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Louisiana Landscape Horticulture Contractor Chapters Questions with
correct answers New 202 5/2026 Update
List key identifying characteristics of insects - ANSWER-Six legs attached to thorax. Head, thorax, abdomen. One pair of antennae. One or two pairs of wings. What are an insects three body regions? - ANSWER-Head, thorax, abdomen What are the three different types of insect mouthparts? - ANSWER-Chewing (with strong mandibles), sucking (like a butterfly proboscis), piercing-sucking (like aphids) What does metamorphosis mean? What are the two types of insect metamorphosis? - ANSWER- Metamorphosis is the changes through which an insect passes from the young form into an adult. Gradual (simple) metamorphosis is characterized by young which closely resemble the adult. Egg > nymph > adult. The young pass through phases (instars, "first instar," "second instar"). The time interval between two instars in a stadium. Complete metamorphosis is characterized by four completely different life stages. Egg > larva > pupa > adult. The larva look nothing like the adult and are usually wormlike. The pupa phase does not feed and is usually inactive. They often pass the winter in this phase. Define pupa - ANSWER-The transformation stage between larva and adult of the more advanced insects What are the two types of plant diseases? - ANSWER-Non-pathogenic (nutrient deficiencies, bad environmental conditions) and pathogenic (fungus, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, etc) What are some environmental factors that contribute to plant diseases? - ANSWER-Environmental factors cause many non-pathogenic diseases, such as too wet or dry soil, too high or low temperature, air or chemical pollution. Environmental factors also aid the development of pathogenic diseases (e.g.a warm winter allows pests to maintain a large population, fungus grows in moist conditions)
What three factors are required for a pathogenic disease? - ANSWER-(1) A susceptible host (2) a parasitic organism (3) environmental conditions favorable to the development of the organism Are any fungi beneficial? - ANSWER-YES!! Love me some soil fungus Describe the reproductive process of fungi - ANSWER-(1) Mycelial Fragments -- a piece of a fungus "root" gets moved and a fungus grows out of it kind of like a rhizome. Asexual. (2) Spores -- Fertilized single cell or multi-cell microscopic pieces that are usually transported by wind or water. Sexual. (3)Sclerotia -- A hardened piece of mycelial ("root") that will germinate when conditions are correct years later. What are some ways in which a fungus enters a plant? - ANSWER-(1) Direct penetration -- A spore uses an enzyme or pressure to break through the plant's protective barrier (2) Stomata penetration -- Fungi enter through open or closed plant stomates (where they transpire) (3) Wound penetration -- Pruning wounds, cuts to the plant, etc How do bacteria differ from fungi? - ANSWER-Fungi are multi-celled organisms that reproduce sexually and asexually. Bacteria are one celled organisms. They reproduce by simple cell division (asexual), and cannot reproduce sexually. What are nematodes, and how can they cause plant disease? - ANSWER-They are (microscopic) eel-like soil borne animals. They either burrow into the roots
Registration and establishment numbers Directions for Use Directions for storage and disposal Misuse Statement Signal words and symbols Practical treatment What type of minimum body protection should be used each time pesticides are applied? - ANSWER- Long sleeves, pants (tightly woven fabric), boots What is the best source of information on using pesticides - ANSWER-The LABEL!!! Describe the differences between the words DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION on pesticide labels? - ANSWER-Danger -- Highly toxic. A teaspoonful could kill an average adult if swallowed. Warning -- Moderately toxic. A teaspoonful to a tablespoonful could kill an average adult if swallowed. Caution -- Slightly toxic. An ounce to a pint or more could kill an average adult if swallowed. What basic steps can be followed to manage pest populations? - ANSWER-Prevention Early detection Correct identification Proper selection of control materials Correct water pH Correct application methods List three things that one can do to reduce pest populations without spraying - ANSWER-Good site selection Early removal of weeds High quality seeds and transplants
