FNGLA Horticulture Landscape Maintenance Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• How should you place fertilizer under trees or shrubs with large root zones to reach feeder roots?
• The secret to a good rotary mower is its blade. The blade should be:
• Which pruning technique completely removes branches back to the lateral branches, the main trunk or the ground to provide a more open appearance?
• Which statement best describes the function of a wetting agent in soils?
• What problems does over watering cause?
• Which diagnostic tool is commonly used to evaluate sprinkler coverage and precipitation rate?
• Best time to verdicut a lawn?
• What is the optimal soil pH range for most ornamentals in Florida landscapes, and which amendment is used to raise pH if needed?
• In Bahia grass management, what term is used for the process that removes thatch mechanically?
• What is the purpose of a backflow preventer in an irrigation system, and where should it be installed?
• Explain the importance of monitoring leaf color patterns to detect nutrient deficiencies.
• What measurement is used to compute run time in a constant-rate irrigation system?
• Which statement best describes verticutting?
• Verticutting is called power raking in which grass type?
• When diagnosing a plant problem, which step is commonly recommended first?
• Which of the following is a reason that increasing the mowing height can improve the energy efficiency of a lawn?
• How should used pesticide containers be disposed?
• Which of the following best describes signs of overuse of broad-spectrum insecticides on beneficial organisms?
• How can pruning practices influence storm damage risk in trees and shrubs?
• Which practice helps ensure nutrient availability without increasing waste?
• Which statement identifies what determines quality landscape management?
• In Florida, what is a common sign of nutrient imbalance that can be corrected with soil amendments?
• Why would a nitrogen fertilizer program be split into multiple applications?
• When pruning shrubs, what is a healthy practice to promote dense, natural growth?
• Why should mulch be kept away from the trunk of trees and how does mulch depth influence tree health?
• On a typical maintenance schedule, when should you inspect and prune potted annuals and perennials?
• Which soil amendment lowers soil pH, and how does it differ from liming?
• Which scheduling practice reduces soil compaction in high-traffic landscape beds?
• How should irrigation zones be overlapped and tested to ensure even coverage?
• What is the role of Plant Health Care (PHC) in landscape maintenance?
• Which statement is true about verticutting?
• What categories of control are commonly used for scale insects on ornamental shrubs?
• Which of the following is a listed benefit of taller mowing height relating to clipping?
• What is the standard procedure for post-storm landscape cleanup to prevent further damage?
• What is a practical method to verify emitter performance in a drip system?
• Which practice is recommended for keeping rotary mower blades sharp and balanced?
• What is the purpose of monitoring thresholds when managing chinch bugs on St. Augustinegrass?
• Which of the following is one of the 9 Principles of FYN?
• What is the significance of using a soil test before fertilization in landscape maintenance?
• How can you identify root-knot nematodes in landscape plant roots?
• What does the 'Right plant and right place' principle emphasize?
• For grub management, what is a common threshold-based approach?
• What mulch depth is generally recommended for landscape beds and around trees, and how far should mulch extend from the trunk?
• What is a key practice to protect electrical connections for outdoor lighting?
• Which of the following is one of the first steps in developing a turfgrass fertilization management program?
• Which statement best supports efficient irrigation planning in Florida soils?
• Clippings should be removed after mowing.
• Maintenance should be a prime consideration during planning phase as well as after installation.
• What is a characteristic of high-nitrogen fertilizers?
• How does one compute plant-available water and plan irrigation accordingly in Florida soils?
• Which of the following is not a benefit of mulching in landscape beds?
• How should you manage pest resistance to pesticides?
• DU stands for which term in irrigation management?
• How often should irrigation lines be flushed to prevent salt or mineral buildup?
• Which statement best summarizes the core principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and its application in landscape maintenance?
• What is the recommended root flare position when transplanting trees and shrubs?
• Which combination helps reduce thatch development?
• Which cultural practices help reduce powdery mildew on ornamentals in Florida's humidity?
• Which of the following best describes the recommended sequence when diagnosing a diseased landscape plant?
• During the hottest months in Florida, which irrigation scheduling approach is recommended?
