equipment Operation & Safety standard (Correct answer)
Ignoring safety

Correct answer: Equipment Operation & Safety standard

Adhering to an 'Equipment Operation & Safety standard' is fundamental in any professional field, especially horticulture. These standards provide guidelines for safe and efficient use of machinery, minimizing risks of accidents and ensuring proper maintenance. Following established protocols is crucial for protecting personnel and equipment.

Question 23: A day-neutral plant will flower:

Only during the spring equinox when day and night are equal
Regardless of photoperiod, when mature enough (Correct answer)
Only when nights are longer than a critical length
Only when nights are shorter than a critical length

Correct answer: Regardless of photoperiod, when mature enough

Day-neutral plants flower based on developmental maturity rather than day length; tomatoes and cucumbers are common examples.

Question 24: The ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) recommends against 'lion's tailing' because it:

Removes too little foliage
Is too time-consuming
Strips interior branches, creating end-heavy, wind-sail branches prone to failure (Correct answer)
Stimulates excessive interior sprouting

Correct answer: Strips interior branches, creating end-heavy, wind-sail branches prone to failure

Lion's tailing removes interior and lower branches, concentrating foliage at branch ends, which weakens structure and increases branch failure risk in wind.

Question 25: Division as a propagation method is best suited for:

Clump-forming perennials and ornamental grasses (Correct answer)
Annual vegetables
Large shade trees
Tropical palms

Correct answer: Clump-forming perennials and ornamental grasses

Division involves separating the crown and root system of clump-forming perennials and grasses into sections, each with roots attached for immediate replanting.

Question 26: What is the recommended practice when winterizing an irrigation system in a cold climate?

Blow out all water using compressed air (Correct answer)
Increase water pressure
Leave one zone running continuously
Fill pipes with antifreeze

Correct answer: Blow out all water using compressed air

Winterizing involves blowing out irrigation lines with compressed air to remove all water and prevent pipe and head damage from freezing.

Question 27: What is 'water hammer' in irrigation systems?

A tool used to drive stakes
Mineral buildup in pipes
Excessive water pressure at emitters
A pressure surge caused by rapid valve closure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A pressure surge caused by rapid valve closure

Water hammer is a pressure shock wave created when valves close rapidly, potentially damaging pipes, fittings, and heads in the irrigation system.

Question 28: Which document legally authorizes a horticulture business to apply pesticides commercially in the US?

OSHA safety certification
Business license
State pesticide applicator license/certification (Correct answer)
Federal EPA permit

Correct answer: State pesticide applicator license/certification

Each US state requires commercial pesticide applicators to hold a state-issued pesticide applicator license in the appropriate category before applying pesticides for hire.

Question 29: Which document is used to formally transfer property care responsibilities to a landscape contractor?

Invoice
Purchase order
Work order
Scope of work / service contract (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Scope of work / service contract

A scope of work or service contract outlines all agreed-upon services, schedule, exclusions, pricing, and responsibilities, forming the legal basis of the business relationship.

Question 30: What is the purpose of a pressure regulator in a drip irrigation system?

Automate zone schedules
Increase water volume
Reduce pressure to a level safe for drip components (Correct answer)
Filter nutrients

Correct answer: Reduce pressure to a level safe for drip components

Drip systems require low pressure (typically 15–30 PSI); pressure regulators reduce incoming line pressure to prevent blowing apart emitters or fittings.

Question 31: What soil pH range is generally considered optimal for most horticultural crops?

8.5–9.5
4.0–5.0
7.5–8.5
5.5–7.0 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5.5–7.0

A pH of 5.5–7.0 supports nutrient availability and microbial activity optimal for most horticultural plants.

Question 32: Gray water reuse in landscape irrigation refers to:

Applying reclaimed municipal wastewater
Using water from pool draining
Using stormwater collected in ponds
Recycling household sink and laundry water for irrigation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Recycling household sink and laundry water for irrigation

Gray water is lightly used household water from sinks, showers, and laundry that can be redirected to irrigate non-edible landscape plants after basic treatment.

Question 33: Which measurement is used to express tree trunk size for transplanting specifications in the US?

