Landscape Design Grading and Drainage 3

Question 1

What is a berm in landscape design?

Accepted Answer

A mound of soil built up above the surrounding grade

Answer

A low stone or brick retaining wall along a garden border

Answer

A shallow depression used to capture and hold rainwater

Answer

A drainage channel constructed along a property boundary

Question 2

What is the minimum recommended slope for surface drainage in planted landscape areas?

Accepted Answer

1%

Answer

0.5%

Answer

3%

Answer

5%

Question 3

What is a culvert used for in landscape drainage?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

An underground storage vault for overwintering tender bulbs

Answer

A sediment filter installed at the inlet of a stormwater system

Answer

A pressurized pipe that distributes water to drip irrigation emitters

Question 4

What is a 'spot elevation' on a grading plan?

Accepted Answer

A specific point on the plan showing the exact finished elevation at that location

Answer

An intentional high point created to redirect drainage flow

Answer

The highest elevation recorded on the entire project site

Answer

A marker indicating where soil borings or samples were collected

Question 5

What is a bioswale?

Accepted Answer

A vegetated channel that slows, filters, and infiltrates stormwater using plants and engineered soils

Answer

A decorative water feature designed to mimic a natural stream channel

Answer

A type of vegetated retaining wall used on steep slopes

Answer

An underground cistern for collecting and storing rainwater for reuse

Question 6

Which information is typically shown on a grading plan?

Accepted Answer

Existing and proposed contour lines, spot elevations, drainage flow arrows, and slopes

Answer

Plant species lists, soil amendments, and irrigation head locations

Answer

Property boundaries, setback requirements, and zoning classifications only

Answer

Underground utility locations and geotechnical soil test results

Question 7

What is the purpose of an area drain installed in a landscape?

Accepted Answer

To collect pooling water from low points and direct it into an underground drainage system

Answer

To measure the total square footage of a contributing drainage basin

Answer

To distribute irrigation water evenly across a large planted area

Answer

To separate lawn areas from planting beds to manage competing drainage patterns