• What is a common plant response after removing branches?
• What are the two types of mowers mentioned, and which one can be used on Bermuda and Zoysia grass for a finished precision cut?
• In a fertilizer labeled 10-6-6, what does the middle 6 represent?
• In implementing a water budget approach for a mixed landscape, which steps should you take?
• Which protection is essential for outdoor lighting circuits to reduce shock risk?
• What irrigation-related issue can arise when using high-salinity reclaimed water, and how can it be mitigated?
• Which feature on an irrigation controller helps prevent watering during rain or freeze conditions?
• Why is it important to routinely calibrate sprinkler heads and nozzles?
• Right plant and right place is one of the nine principles of the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program.
• How to maintain greener color in winter?
• What is the recommended mulch depth for landscape beds?
• Power raking is the term used for mechanical thatch removal in which grass type?
• What is a recommended planting depth guideline for trees and shrubs during transplanting?
• Which practice helps reduce nutrient loss to waterways?
• How should scale insects on ornamental shrubs be managed?
• Which of the following is NOT listed as a pruning benefit?
• If branches are removed, what happens to the tree?
• Which statement about verticutting is true?
• Which practice best minimizes environmental impact when fertilizing landscapes?
• Which statement describes verticutting?
• Which statement best captures a practical guideline for pruning shrubs to maintain natural form and health?
• A fertilizer labeled 10-6-6 indicates what composition by weight?
• What mulch practice helps prevent trunk rot and rodent problems around trees?
• Which factor is essential when estimating plant-available water in Florida soils for irrigation planning?
• Which approach is effective for weed control in established beds with minimal herbicide use?
• Which warm-season turfgrass in Florida typically requires the highest mowing height, and what is that range?
• Which statement accurately describes the influence of soil texture on nutrient movement?
• How should you lift a heavy object to avoid back injury during landscape work?
• How can you prevent toxic runoff from landscape activities entering water bodies?
• In irrigation scheduling based on evapotranspiration, what does ET primarily guide?
• Which soil condition commonly triggers iron deficiency symptoms in Florida landscapes?
• What are common visual signs of drought stress in landscape plants, and what immediate action should be taken?
• What is the best rule on when you should mow grass?
• In humid climates, which cultural practice helps reduce powdery mildew on ornamentals?
• In pruning terminology, what does a thinning cut do?
• What PPE and safety practices are essential when performing pruning?
• What should you do if a gas-powered tool begins to smoke or malfunction?
• Installing an efficient irrigation system during planning primarily contributes to which outcome?
• After verticutting is done?
• What steps should you take to prevent erosion on slopes during irrigation or heavy rainfall?
• Power raking is the term used for mechanical thatch removal in which grass?
• A 10' Ring of Responsibility should be extended when using which method of fertilizing?
• Which practice helps prevent irrigation water waste on impervious surfaces?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the five factors used to tie fertilizer timing?
• Which mower type is associated with a finished precision cut on Bermuda and Zoysia grass?
• Optimum cutting height is determined by which characteristics of the turfgrass species?
• Which statement best explains the rationale for splitting fertilizer applications rather than applying all at once?
• When pruning flowering shrubs that bloom on last year’s wood, when should pruning occur to preserve next year’s buds?
• Why is soil pH important for nutrient availability?
• Phosphorus deficiency symptoms are often more noticeable in what soil condition?
• When and why is core aeration performed on warm-season lawns?
• Which statement best describes why equipment calibration is important before applying fertilizers and pesticides?
• What is the recommended approach to staking young trees, and when should staking be removed?
• Which statement best describes pruning to promote natural growth?
• What does evapotranspiration (ET) describe in irrigation management?
• How would you manage a perennial bed invaded by annual weeds while protecting desirable perennials?
• What is the branch collar?
• What impact do significant deviations from the pH range have on nutrient availability for ornamentals?
• What is a potential drawback of using landscape fabric under mulch?
• What is verticutting?
• What is a key cultural practice that helps suppress powdery mildew on ornamentals?
• Which of the following is not typically part of PPE when applying pesticides?
• In IPM, when selecting pest controls, what should be considered if available?
