Landscape Design Landscape Maintenance and Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is integrated pest management (IPM) in landscape maintenance?
- A systematic approach using multiple strategies to control pests with minimal pesticide use (Correct answer)
- Applying pesticides on a fixed schedule regardless of pest presence
- Using only organic pesticides in the landscape
- Eliminating all pests through intensive spraying
Correct answer: A systematic approach using multiple strategies to control pests with minimal pesticide use
IPM combines biological controls, cultural practices, mechanical methods, and targeted pesticide use to manage pests effectively while minimizing environmental and health impacts.
Question 2: What is the recommended mulch depth for most landscape planting beds?
- 2 to 4 inches (Correct answer)
- 6 to 8 inches
- Less than 1 inch
- 10 inches or more
Correct answer: 2 to 4 inches
A 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch suppresses weeds, retains moisture, moderates soil temperature, and adds organic matter without suffocating roots.
Question 3: What is volcano mulching and why is it harmful to trees?
- Piling mulch against the trunk in a cone shape, causing rot and pest damage (Correct answer)
- Applying mulch too thinly to be effective
- Mulching on a steep slope that erodes
- Using hot composted mulch that burns roots
Correct answer: Piling mulch against the trunk in a cone shape, causing rot and pest damage
Volcano mulching piles mulch against the tree trunk, keeping bark constantly moist which leads to rot, fungal disease, pest infestation, and girdling roots.
Question 4: What is the best time to apply pre-emergent herbicide for crabgrass control in US lawns?
- Early spring before soil temperature reaches 55 degrees F (Correct answer)
- Late fall after first frost
- Midsummer during peak growth
- After crabgrass has germinated
Correct answer: Early spring before soil temperature reaches 55 degrees F
Pre-emergent herbicides must be applied before crabgrass seeds germinate, which occurs when soil temperature reaches 55 degrees F at a 2-inch depth in spring.
Question 5: Which fertilization timing is generally recommended for cool-season turfgrasses like fescue in the US?
- Fall (September through November) as the primary application (Correct answer)
- Midsummer (July through August)
- Early spring only
- Year-round monthly applications
Correct answer: Fall (September through November) as the primary application
Cool-season grasses grow most actively in fall, making it the optimal time for fertilization to build root reserves without pushing vulnerable top growth during summer heat.
Question 6: What is thatch in a lawn and when does it become problematic?
- Layer of dead organic matter between soil and grass blades; problematic above half an inch (Correct answer)
- Weed layer that competes with turfgrass
- Dead grass from drought stress
- Soil crust formed after heavy rain
Correct answer: Layer of dead organic matter between soil and grass blades; problematic above half an inch
Thatch is a layer of dead stems, roots, and organic debris between the soil surface and living grass; layers exceeding one-half inch impede water, air, and nutrient penetration.
Landscape Design Landscape Maintenance and Management 1
What is integrated pest management (IPM) in landscape maintenance?