Root ball diameter
Height in feet
Crown spread in feet
Caliper (trunk diameter in inches, measured 6 inches above grade) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Caliper (trunk diameter in inches, measured 6 inches above grade)

The American Standard for Nursery Stock specifies trunk caliper (diameter) measured at 6 inches above grade for trees up to 4-inch caliper as the sizing standard.

Question 34: Magnesium is an essential macronutrient in plants primarily because it:

Is the central atom in the chlorophyll molecule (Correct answer)
Is required for cell wall formation and structural rigidity
Activates phosphate transfer reactions in ATP synthesis
Regulates stomatal opening through guard cell osmosis

Correct answer: Is the central atom in the chlorophyll molecule

Magnesium is the central metal ion in the chlorophyll molecule; deficiency causes yellowing, particularly on older leaves first, as it is a mobile nutrient.

Question 35: A landscape technician notices an irrigation leak on a client's property not included in the current service contract. The best action is to:

Ignore it since it is not in the contract
Document it with a photo and notify the client promptly (Correct answer)
Cover the leak with mulch to hide it
Fix it immediately and charge without informing the client

Correct answer: Document it with a photo and notify the client promptly

Documenting and promptly notifying the client of observed issues protects both the client's property and the technician's professional standing and liability.

Question 36: What is a key concept in Turf & Ornamental Maintenance?

Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard (Correct answer)
Ignoring safety
Skipping maintenance
Guesswork method

Correct answer: Turf & Ornamental Maintenance standard

Question 37: A soil test result shows a CEC of 25 meq/100g. What does this indicate?

Excessive drainage
Highly acidic soil
Very low nutrient-holding capacity
High clay or organic matter content (Correct answer)

Correct answer: High clay or organic matter content

A high CEC (cation exchange capacity) indicates abundant clay or organic matter, which holds more nutrient cations for plant uptake.

Question 38: An irrigation audit involves:

Measuring precipitation rate and uniformity of an irrigation system (Correct answer)
Checking electrical panels
Inspecting fertilizer storage
Reviewing plant purchase invoices

Correct answer: Measuring precipitation rate and uniformity of an irrigation system

An irrigation audit measures how much water a system applies and how uniformly, using catch cans or other methods to assess system efficiency.

Question 39: What is a key concept in Plant Identification & Pest Management?

Skipping maintenance
Plant Identification & Pest Management standard (Correct answer)
Guesswork method
Ignoring safety

Correct answer: Plant Identification & Pest Management standard

Question 40: Dutch elm disease is caused by which pathogen, spread primarily by which vector?

Virus, spread by leafhoppers
Nematode, spread through soil
Bacterium, spread by aphids
Fungus (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi), spread by elm bark beetles (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fungus (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi), spread by elm bark beetles

Dutch elm disease is caused by the fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, introduced to new trees primarily by native and European elm bark beetles as they feed.

Question 41: Which symptom is most characteristic of oak wilt disease?

Rapid wilting and bronzing of leaves starting at leaf tips, moving inward (Correct answer)
Yellow mosaic pattern on foliage
Galls on branches and twigs
White powdery coating on leaves

Correct answer: Rapid wilting and bronzing of leaves starting at leaf tips, moving inward

Oak wilt (Bretziella fagacearum) causes rapid wilting and bronzing starting at leaf margins and tips, moving inward; red oaks can die within weeks of infection.

Question 42: What is a key concept in Plant Identification & Pest Management?

Ignoring safety
Plant Identification & Pest Management standard (Correct answer)
Guesswork method
Skipping maintenance

Correct answer: Plant Identification & Pest Management standard

Question 43: Why is soil testing important before planting?

To remove rocks
To identify fertility and amendments needed (Correct answer)
To increase rainfall
To measure wind direction

Correct answer: To identify fertility and amendments needed

Soil testing provides a detailed analysis of the soil's current nutrient levels, pH, and organic matter content. This information is crucial for determining what specific fertilizers or amendments (like lime or compost) are needed to optimize soil conditions for the intended plants, ensuring their healthy growth and preventing nutrient deficiencies.