• Which sign is a clear indicator of overwatering in container plants?
• Shoot pruning for root loss at transplanting is NOT recommended.
• Which approach best guides irrigation depth and frequency in varying Florida soils?
• Which statement best describes a complete fertilizer?
• Differentiate thinning cuts from heading cuts in pruning and give an example of each.
• Which of the following is a listed benefit of taller mowing height?
• What is the recommended action when oversized root growth is observed on a transplanted plant?
• BMPs aim to reduce non-point source pollution and promote what?
• What is the purpose of a backflow preventer in an irrigation system?
• Which pruning practice best promotes bloom and vigor for a butterfly bush that flowers on current season growth?
• What are the goals of Best Management Practices (BMPs)?
• When transplanting, what depth should you aim for to promote healthy root establishment?
• Unbalanced blades will cause vibration and excessive engine wear.
• What does distribution uniformity (DU) indicate in an irrigation system, and what DU value is typically desirable?
• Overall, pruning is a dwarfing process, even though it stimulates growth near cuts. Which statement is correct?
• What is a practical, systematic approach to diagnosing plant problems in the landscape?
• Which planting method improves root establishment for container-grown material transplanted into the landscape?
• To what does thatch contribute?
• How can edging be done?
• Which IPM approach is appropriate for managing chinch bugs on St. Augustinegrass?
• What happens if we prune in winter?
• What are some of the reasons that led to the development of Green Industries Best Management Practices (BMPs)?
• What is a common sign of phosphorus deficiency in leaves?
• BMPs help reduce non-point source pollution and promote which outcome?
• How can clumping of turf be addressed?
• What action should you take when oversized root growth is observed on a transplanted plant?
• What is the Ring of Responsibility?
• After verticutting, how should the lawn be cleaned?
• What seasonal adjustment should be made to irrigation schedules in Florida during cooler months?
• How should the tree root zone and irrigation be managed around mature trees to maintain health?
• How would you determine irrigation run time using a simple constant-rate system?
• Which pest causes defoliation and silk/webbing on landscape trees, signaling a common Florida issue?
• What soil pH range favors availability of most essential nutrients for ornamentals in Florida soils?
• Which statement best describes verticutting?
• Verticutting primarily serves to
• How can you distinguish drought stress from nutrient deficiency in landscape plants?
• Researchers have found that clipping clippings do not contribute to thatch.
• Which grass type is associated with power raking as the term for mechanical thatch removal?
• What is the difference between preventative and curative pest control in IPM?
• What is a reasonable response to a tree with weak structure or girdling roots during planting?
• Which action describes a thinning cut when pruning shrubs?
• Why is monthly soil moisture monitoring valuable for irrigation management?
• What pruning technique is used to selectively cut terminal ends of twigs or branches back to any auxiliary bud or node to produce a denser plant?
• Why is proper equipment calibration essential before applying fertilizers and pesticides?
• Which telltale sign on landscape trees or shrubs indicates scale insect infestation?
• What should mowing practice require?
• Adapted plants are selected to match site conditions such as
• What is a typical maintenance nitrogen rate for warm-season turfgrass in Florida, expressed as pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year?
• How should fertilizers and pesticides be stored on a landscape crew vehicle?
• To minimize nitrogen volatilization when applying granular fertilizer, which practice is recommended?
• Which statement best summarizes determinant factors of quality landscape management?
• Which landscape feature most strongly affects irrigation water needs in Florida landscapes?
• Which statement best describes pruning spent flower clusters on a butterfly bush?
• What safety actions should you take before operating a gasoline-powered mower?
• When calibrating a fertilizer spreader, what is the purpose of performing a test pass?
• What is the purpose of lockout/tagout procedures around equipment during maintenance?
• When sharpening rotary blades, which condition should be avoided because it dulls the edge quickly?
• When pruning hydrangeas in Florida, what is the recommended schedule to maintain bloom and plant health?
• When removing large branches from a tree, where should the last pruning cut be made?
• Which of the following is an example of good maintenance during planning?
• What steps should be taken to maintain safe, efficient landscape lighting circuits outdoors?
