Landscape Design Landscape Maintenance 2

Question 1

What is 'integrated pest management' (IPM) in landscape maintenance?

Accepted Answer

A systematic approach combining cultural, biological, and chemical controls to minimize pest damage with least environmental impact

Answer

IPM prioritizes prevention and least-toxic methods, reserving chemical controls as a last resort when thresholds are exceeded.

Question 2

What does 'topping' a tree refer to, and why is it considered poor arboricultural practice?

Accepted Answer

Indiscriminate cutting of main branches, which causes decay, weak regrowth, and structural failure

Answer

Topping creates large wounds that trees cannot properly close, leading to decay, pest infestation, and hazardous weak growth.

Question 3

Which weed control method is considered most effective for suppressing annual weeds in landscape beds?

Accepted Answer

Pre-emergent herbicide application before weed seeds germinate, combined with mulch

Answer

Pre-emergent herbicides prevent annual weed seeds from germinating when applied at the correct time before germination.

Question 4

What is the purpose of 'winterizing' an irrigation system in freeze-prone US climates?

Accepted Answer

To blow out all water from the system with compressed air to prevent pipe and component freeze damage

Answer

Blowout purges all water from pipes, heads, and valves so freezing temperatures cannot expand the water and crack components.

Question 5

What is 'fertilizer burn' and what causes it?

Accepted Answer

Damage to plant tissue caused by applying too much fertilizer, which draws water out of roots through osmosis

Answer

Excess fertilizer salts increase soil osmotic concentration, pulling water out of plant roots and causing wilting and tissue death.

Landscape Design Practice Test