Question 44: Route density in a lawn maintenance business refers to:

How closely clustered service stops are geographically to reduce drive time (Correct answer)
The number of employees per truck
The grass density on maintained lawns
Fertilizer application density per route

Correct answer: How closely clustered service stops are geographically to reduce drive time

Route density measures how geographically compact a service route is; dense routes reduce fuel costs, travel time, and labor hours spent driving between stops.

Question 45: What is vernalization?

The process of hardening off transplants to outdoor conditions
Applying growth regulators to induce dormancy before winter
Treating seeds with fungicide before planting
Exposure to prolonged cold that triggers flowering in certain plants (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Exposure to prolonged cold that triggers flowering in certain plants

Vernalization is the induction of flowering by a prolonged period of cold, ensuring that plants like winter wheat or biennial crops flower only after winter.

Question 46: What is 'hydraulic zoning' in irrigation design?

Installing water meters per zone
Dividing areas by plant water need and pressure requirements (Correct answer)
Grouping zones by plant color
Using one zone for the entire property

Correct answer: Dividing areas by plant water need and pressure requirements

Hydraulic zoning groups plants with similar water needs and designs zones based on flow rate and pressure to ensure uniform coverage.

Question 47: What is the first step in preparing a site for landscape installation?

Plant shrubs immediately
Install irrigation
Remove debris and assess soil conditions (Correct answer)
Apply mulch

Correct answer: Remove debris and assess soil conditions

Before any landscape installation, it's crucial to clear the site of existing weeds, rocks, and other debris to create a clean working area. Simultaneously, assessing the soil's current condition (e.g., compaction, drainage, existing nutrients) helps determine necessary amendments for healthy plant growth and successful establishment.

Question 48: What is a key concept in Plant Identification & Pest Management?

Guesswork method
Ignoring safety
Plant Identification & Pest Management standard (Correct answer)
Skipping maintenance

Correct answer: Plant Identification & Pest Management standard

Question 49: Which fertilizer analysis number represents phosphorus content?

Second number (Correct answer)
First number
Fourth number
Third number

Correct answer: Second number

The N-P-K label lists nitrogen first, phosphorus (as P₂O₅) second, and potassium (as K₂O) third.

Question 50: Mulching around trees provides all of the following benefits EXCEPT:

Moderates soil temperature
Suppresses weeds
Retains soil moisture
Increases soil compaction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Increases soil compaction

Mulch moderates temperature, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds, but it does NOT increase compaction — it actually reduces compaction by protecting soil from foot traffic.

Question 51: A horticulture technician's estimate should include all of the following EXCEPT:

Labor costs
Material costs
Competitor's pricing (Correct answer)
Overhead and profit margin

Correct answer: Competitor's pricing

A professional estimate is built on your own costs (labor, materials, overhead) and desired profit margin — competitor pricing is a market reference, not a line item in your estimate.

Question 52: Apical dominance occurs when the apical bud suppresses the growth of lateral buds. Which hormone is primarily responsible for this effect?

Abscisic acid produced in the roots
Gibberellin released from young leaves
Auxin produced in the apical meristem (Correct answer)
Cytokinin produced in the shoot tip

Correct answer: Auxin produced in the apical meristem

High auxin concentrations from the apical meristem inhibit lateral bud development; removing the apex releases lateral buds from this suppression.

Question 53: Emerald ash borer (EAB) attacks ash trees by:

Feeding on leaves, causing defoliation
Larvae tunneling beneath the bark and destroying the cambium and phloem (Correct answer)
Infecting roots with fungal spores
Girdling branches from the outside

Correct answer: Larvae tunneling beneath the bark and destroying the cambium and phloem

EAB larvae feed on phloem and cambium tissue just beneath the bark in S-shaped galleries, disrupting water and nutrient transport and killing the tree.

Question 54: Girdling roots are a serious concern for trees because they:

Promote excessive root depth
Reduce soil compaction
Wrap around the trunk and restrict water and nutrient flow as the tree grows (Correct answer)
Attract beneficial soil organisms

Correct answer: Wrap around the trunk and restrict water and nutrient flow as the tree grows

Girdling roots encircle the trunk and progressively constrict vascular tissue as both trunk and root grow, eventually causing decline or tree death.

Question 55: A 50-lb bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer contains how many pounds of actual nitrogen?