Resistant cultivars Early planting What are some ways to control insects mechanically? - ANSWER-Physical barriers Sticky coatings Black light traps What is meant by companion planting? Give an example - ANSWER-Using one type of plant to protect or enhance the growth of another. Planting marigolds with roses to protect from aphids. What are three biological insecticides? - ANSWER-Bt (bacillus thuringiensis, a bacteria that hurts caterpillars if eaten) Pyrethrum (derived from Chrysanthemum flowers) Neem oil (plant extract) What are some beneficial insects? - ANSWER-lady beetles, praying mantis, green lacewigs, assassin bugs What are some ways weeds are classified? - ANSWER-Monocots (grasses and sedges) vs dicots (broadleaf) Growth season Annual vs biennial vs perennial Reproduction method Why is it important to identify weeds before attempting to control them? - ANSWER-Because different chemicals control different types of weeds How can weeds be controlled by crop rotation? - ANSWER-Some crops offer more competition to certain weeds than others do (e.g. tall growing plants) What is the difference between a preemergent and a postemergent herbicide? - ANSWER-Preemergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating
Soil test indicates needing nutrients List six ways trees are fertilized - ANSWER-1. Surface / broadcast method
- Slow release
- Soil incorporation (drill hole)
- Soluble or suspended fertilizer soil injection (8"-12" deep soluble injection)
- Foliar sprays
- Trunk injections and implants Briefly describe thinning cuts vs. heading cuts. Which is most useful in pruning trees? - ANSWER- Thinning cut--Removes a branch at point of attachment. It opens up a tree and helps retain the natural state. It is the preferred method Heading cut -- cutting back a non-terminal branch. This is not preferred because new shoots will jump out from where it was cut and little effect will happen $$$ - ANSWER-Three-cut method of removing a branch. Label the location of the branch collar and bark ridge What is meant by crown raising? - ANSWER-Removing the lower branches of a tree in order to provide overhead clearance What are climbing spurs? When is it appropriate to use them? - ANSWER-Climbing spurs are spikes that aid in climbing a tree. It is appropriate to use them when removing a tree, reaching an injured climber, or if two branches are more than throw-line distance away from each other What are some important functions of ground covers? - ANSWER-Erosion control Lawn maintenance reduction Filling narrow or odd-shaped areas Vegetative growth where grass is difficult
Reduces temprature and glare Name five ground covers that perform best in shade? Sun? - ANSWER-Sun - Radicans gardenia Shore Juniper Liriope Gumpo Azalea Sedum Shade - Asian jasmine Mondo grass Dwarf mondo grass Holly fern English ivy How should you trim "vining ground covers?" - ANSWER-Keep the ground cover in the bed or area that it is desired List some guidelines to follow when designing a color bed - ANSWER-1. Use masses of the same color for visual impact 2 Use colors which pleasantly contrast with the background
- Use combinations that blend together
- Locate color where you want to draw the visitor's eye Discuss bed preparation, watering, and maintenance for bedding plants - ANSWER- List 10 annuals and perennials and discuss their exposure, spacing, height, month of bloom, cold hardiness, use, and planting season - ANSWER- What is the minimum amount of full sunlight roses should receive? - ANSWER- 8 - 10 hours
Overhead expenses Contingency cost (unexpected expenses) Guarantee cost (expectation of having to fulfill warranty) What is a contract? - ANSWER-A contract is an agreement enforceable by law True or False: it is not necessary for the bidder to visit the project site for personal inspection or meet with the prospective client before bidding on a job - ANSWER-False, go check it out Name and briefly describe three types of contracts - ANSWER-1. Lump sum / fixed price contracts
- Unit price contracts 3.Cost-plus contracts In reviewing contracts and subcontracts, list five of the "unexpected" costs that can seriously affect cost estimates and should be given careful consideration bfore submitting a bid - ANSWER- True or false: Louisiana law requires a warranty or guarantee for plants installed by the landscape contractor - ANSWER-False, although 90 days is a common practice Discuss the five ways to vegetatively establish turfgrass - ANSWER-Stolonizing -- Shredded sod is spread over a well prepared seedbed (bermudagrass & zoysiagrass) Sprigging -- Stolons are placed (usually mechanically) partially above the ground. Plugging -- Small soil plugs are used. Slower establishment rate than stolonizing. Sodding -- "Instant lawn" with few weed problems. Most expensive. Strip sodding -- Golf course fairways with zoysiagrass. Only strips of the bed are covered with sod, and new growth fills in the whole area
Discuss the steps in establishing a turf area - ANSWER-1. Control weeds with glyphosate or fumigation
- Remove rocks and debris
- Remove desirable topsoil and stockpile. Establish desired rough grade (at least 1% slope away from building)
- Provide adequate subsurface drainage (especially on high maintenance turf like athletic fields)
- Return topsoil and improve with the addition of organic matter or sand.