• Why should mulch be kept away from the base of tree stems?
• Why are rain sensors or ET-based irrigation controllers important in Florida landscape maintenance?
• Name two common lawn pests and basic management strategies.
• When maintaining potted annuals and perennials, what frequency of inspection and pruning is typical?
• What routine maintenance should you perform on irrigation controllers to ensure proper scheduling?
• What is a sign of root rot in potted plants?
• Location in state affects fertilizer timing due to climate differences.
• Name two pre-emergent herbicides commonly used in ornamental beds and the principle behind their use.
• On ornamentals, which steps are recommended when powdery mildew is observed?
• Which of the following is NOT a benefit of mulching?
• Which feature helps mowing and restrict grass encroachment between lawn and ornamental plantings?
• If a Florida lawn shows iron deficiency symptoms, which corrective action is appropriate?
• What is a typical fertilizer schedule for warm-season turf in Florida?
• What is a common symptom of a misaligned sprinkler head?
• Which option correctly names the term for use of mechanical thatch removal in Bahia grass?
• Which landscape practice helps prevent erosion on slopes during heavy rainfall?
• Overwinter color through overseeding grasses?
• In IPM, which category of controls is prioritized before chemical controls?
• What two metrics does a catch-can test assess in irrigation performance?
• What is the recommended mowing height range for Centipedegrass in southern Florida?
• How can a blade balance be checked?
• Name three common signs of soil compaction affecting plant health.
• To achieve a targeted nitrogen rate on a 1,000-square-foot area, which steps should you follow when applying fertilizer?
• Which practice is most appropriate for reducing collateral damage when targeting annual weeds in a bed with perennials?
• What should you do before applying any pesticide according to safety guidelines?
• When is the best time to prune formal hedges?
• What is a key guideline for mulch around trees to prevent moisture-related disease?
• What is a primary reason landscape management is important?
• How would you prevent soil compaction in a high-traffic landscape bed?
• Which practice helps reduce thatch development?
• When does turf require more water and fertilizer: during establishment or once mature?
• Which description best matches verticutting?
• Should fertilizer be applied during dormant or non-growing seasons?
• During planning, which plant characteristic is preferred?
• What is the primary purpose of performing a soil test before fertilization?
• After transplanting you should only prune for what purposes?
• Which leaf symptom commonly indicates a micronutrient deficiency such as iron deficiency?
• How do you sharpen rotary blades?
• What is the main purpose of using outdoor-rated fixtures and wiring?
• What is the first step in diagnosing a plant with declining vigor in a landscape bed?
• The timing of fertilizer is tied to which five factors?
• Pruning effect relates to root/shoot balance?
• What is the primary purpose of thinning as a pruning technique?
• What distinguishes complete fertilizers from high-nitrogen products?
• What is the role of a wetting agent in irrigation management?
• What is verticutting?
• How can thatch development be reduced?
• What method can be used to test irrigation coverage besides visual inspection?
• Which documentation should be available when storing pesticides on a landscape crew vehicle?
• How can nutrient deficiency symptoms be diagnosed and corrected in landscape plants?
• What is the risk of applying mulch too close to trunk bases?
• Which pruning practice helps shrubs maintain natural form and vigor?
• Which statement best describes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in landscape maintenance?
• What are two important steps to ensure mower safety during maintenance?
• When girdling roots are present during planting, what is the recommended management?
• What is one environmental benefit of clipping lawn clippings?
• What is verticutting primarily used for?
• How do quality landscapes develop?
• If structural concerns persist after pruning, what is the recommended action?
• Which environmental factor most commonly limits turfgrass in Florida lawns?
• How should structural pruning differ from cosmetic pruning for young trees?
• How does proper pruning promote plant health in shrubs and trees?
• In Florida landscapes, which fertilizer practice best reduces salt injury and runoff?
• How can you identify a clogged irrigation emitter in a drip system?
• What is the primary function of an ET-based irrigation controller?
• Fertilizing in dormant or non-growing seasons is not to be avoided.
• Which is a benefit of mulching in landscape beds?
• Which statement about verticutting is true?