15 lbs
10 lbs
5 lbs (Correct answer)
1 lb

Correct answer: 5 lbs

10% of 50 lbs = 5 lbs of actual nitrogen in a 50-lb bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer.

Question 56: In the US, which organization publishes water-efficient landscape standards relevant to CHT professionals?

EPA WaterSense (Correct answer)
OSHA
ANSI/ASME
USDA NRCS

Correct answer: EPA WaterSense

EPA WaterSense sets performance standards and certifies water-efficient irrigation products and practices widely referenced by horticulture professionals.

Question 57: The 'branch collar' is important to preserve during pruning because it:

Produces all the tree's stored food
Contains specialized tissue that seals the wound and prevents decay (Correct answer)
Anchors the branch to the root system
Is the site of new bud formation

Correct answer: Contains specialized tissue that seals the wound and prevents decay

The branch collar contains wound-closing tissue (callus) and chemical barriers that compartmentalize decay; cutting flush into it removes these defenses.

Question 58: Stratification is a seed treatment used primarily to:

Sterilize seeds before planting
Coat seeds with fungicide
Speed germination of tropical seeds
Break dormancy of seeds requiring a cold, moist period (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Break dormancy of seeds requiring a cold, moist period

Stratification mimics winter conditions by exposing seeds to cold, moist conditions to break physiological dormancy before germination.

Question 59: When a customer complains about the quality of service, the best first step is to:

Offer an immediate refund without discussion
Listen carefully, acknowledge their concern, and assess the situation before responding (Correct answer)
Refer them to your contract and discontinue service
Explain why they are wrong

Correct answer: Listen carefully, acknowledge their concern, and assess the situation before responding

Effective complaint resolution starts with active listening and acknowledgment, which de-escalates tension and gives you the information needed to offer an appropriate remedy.

Question 60: What is osmosis in the context of plant physiology?

Active transport of sugars into phloem cells
Diffusion of CO2 into leaf cells through stomata
Movement of minerals through xylem against gravity
Passive movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from low to high solute concentration (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Passive movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from low to high solute concentration

Osmosis drives water into root cells and maintains turgor pressure by moving water from areas of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

Question 61: Which practice best demonstrates professionalism when working on a client's property?

Skipping walk-through communication with the client
Using the client's tools without asking
Parking on the lawn to save time
Leaving equipment and materials neatly secured and cleaning up all debris before leaving (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Leaving equipment and materials neatly secured and cleaning up all debris before leaving

Professional site practice includes securing and organizing equipment, cleaning up all clippings and debris, and leaving the property in better condition than found.

Question 62: What is a recommended mowing height for most turfgrasses?

Over 6 inches
1 inch
Under 0.5 inch
2.5 to 3.5 inches (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2.5 to 3.5 inches

A mowing height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches is generally recommended for most turfgrasses because it promotes deeper root growth, which makes the grass more drought-tolerant and resilient. Taller grass blades also shade the soil, reducing weed germination and moisture evaporation. Mowing too short (like 1 inch or less) can stress the turf, making it more susceptible to diseases, pests, and environmental damage.

Question 63: The 'drip line' of a tree refers to:

The path sap takes down the trunk
The outermost edge of the tree canopy projected onto the ground (Correct answer)
Resin or sap dripping from wounds
The irrigation emitter placement zone

Correct answer: The outermost edge of the tree canopy projected onto the ground

The drip line is the circular area on the ground directly below the outermost branch tips of a tree, approximating the extent of the root zone.

Question 64: The Casparian strip, found in root endodermis cells, functions to:

Anchor root hairs to soil particles
Transport sugars from phloem into root tissue
Store starch reserves for the root
Force water and ions to pass through cell membranes rather than between cells, allowing selective uptake (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Force water and ions to pass through cell membranes rather than between cells, allowing selective uptake

The Casparian strip is a band of waxy suberin that blocks apoplastic movement, forcing ions through the symplast where selective transport occurs.

Question 65: Drip emitters are typically rated by their flow rate in:

Gallons per hour (GPH) (Correct answer)
Liters per second (LPS)
Gallons per minute (GPM)
Cubic feet per second (CFS)

Correct answer: Gallons per hour (GPH)

Drip emitters deliver water very slowly and are rated in gallons per hour (GPH), with common rates of 0.5, 1, and 2 GPH.

