LARE LARE Plants and Planting Design 3

Question 1

Which layer of a woodland planting design is referred to as the 'understory'?

Accepted Answer

Small trees and large shrubs growing beneath the forest canopy

Answer

The understory consists of small trees and large shrubs that grow beneath the main forest canopy, thriving in partial shade conditions.

Question 2

What is a 'planting strip' (also called a 'parkway') in urban streetscape design?

Accepted Answer

The zone of landscaping between the sidewalk and the curb

Answer

A planting strip or parkway is the landscaped buffer zone between the sidewalk and the street curb, typically used for street trees and ground cover.

Question 3

When specifying plants for a LEED-certified project, which category of plant material is typically prioritized to earn regional materials credits?

Accepted Answer

Native and regionally adapted plants sourced within 500 miles

Answer

LEED credits for regional materials favor plants sourced from within 500 miles of the project, which also tends to support native ecotypes and local nursery industries.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a 'tree protection zone' (TPZ) established on construction documents?

Accepted Answer

To define the area around existing trees where disturbance is prohibited to protect roots

Answer

A tree protection zone establishes a no-disturbance buffer around the root zone of existing trees to prevent compaction, root cutting, and grade changes during construction.

Question 5

Which soil condition is MOST detrimental to newly installed landscape plants during the establishment period?

Accepted Answer

Compacted subsoil with poor drainage causing anaerobic conditions

Answer

Compacted soils with poor drainage create anaerobic (oxygen-deprived) conditions that suffocate roots and promote root rot, which is the leading cause of plant establishment failure.

LARE Test Practice Test

LARE Test Practice Test

LARE LARE Plants and Planting Design 3