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LARE Section 3 study materials
LARE Section 3 study resources

LARE Section 3 practice questions

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Question 1Section 1

A client asks the landscape architect to prepare construction documents for a new public plaza. Which project phase in the standard sequence of services typically follows design development and precedes the bidding or negotiation phase?

  1. Schematic design
  2. Post-occupancy evaluation
  3. Construction documentation Correct answer.
  4. Construction administration

Explanation

Construction documentation is the phase in which drawings and specifications are finalized for bidding and construction, so it directly follows design development and precedes bidding. Schematic design comes earlier, while construction administration and post-occupancy evaluation occur after construction begins or is complete.

Question 2Section 1

During site analysis, a landscape architect maps slope steepness across a hillside parcel. Which mapping technique most directly communicates slope gradient to the design team?

  1. A zoning map
  2. A circulation diagram
  3. A slope analysis map Correct answer.
  4. A soils classification map

Explanation

A slope analysis map uses gradient categories or shading to show steepness across a site, which is the direct way to communicate slope. Soils, zoning, and circulation maps each convey different information and do not depict gradient.

Question 3Section 1

A landscape architect is preparing a site plan and must depict the boundary line separating the subject property from adjacent parcels. Which graphic element is conventionally used to represent this property boundary?

  1. A chain-link symbol
  2. A dashed contour line
  3. A hatched pattern
  4. A solid line with a heavy weight Correct answer.

Explanation

Property boundaries are conventionally drawn with a heavier, often solid line so they read as the controlling edge of the site plan. Contour lines, chain-link symbols, and hatch patterns represent elevation, fencing, and materials rather than the legal boundary.

Question 4Section 1

A residential client wants a planted buffer along a busy street to reduce noise and provide visual screening. Which planting design strategy best serves this goal?

  1. A multi-layered planting of trees, shrubs, and groundcover Correct answer.
  2. A paved plaza with planters
  3. A lawn panel with seasonal annuals
  4. A single row of low groundcover

Explanation

A multi-layered planting with overlapping canopy, shrub, and groundcover layers provides the density and height needed to screen views and attenuate noise. Low groundcover, lawn, or paving with isolated planters lack the height and mass to buffer a busy street.

Question 5Section 1

A landscape architect specifies a tree for a site with compacted, poorly drained clay soil. Which characteristic is most important to confirm before selecting the species?

  1. Flower color in spring
  2. Mature canopy width
  3. Fall foliage hue
  4. Tolerance of poor drainage and compacted soils Correct answer.

Explanation

Matching a species to site conditions is a primary selection criterion, and tolerance of poor drainage and compaction is essential where those conditions exist. Aesthetic traits and mature width matter but do not determine whether the tree will survive on this site.

Question 6Section 1

In landscape construction documents, which document typically defines the quality of materials, workmanship, and installation methods for a specific project element?

  1. The specification Correct answer.
  2. The permit application
  3. The plan sheet
  4. The survey

Explanation

Specifications describe materials, workmanship, and installation requirements that accompany the drawings. Plan sheets show geometry and location, while surveys and permit applications serve different purposes.

Question 7Section 1

A landscape architect is asked to identify the term for the maximum permitted building coverage on a lot under local zoning. Which term describes this limit?

  1. Lot coverage Correct answer.
  2. Setback
  3. Floor area ratio
  4. Easement

Explanation

Lot coverage limits the percentage of a lot that can be covered by buildings or impervious surfaces. Floor area ratio relates building floor area to lot area, setbacks define required distances from property lines, and easements grant rights of use.

Question 8Section 1

During construction administration, a contractor submits a product data sheet for a specified paving material. What is the landscape architect's typical role regarding this submittal?

  1. Approve payment for the contractor
  2. Issue the building permit
  3. Perform the final inspection for the owner
  4. Review for conformance with the specifications Correct answer.

Explanation

The landscape architect reviews submittals to confirm that products and materials conform to the specifications. Payment approval, permit issuance, and final code inspections are responsibilities of other parties such as the owner, building official, or inspector.

Question 9Section 1

A landscape architect must determine the existing topography of a site before design. Which survey product most directly provides this information?

  1. A title report
  2. A geotechnical report
  3. A topographic survey Correct answer.
  4. A boundary survey

Explanation

A topographic survey records existing elevations, contours, and site features needed to understand terrain. A boundary survey establishes property lines, a title report documents ownership and encumbrances, and a geotechnical report addresses subsurface conditions.

Question 10Section 1

A landscape architect is designing a universally accessible pedestrian route. Which design feature is required to accommodate users with mobility impairments along the route?

  1. Frequent changes in level
  2. Decorative gravel surfacing
  3. A maximum running slope that complies with accessibility standards Correct answer.
  4. Narrow pinch points between planters

Explanation

Accessible routes must limit running slope, cross slope, and surface conditions to standards so people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices can travel safely. Gravel, abrupt level changes, and narrow pinch points create barriers rather than access.