Question 66: Which tool is used to assess whether a tree's trunk is hollow or has internal decay?

Increment borer
Hygrometer
Soil probe
Resistograph or mallet sounding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Resistograph or mallet sounding

A resistograph measures drilling resistance to detect internal decay, and mallet sounding uses hollow vs. solid audio cues to locate internal cavities.

Question 67: Evapotranspiration (ET) data is used in irrigation scheduling to:

Identify plant diseases
Determine fertilizer rates
Estimate how much water plants use and need to replace (Correct answer)
Calculate soil pH

Correct answer: Estimate how much water plants use and need to replace

ET values quantify water lost through evaporation and plant transpiration, helping irrigators apply exactly the amount needed to maintain soil moisture.

Question 68: Which type of cutting is taken from the current season's new growth before it hardens?

Softwood cutting (Correct answer)
Semi-hardwood cutting
Hardwood cutting
Root cutting

Correct answer: Softwood cutting

Softwood cuttings are taken from succulent, actively growing new shoot tips in spring or early summer before the wood hardens.

Question 69: Which container size is typically designated as a '5-gallon' in the US nursery trade?

Exactly 5 gallons of actual volume
A square 5-quart container
A trade size container holding approximately 3.8 gallons (Correct answer)
A 5-inch-diameter pot

Correct answer: A trade size container holding approximately 3.8 gallons

Nursery trade container sizes are nominal; a '5-gallon' container actually holds approximately 3.5–4 gallons of growing medium, not exactly 5 gallons.

Question 70: Which organelle is the primary site of photosynthesis in plant cells?

Nucleus
Mitochondria
Chloroplast (Correct answer)
Vacuole

Correct answer: Chloroplast

Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and are the organelles where light energy is captured and converted into chemical energy (glucose).

Question 71: Scarification is a seed treatment used primarily for seeds with:

Physiological dormancy requiring cold stratification
Hard, impermeable seed coats that prevent water absorption (Correct answer)
Toxic seed coatings needing washing
Very small size requiring light to germinate

Correct answer: Hard, impermeable seed coats that prevent water absorption

Scarification physically or chemically breaks through hard seed coats (testa) to allow water imbibition and trigger germination in species like black locust and morning glory.

Question 72: What causes 'dry spots' in an otherwise irrigated lawn?

Too much shade
Over-watering adjacent zones
Poor head-to-head coverage or clogged nozzles (Correct answer)
Excess fertilizer application

Correct answer: Poor head-to-head coverage or clogged nozzles

Dry spots in irrigated turf typically result from inadequate head-to-head coverage, clogged nozzles, or misaligned heads creating gaps in the spray pattern.

Question 73: Backflow prevention devices are required in irrigation systems to:

Prevent contaminated water from entering the potable supply (Correct answer)
Reduce clogging in drip lines
Filter sediment from sprinkler heads
Increase water pressure

Correct answer: Prevent contaminated water from entering the potable supply

Backflow preventers stop irrigation water (which may contain fertilizers or pesticides) from flowing back into the public drinking water supply.

Question 74: What is a key concept in Plant Identification & Pest Management?

Skipping maintenance
Ignoring safety
Guesswork method
Plant Identification & Pest Management standard (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Plant Identification & Pest Management standard

Question 75: 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 (Correct answer)
Mycorrhizal fungi in association with plant roots
Denitrifying bacteria that break down nitrates in anaerobic conditions
Nitrifying bacteria like Nitrobacter in the soil

Correct answer: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium in root nodules of legumes

Rhizobium bacteria form symbiotic nodules on legume roots and convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia that the plant can use.

Question 76: What does a green or blue-green soil crust indicate?

Proper drainage
Calcium deficiency
High fertility
Algae or cyanobacterial growth due to excess moisture (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Algae or cyanobacterial growth due to excess moisture

A green or blue-green surface crust typically indicates algae or cyanobacteria thriving in overly wet, compacted, or waterlogged conditions.

Question 77: What is a key concept in Plant Identification & Pest Management?