- Firm and level. Water heavily to allow settling
- Rototill soil 6" to 8" in depth
- Establish final grade. One's shoes should sink about 1" when walking across the area
- Add a starter fertilizer.
- Seed, plug, sprig, stolonize, or sod
- Cover seed or springs by topdressing. Use straw or synthetic mulch.
- Water to meet needs. May need light irrigation twice daily.
- Mow aw soon as turf reaches a height that requires mowing Discuss the steps in renovating a turfgrass - ANSWER-0. Does 50% or greater of the cover remain?
- Determine the cause (poor soil physical or chemical properties? excessive thatch? injury by insects and disease?)
- Eradicate undesirable species (non-selective herbicide may be needed)
- Remove thatch
- Cultivate (disturb soil or thatch without uprooting the existing turf. E.g. Core aerification, fertical mowing, spiking, slicing
- Apply lime or fertilizer if soil test indicates a need
- Seed or vegetatively establish
- Topdress and mulch
- Irrigate List fertilizer types, examples of each and their characteristics - ANSWER-Synthetic inorganic: Synthesized inorganic chemical. Ammonium nitrate. Cheap, quick release, high burn potential.
List turf insect pests and classify them as foliar, root, or nuisance pests - ANSWER-Foliar -- Armyworms, sod webworms, cutworms (multiple different larvae), Southern Chinch bug Root -- Mole crickets, may beetles, japanese beetles, Green June beetle Nuisance -- Fire Ant List the hot weather, warm weather, and cool weather diseases - ANSWER-Hot weather -- pythium blight, gray leafspot Warm -- brown patch, dollar spot, rust Cool -- spring dead spot Other -- Fairy ring, St. Augustinegrass Decline Virus Nematodes Describe Bermudagrass (leaf texture, wear resistance, shade tolerance, rate of establishment, drought resistance, method of establishment, and mowing height) - ANSWER-Fine-textured turfgrass used on golf courses and athletic fields. Excellent wear tolerance. Very poor shade tolerance. Rapid establishment. Vegetative establishment. Excellent drought resistance. Good density at cutting heights less than 0.25in. Describe Zoysiagrass (leaf texture, wear resistance, shade tolerance, rate of establishment, drought resistance, method of establishment, and mowing height) - ANSWER-Dense sod with medium-fine leaf texture. Excellent wear tolerance. Slow rate of establishment. Good drought tolerance. Both seeded and vegetatively propagated cultivars. Thatch removal or breakdown necessary Describe St. Augustinegrass (leaf texture, wear resistance, shade tolerance, rate of establishment, drought resistance, method of establishment, and mowing height) - ANSWER-Used in home lawns deep south LA. Coarse leaf texture. Excellent shade tolerance. Must be propagated vegetatively. Susceptible to chinch bugs, brown patch, and St. Augustine Decline virus (SAD)
Describe Centipedegrass (leaf texture, wear resistance, shade tolerance, rate of establishment, drought resistance, method of establishment, and mowing height) - ANSWER-Used for home lawns--most commonly grown sod in LA. Relatively fine leaf texture. Poor wear tolerance. Shade tolerant. Relatively slow growth rate. Can be seeded or sod. Forms thatch readily. Describe Carpetgrass (leaf texture, wear resistance, shade tolerance, rate of establishment, drought resistance, method of establishment, and mowing height) - ANSWER-Prefers the Gulf's heavy, wet soils-- seeded where high quality turf is not required. Very coarse. Poor density. Poor wear tolerance. Can be seeded. Must be mowed regularly to prevent unsightly seedheads. Describe Bahiagrass characteristics and use - ANSWER-Used for roadsides, undesirable for home lawns. Very coarse. Low-maintenance, rapid grower, poor density, poor cold tolerance. Thick, fleshy rhizomes What is the formula for the UTFC (Universal Tree Fertilization Calculation? - ANSWER-(R^2)(Desired lbs N/Acre)/((140)(%N in fertilizer))
