Mixed Deck — All Landscape Design Topics Flashcards

Which site analysis factor must be determined before locating any underground irrigation or electrical lines?

Answer: Underground utility locations via 811 (Call Before You Dig)

Calling 811 is legally required before digging in most US states to locate buried utility lines and prevent damage.

What is 'zoning' in a landscape lighting control system?

Answer: Dividing a lighting system into independently controlled circuits or zones to allow different scenes and schedules for different areas

Zoning divides a landscape lighting system into independently controlled circuits, allowing different areas (front entry, patio, garden beds) to be controlled separately with different scenes, schedules, and dimming levels.

What is 'silhouetting' as a landscape lighting technique?

Answer: Placing a light source behind a plant or object to create a dramatic dark silhouette against a lit wall or surface

Silhouetting places a light source behind a plant or object aimed at a wall or surface, creating a striking dark silhouette of the subject against the illuminated background.

What is 'organic matter' in soil and why is it important for landscape planting?

Answer: Decomposed plant and animal material that improves soil structure, fertility, and water retention

Organic matter consists of decomposed biological materials that improve soil structure, increase water and nutrient holding capacity, and feed soil microorganisms essential for plant health.

What does 'markup' versus 'margin' mean in landscape project pricing?

Answer: Markup is the percentage added to cost to determine selling price; margin is the percentage of selling price that is profit — they are calculated differently

Markup is calculated as a percentage of cost (Cost × 1.30 = 30% markup), while margin is the percentage of the selling price that represents profit (Profit ÷ Price = margin %), resulting in different values even for the same job.

What is the purpose of a 'certificate of occupancy' (CO) in relation to large landscape projects?

Answer: A municipal document confirming a construction project meets all code requirements and is safe and legal to occupy or use

A Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the local building authority certifying that a structure or improvement meets all applicable building codes and is safe for its intended use, sometimes required for significant hardscape additions.

What is a culvert used for in landscape drainage?

Answer: A pipe or structure that allows water to flow under a road, path, or other obstruction

A culvert is a conduit that allows a drainage channel or stream to continue flowing beneath a road, pathway, or embankment without interruption.

What is 'voltage drop' in a low-voltage landscape lighting system and how is it addressed?

Answer: The reduction in voltage along a wire run as current travels farther from the transformer, causing lights to dim; addressed by using larger wire gauge or multiple runs

Voltage drop occurs because wire resistance causes voltage to decrease as current travels along longer wire runs, resulting in dimmer fixtures farther from the transformer; corrected by using larger wire gauge or home-run wiring configurations.

What is the standard depth recommended for new planting bed soil preparation in a landscape installation?

Answer: 8–12 inches

Tilling or loosening soil to 8–12 inches allows roots to establish quickly and reduces transplant stress.

Which organic matter amendment is most commonly incorporated into planting beds to improve soil structure?

Answer: Compost

Compost improves soil structure, drainage in clay soils, water retention in sandy soils, and adds organic matter that feeds beneficial soil microorganisms.

Which soil type requires shorter, more frequent irrigation cycles due to its low infiltration rate?

Answer: Clay soil

Clay soil has a very low infiltration rate and is prone to runoff, requiring short, cycled irrigation to allow water to penetrate slowly.

An irrigation system's 'precipitation rate' refers to:

Answer: The rate (inches per hour) at which a sprinkler system applies water

Precipitation rate is the amount of water applied by an irrigation system per unit time (inches per hour), which must be matched to soil infiltration rate to prevent runoff.

What does 'as-built drawings' refer to in a completed landscape project?

Answer: Revised drawings that document the actual final installed conditions, including any field changes made during construction

As-built drawings are updated construction documents recording what was actually installed, including any deviations from original plans, providing an accurate record for future maintenance or expansions.

What is 'dark sky' compliant landscape lighting?

Answer: Outdoor lighting that is fully shielded, directed downward, and uses warm-color LEDs to minimize light pollution and protect nocturnal ecosystems

Dark sky compliant lighting uses fully shielded, downward-directed fixtures with warm-color LEDs (2700K or lower) to minimize sky glow and light trespass, protecting nocturnal wildlife and night visibility.

A USDA Plant Hardiness Zone helps a designer determine what?

Answer: Which plants can survive the local winter temperatures

Hardiness zones indicate the coldest temperatures plants can typically survive in a region.

What is the standard warranty period typically offered for plant material in US residential landscape contracts?

Answer: One growing season or one year after installation

The landscape industry standard is typically a one-year or one-growing-season warranty on plant material, covering replacement if plants die under normal conditions and proper care.

What soil condition does a low pH (below 5.5) most commonly cause in landscape plants?

Answer: Nutrient deficiencies due to reduced availability of key elements

At pH below 5.5, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium become less available, causing nutrient deficiencies even when present in the soil.

What does 'right plant, right place' mean in sustainable landscape design?

Answer: Selecting plants whose natural requirements (sun, soil, water) match existing site conditions, reducing the need for amendments and irrigation

Right plant, right place means selecting plants whose inherent needs for sun, soil type, moisture, and climate match the existing site conditions, minimizing resource inputs after establishment.

What is the purpose of a 'landscape maintenance log' or record book?

Answer: To document all maintenance activities, applications, and observations to guide future care decisions

A maintenance log tracks what was done, when, and with what products, creating a reference that helps diagnose problems and plan treatments.

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

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

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