Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist study plan

List the components of soil (mineral particles, organic matter, pore space, soil water, soil air, organisms) and state the approximate volume fraction of each in a productive loam

Classify a soil sample by hand texturing into sand, sandy loam, loam, clay loam, or clay, and record the field-observed drainage class and depth to any restricting layer

Convert a soil test report (pH, organic matter %, P, K, Mg, Ca, CEC) into a written interpretation naming the two most limiting factors for turf or shrub growth

Explain how cation exchange capacity and pH interact to affect phosphorus and micronutrient availability, using iron chlorosis at high pH as the worked example

Describe the difference between soluble, slow-release, and controlled-release nitrogen sources and state one landscape situation where each is appropriate

Calculate the amount of amendment needed to raise organic matter in a planting bed of stated area and depth, showing unit conversions

Identify the primary, secondary, and micronutrient deficiency symptoms in common landscape plants and match each symptom to a corrective strategy

Sequence the annual maintenance calendar for a mixed shrub and perennial border, ordering tasks by season and justifying each timing decision

Explain how to take a representative soil sample (depth, number of subsamples, sampling pattern, tools) and describe three errors that invalidate a sample

Distinguish between fertilizer burn, salt accumulation, and true nutrient deficiency from described symptom patterns and site history

Identify 40 landscape trees, shrubs, and perennials by their Latin binomial, common name, and one diagnostic feature (bark, bud, leaf arrangement, or fruit)

Group the identified plants by light, moisture, and soil pH requirements and flag any that are invasive or problematic in the local region

Explain the correct planting procedure for containerized, balled-and-burlapped, and bare-root stock, including root flare depth and staking decisions

Describe proper handling and storage of nursery stock from delivery to installation, including protection of roots and timing of planting windows

Select plants for a described site (exposure, soil, mature size, function) and justify each choice against the site constraints

Produce a planting plan for a described site that specifies spacing based on mature spread and accounts for soil preparation and drainage

Explain the establishment-year water requirement for newly installed trees and shrubs and describe how to monitor and adjust irrigation

Diagnose three described transplant failures (girdling roots, planted too deep, drought stress) and state the corrective action for each

Describe soil volume and quality requirements for raised beds and planters, including drainage and weight considerations for rooftop or balcony installations

Explain how to amend backfill correctly and refute the practice of heavily amending only the planting hole

Describe the integrated pest management decision sequence from monitoring and identification through threshold, treatment selection, and evaluation

Identify 15 common landscape pests and diseases by host plant, damage symptom, and life stage, and name one cultural, one biological, and one chemical control for each

Explain pesticide label elements (signal word, PPE, re-entry interval, pre-harvest interval, rate, target pest) and how to read a label before application

Calculate a pesticide mix rate and sprayer volume for a stated area and demonstrate correct calibration arithmetic

Describe the environmental and legal constraints on pesticide use near water, on windy days, and around pollinators

Identify the required PPE for each major landscape task and state the applicable regulation or standard behind it

Describe the safe operating procedure for a chainsaw, string trimmer, and walk-behind mower, including kickback causes and the correct stance

Explain lockout, pre-use inspection, and the reporting chain for a damaged tool or equipment defect

Describe safe trenching and excavation practices near buried utilities, including the locate request process and hand-exposure requirements

Demonstrate the correct use and maintenance of hand tools (pruning saw, loppers, spade, rake) and identify the sharpening or replacement criteria for each

Conduct a site inventory covering topography, drainage patterns, sun and wind exposure, existing vegetation, utilities, and access, and record findings in a standard format

Interpret a grading plan and calculate slope, cut and fill volumes, and the finished grade for a described site

Explain the construction sequence for a paver patio and a segmental retaining wall, including base preparation, compaction, and drainage

Describe the drainage requirements for hardscape, including surface slope, subsurface drainage, and the consequences of a missing base layer

Identify the local permitting, setback, and utility clearance requirements that affect landscape construction

Write a client-facing estimate and scope of work that separates labor, materials, equipment, and disposal

Explain the components of a contract, change order, and warranty statement and describe how each protects both parties

Describe how to document an IPM inspection, an application record, and a follow-up visit so the file is defensible

Handle three described client scenarios (a disputed plant death, a budget reduction, a request outside the contract) with a professional written response

Complete a timed mixed-domain practice set and review every missed item against its source domain