LARE LARE Section 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client requests a sustainable landscape design that minimizes irrigation needs. Which planting design strategy BEST achieves this goal in a temperate climate?
- Install an automatic drip irrigation system throughout
- Use only native and regionally-adapted drought-tolerant species (Correct answer)
- Apply thick mulch layers only without plant selection changes
- Use high-water-demand plants grouped near the irrigation source
Correct answer: Use only native and regionally-adapted drought-tolerant species
Selecting native and drought-tolerant species adapted to local rainfall patterns is the most effective long-term strategy for reducing supplemental irrigation requirements.
Question 2: Under LARE scoring, what is a 'vignette' problem in the graphic sections?
- A short written response question
- A scaled drawing task completed within a test software environment (Correct answer)
- A multiple-choice exhibit question with site photos
- A calculation problem using provided data tables
Correct answer: A scaled drawing task completed within a test software environment
Vignettes are graphic design tasks where candidates use computerized drawing tools to complete a scaled site design within the LARE testing software.
Question 3: A landscape architect discovers during construction administration that a contractor has installed paving at a slope of 0.3%, which is less than specified. What is the MOST appropriate initial action?
- Issue a Change Order to accept the work as-is
- Notify the owner and issue a formal Nonconformance Report (Correct answer)
- Direct the contractor verbally to correct the slope
- Approve the work since the difference is minor
Correct answer: Notify the owner and issue a formal Nonconformance Report
The landscape architect should formally document noncompliant work with a written Nonconformance Report and notify the owner before any corrective action is decided.
Question 4: Which of the following describes the primary function of a bioretention cell (rain garden) in a low-impact development (LID) stormwater system?
- Convey runoff rapidly off-site through underground pipes
- Temporarily store, infiltrate, and filter stormwater through engineered soil media (Correct answer)
- Provide recreational amenity while storing large flood volumes
- Treat sewage and stormwater in a combined system
Correct answer: Temporarily store, infiltrate, and filter stormwater through engineered soil media
Bioretention cells capture stormwater runoff and treat it through a combination of detention, infiltration, evapotranspiration, and filtration through engineered soil and plant systems.
Question 5: A landscape architect must locate underground utilities before excavation on a project. What is the FIRST step in this process?
- Review the as-built drawings provided by the owner
- Contact 811 (Call Before You Dig) to request utility marking (Correct answer)
- Hire a private utility locator service
- Perform ground-penetrating radar survey
Correct answer: Contact 811 (Call Before You Dig) to request utility marking
Calling 811 (the national 'Call Before You Dig' number) is the legally required first step to request that utility companies mark their underground infrastructure before excavation.
Question 6: In landscape architecture practice, what is the purpose of a 'mockup' during the construction phase?
- A preliminary cost estimate for owner approval
- A full-size sample of materials or construction methods for review and approval before full installation (Correct answer)
- A scaled model of the project for client presentations
- A shop drawing submitted by the contractor for design review
Correct answer: A full-size sample of materials or construction methods for review and approval before full installation
A mockup is a full-scale physical sample of construction work installed on-site so the designer, owner, and contractor can evaluate quality, appearance, and technique before proceeding.
Question 7: Which slope is considered the maximum practical limit for mowed lawn areas in landscape design?
- 10%
- 25% (Correct answer)
- 33%
- 50%
Correct answer: 25%
Slopes up to 25% (approximately 14 degrees or 1:4 ratio) are generally considered the maximum for mowed lawn areas to maintain safe and effective mowing operations.
LARE LARE Section 4
A client requests a sustainable landscape design that minimizes irrigation needs.
Which planting design strategy BEST achieves this goal in a temperate climate?