Plant Identification & Pest Management standard (Correct answer)
Skipping maintenance
Ignoring safety
Guesswork method

Correct answer: Plant Identification & Pest Management standard

Question 78: What is a key concept in Plant Identification & Pest Management?

Skipping maintenance
Guesswork method
Plant Identification & Pest Management standard (Correct answer)
Ignoring safety

Correct answer: Plant Identification & Pest Management standard

Question 79: Upselling in a horticulture service business means:

Increasing prices without notice
Billing for services not performed
Recommending additional relevant services that add value for the client (Correct answer)
Overcharging customers for standard services

Correct answer: Recommending additional relevant services that add value for the client

Ethical upselling involves identifying and recommending additional services (e.g., aeration after mowing) that genuinely benefit the client and increase revenue for the business.

Question 80: What does 'CODIT' stand for in tree pathology?

Complete Organic Decay in Timber
Crown-Originated Decay Isolation Theory
Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees (Correct answer)
Controlled Organic Disease in Timber

Correct answer: Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees

CODIT (Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees) describes the natural defense mechanism trees use to wall off wounded and decaying tissue through chemical and structural barriers.

Question 81: What does 'head-to-head coverage' mean in sprinkler design?

Double-stacking of pop-up heads
Each sprinkler throws water to reach the next head's location (Correct answer)
Two heads pointing at each other
Heads installed back-to-back on a single lateral

Correct answer: Each sprinkler throws water to reach the next head's location

Head-to-head coverage means each sprinkler's throw radius reaches the adjacent head, ensuring overlapping coverage and uniform distribution.

Question 82: Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when spraying pesticides typically includes:

Only safety glasses
A hard hat and steel-toe boots only
Chemically resistant gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and a respirator as label-specified (Correct answer)
Sunscreen and sunglasses

Correct answer: Chemically resistant gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and a respirator as label-specified

Pesticide label PPE requirements are legally mandated; typical requirements include chemical-resistant gloves, protective eyewear, long sleeves, and in some cases, a respirator.

Question 83: Iron chlorosis in plants is most commonly associated with:

High soil pH above 7.0 (Correct answer)
Overwatering in clay soil
Acidic soil with pH below 5
Sandy soil with low CEC

Correct answer: High soil pH above 7.0

At high pH (above 7.0), iron becomes insoluble and unavailable to plants, causing yellowing (chlorosis) of young leaves.

Question 84: The term 'distribution uniformity' (DU) measures:

Soil compaction level
How evenly water is applied across an irrigated area (Correct answer)
Fertilizer spread pattern
Root growth uniformity

Correct answer: How evenly water is applied across an irrigated area

Distribution uniformity (DU) is a percentage that indicates how evenly an irrigation system applies water across the coverage area.

Question 85: A Material Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provides information primarily about:

Plant species and care requirements
Equipment operating manuals
Fertilizer application rates
Chemical hazards, safe handling, and emergency response for a product (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Chemical hazards, safe handling, and emergency response for a product

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS, formerly MSDS) contains hazard identification, exposure limits, PPE requirements, first aid, and spill response procedures for chemical products.

Question 86: What is the primary advantage of drip irrigation over overhead sprinklers?

Requires no filtration
Lower installation cost
Delivers water directly to root zone with less evaporation (Correct answer)
Covers larger areas faster

Correct answer: Delivers water directly to root zone with less evaporation

Drip irrigation delivers water slowly and directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation losses and reducing foliar disease risk.

Question 87: Hardening off transplants involves:

Applying lime to increase pH
Applying fungicide to stems
Pruning roots before planting
Gradually acclimating greenhouse-grown plants to outdoor conditions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Gradually acclimating greenhouse-grown plants to outdoor conditions

Hardening off gradually exposes greenhouse or indoor-grown transplants to outdoor light, temperature, and wind over 7–14 days to prevent transplant shock.

Question 88: The 'right-to-know' law (OSHA Hazard Communication Standard) requires employers to:

Label all equipment with owner information
Report all injuries within 24 hours
Train workers on chemical hazards and provide access to SDS sheets (Correct answer)
Post wages in the workplace

Correct answer: Train workers on chemical hazards and provide access to SDS sheets

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom/GHS) requires employers to train employees on chemical hazards and maintain accessible SDS sheets for all hazardous chemicals.

