CLA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the recommended minimum thickness for a concrete pedestrian walkway slab in a residential landscape setting? → 4 inches
2. How can landscape architects address climate change through design? → By incorporating green spaces, water-saving systems, and promoting biodiversity
3. Why should landscape architects incorporate water-efficient practices? → To conserve water and reduce environmental impact
4. What is a 'bid bond' required from contractors during the competitive bidding process? → A financial guarantee that the low bidder will enter into the contract at their bid price
5. What does 'compressive strength' measured in PSI indicate for a hardscape material like concrete? → The force per unit area the material can withstand under compression before failure
6. Why is considering the climate important in landscape design? → To ensure that designs are resilient and appropriate for the climate
7. What is 'efflorescence' in masonry and concrete hardscape materials? → White salt deposits that leach to the surface as water migrates through the material
8. Which of the following grass species is a cool-season turf commonly seeded in the upper Midwest and Northeast US? → Kentucky bluegrass
9. Why is environmental analysis important in site planning? → To identify constraints and design sustainably
10. Which type of retaining wall system uses interlocking concrete blocks with no mortar and relies on mass and batter for stability? → Segmental retaining wall (SRW)
11. What does 'ET' stand for in irrigation scheduling, and why is it important? → Evapotranspiration — the combined water loss from soil evaporation and plant transpiration
12. What is the botanical name for Eastern Redbud, a commonly specified native flowering tree in the eastern US? → Cercis canadensis
13. What does the term 'B&B' mean when specifying trees on a planting plan? → Balled and burlapped
14. What is 'chlorosis' in landscape plants, and what is a common cause in alkaline soils? → Yellowing of leaves due to iron or manganese deficiency
15. A retention pond holds stormwater permanently, while a detention pond: → Temporarily stores water and releases it slowly
16. What is a 'hydrozone' in landscape irrigation planning? → A grouping of plants with similar water requirements served by a dedicated irrigation zone
17. What is the significance of accessibility in landscape design? → To ensure all people can access and enjoy the space safely
18. Which method is used to calculate the volume of cut and fill earthwork on a grading project? → Prismoidal formula or average end area
19. Why is form important in landscape design? → It creates structure and visual interest
20. What grading technique uses a series of flat terraces separated by steep risers to manage slopes on hillsides? → Bench grading
21. Which bioretention feature is designed to temporarily pond water and allow it to infiltrate through a soil media layer? → Rain garden
22. Which pruning method removes an entire branch back to the parent stem or trunk to reduce size and maintain natural form? → Thinning cut
23. What is the function of mycorrhizal fungi in relation to landscape plants? → They form symbiotic root associations that improve water and nutrient uptake
24. Which pavement material is characterized by being flexible, recyclable, and requiring periodic resealing to maintain performance in parking areas? → Hot mix asphalt (HMA)
25. What is the function of a 'weep hole' or drainage aggregate in a retaining wall? → Relieve hydrostatic pressure by allowing water to drain through or around the wall
26. A CLA specifies Taxus × media 'Hicksii' for a hedge. What primary site condition must be avoided? → Poorly drained or waterlogged soil
27. What is the significance of plant selection in landscape design? → To enhance visual appeal, sustainability, and ecological benefits
28. Which plant characteristic is described as 'stoloniferous'? → Spreads by horizontal above- or below-ground runners
29. A CLA is preparing a fee proposal for a project. Which method ties the LA's fee directly to the construction cost? → Percentage of construction cost
30. How can landscape architects reduce energy consumption in their designs? → By incorporating shading, windbreaks, and energy-efficient technologies