CLARB CLARB Planting Design and Horticulture Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map in landscape architectural practice?

Accepted Answer

To determine which plants will survive winter temperatures in a given region

Answer

To identify soil pH requirements for specific plants

Answer

To measure annual rainfall patterns

Answer

To categorize plants by growth rate

Question 2

Which plant growth habit describes a plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season?

Accepted Answer

Annual

Answer

Perennial

Answer

Biennial

Answer

Deciduous

Question 3

In planting design, what does the term 'caliper' refer to when specifying nursery trees?

Accepted Answer

The diameter of the trunk measured at a standard height

Answer

The height of the tree from ground to crown tip

Answer

The spread of the tree canopy at maturity

Answer

The diameter of the root ball

Question 4

Which soil amendment is most effective at improving drainage in heavy clay soils for landscape planting?

Accepted Answer

Coarse sand or perlite in large quantities

Answer

Agricultural lime

Answer

Peat moss alone

Answer

Fine compost alone

Question 5

What is the recommended minimum planting distance from building foundations for large shade trees to prevent root damage?

Accepted Answer

20 feet or more

Answer

5 feet

Answer

10 feet

Answer

15 feet

Question 6

What is the primary function of mycorrhizal fungi in landscape plant establishment?

Accepted Answer

Extending root surface area to improve nutrient and water uptake

Answer

Protection of roots against insect pests

Answer

Nitrogen fixation in the rhizosphere

Answer

Decomposition of surface organic matter