Question 89: What is a key concept in Equipment Operation & Safety?

Skipping maintenance
Equipment Operation & Safety standard (Correct answer)
Ignoring safety
Guesswork method

Correct answer: Equipment Operation & Safety standard

Question 90: Tree topping is considered poor arboricultural practice primarily because it:

Makes trees grow too slowly
Costs too much to perform
Creates large wounds, stimulates weak water sprouts, and accelerates decline (Correct answer)
Removes too few branches at once

Correct answer: Creates large wounds, stimulates weak water sprouts, and accelerates decline

Topping creates large, exposed wounds prone to decay, triggers vigorous but weakly attached water sprouts, and stresses trees, often leading to structural failure and decline.

Question 91: Phototropism is the directional growth of a plant in response to:

Water availability
Touch or mechanical stimulation
Gravity
Light direction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Light direction

Phototropism causes shoots to bend toward light (positive) and roots to grow away from it (negative), mediated by uneven auxin distribution.

Question 92: Which condition describes a tree that has died while still standing upright?

Snag (Correct answer)
Deadwood
Nurse log
Widow maker

Correct answer: Snag

A snag is a standing dead tree; in arboriculture and urban forestry, snags pose hazard management concerns and are assessed for removal or retention.

Question 93: What is a key concept in Plant Identification & Pest Management?

Guesswork method
Skipping maintenance
Plant Identification & Pest Management standard (Correct answer)
Ignoring safety

Correct answer: Plant Identification & Pest Management standard

Question 94: Which macronutrient is primarily responsible for promoting leafy, vegetative growth?

Nitrogen (N) (Correct answer)
Phosphorus (P)
Calcium (Ca)
Potassium (K)

Correct answer: Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen (N) drives chlorophyll production and cell division, making it the key driver of vegetative, leafy growth.

Question 95: Which irrigation scheduling method uses soil moisture sensors?

ET-based scheduling
Visual inspection scheduling
Soil moisture-based scheduling (Correct answer)
Calendar-based scheduling

Correct answer: Soil moisture-based scheduling

Soil moisture-based scheduling uses sensors (tensiometers, capacitance probes) to trigger irrigation only when soil moisture falls below a set threshold.

Question 96: Workers' Compensation insurance is required for employees in most US states to cover:

Equipment replacement
Vehicle accidents on public roads
Medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job (Correct answer)
Client property damage

Correct answer: Medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job

Workers' Compensation provides medical benefits and wage replacement for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, and is mandatory in nearly all US states.

Question 97: What is a key concept in Plant Identification & Pest Management?

Plant Identification & Pest Management standard (Correct answer)
Skipping maintenance
Guesswork method
Ignoring safety

Correct answer: Plant Identification & Pest Management standard

Question 98: Which of the following is part of sustainable landscape practices?

Synthetic turf everywhere
Frequent pesticide use
Use of native plants and compost (Correct answer)
Daily watering with no schedule

Correct answer: Use of native plants and compost

Sustainable landscape practices focus on minimizing environmental impact and conserving resources. Using native plants is crucial because they are adapted to local conditions, requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Incorporating compost enriches the soil naturally, improving its structure and nutrient content, which reduces the need for synthetic amendments and supports overall ecosystem health.

Question 99: Proper staking of a newly planted tree should:

Allow some trunk movement while stabilizing the root ball only as long as needed (Correct answer)
Be attached at the very top of the tree
Use wire directly against the trunk without padding
Rigidly hold the tree perfectly upright for 3+ years

Correct answer: Allow some trunk movement while stabilizing the root ball only as long as needed

Trees need some trunk movement (wind sway) to develop taper and strength; stakes should stabilize the root ball and be removed within one growing season.

Question 100: What is a key concept in Equipment Operation & Safety?

Skipping maintenance
Equipment Operation & Safety standard (Correct answer)
Ignoring safety
Guesswork method

Correct answer: Equipment Operation & Safety standard

Landscape Industry Certified Horticultural Technician (CHT)

The NALP CHT certification validates horticultural professionals on plant science, plant health care, irrigation management, and business operations across two scored exam sections, each requiring a 70% passing score.

100

Questions

120 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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