Question 11Section 1

A landscape architect is designing a stormwater management system for a parking lot. Which practice is an example of low-impact development (LID) that manages runoff at its source?

  1. A large regional detention basin downstream
  2. A conventional curb-and-gutter system discharging to a storm sewer
  3. A concrete-lined channel
  4. A bioretention cell treating runoff from the parking area Correct answer.

Explanation

Low-impact development emphasizes distributed, source-level practices such as bioretention that infiltrate and treat runoff close to where it falls. Conventional curb-and-gutter, downstream regional basins, and lined channels are traditional conveyance or storage approaches rather than LID.

Question 12Section 1

A landscape architect is selecting plants for a site where deer browsing is a known problem. Which selection approach is most appropriate to reduce damage?

  1. Choose species with the thinnest bark
  2. Choose species that require frequent irrigation
  3. Choose the most colorful flowering annuals available
  4. Choose species known to be relatively resistant to deer browsing Correct answer.

Explanation

Where deer pressure is high, selecting species documented as relatively resistant to browsing reduces damage and maintenance. Flower color, thin bark, and high irrigation needs do not address deer browsing and thin bark may even attract damage.

Question 13Section 1

A landscape architect needs to specify a retaining wall for a slope where the wall face will be visible from a public sidewalk. Which consideration most directly affects the wall's structural design?

  1. The height of the wall and the retained soil pressure Correct answer.
  2. The species of adjacent shrubs
  3. The color of the wall facing
  4. The pattern of the sidewalk paving

Explanation

Structural design of a retaining wall is governed primarily by wall height and the lateral earth pressure of the retained soil, along with surcharges and groundwater. Aesthetic choices such as facing color, adjacent plants, and paving patterns do not determine structural capacity.

Question 14Section 1

A landscape architect is preparing a planting plan and needs to show the quantity and spacing of shrubs. Which graphic convention is typically used to represent individual shrubs on the plan?

  1. A cross-hatched area
  2. A scaled circle or symbol representing the plant's mature spread Correct answer.
  3. A contour line
  4. A single point with a leader

Explanation

On planting plans, individual shrubs are conventionally drawn as scaled circles or symbols sized to represent mature spread, allowing spacing and quantity to be read. Points with leaders, contour lines, and hatched areas represent other information.

Question 15Section 1

A landscape architect is evaluating a site for a new playground and must consider the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Which requirement applies to the playground's accessible route?

  1. The route may be surfaced in loose sand throughout
  2. The route may end at the playground boundary without connecting to play areas
  3. The route may include steps as the only means of access
  4. The route must connect accessible play components to the playground entrance Correct answer.

Explanation

ADA requires an accessible route connecting the playground entrance to accessible play components so users can reach and use the play areas. Steps as the sole access, routes that stop at the boundary, and loose sand surfacing all conflict with accessible route requirements.

Question 16Section 1

A landscape architect is designing a rain garden to treat roof runoff. Which design factor most directly determines the rain garden's storage volume?

  1. The type of mulch used
  2. The contributing drainage area and design storm depth Correct answer.
  3. The color of the selected plants
  4. The shape of the garden's edge

Explanation

Rain garden storage volume is calculated from the contributing drainage area and the design storm depth, along with runoff coefficients and infiltration. Plant color, mulch type, and edge shape do not determine storage volume.

Question 17Section 1

A landscape architect is preparing a site plan and must show the limits of disturbance for construction. Which line type is conventionally used to delineate this boundary?

  1. A dimension line
  2. A heavy dashed line labeled 'limits of disturbance' Correct answer.
  3. A contour line
  4. A property line

Explanation

Limits of disturbance are typically shown with a distinct, often heavy dashed line and labeled so contractors know where work and clearing may occur. Contour lines show elevation, dimension lines show measurements, and property lines define legal boundaries.

Question 18Section 1

A landscape architect is evaluating a site for a new trail and must consider erosion potential. Which site condition most increases the risk of erosion along the proposed trail?

  1. Gentle slopes with dense vegetation
  2. Level areas with permeable paving
  3. Steep slopes with exposed, easily erodible soils Correct answer.
  4. Flat terrain with established turf

Explanation

Erosion risk increases with steeper slopes and exposed, erodible soils because runoff gains velocity and detachment is easier. Gentle, vegetated slopes, flat turf, and level permeable surfaces are far less susceptible to erosion.

Question 19Section 1

A landscape architect is asked to prepare a cost estimate for a project at the schematic design phase. Which approach is most appropriate given the limited design detail available?

  1. A final bid based on completed construction documents
  2. A certified payroll report
  3. A change order estimate
  4. A parametric estimate based on unit costs and approximate quantities Correct answer.

Explanation

At schematic design, limited detail supports parametric or unit-cost estimates using approximate quantities and typical unit prices. Final bids, change orders, and payroll reports all depend on later stages of documentation or construction.

Question 20Section 1

A landscape architect is designing a pedestrian plaza and must address the heat island effect. Which strategy most directly reduces surface temperatures in the plaza?

  1. Increasing the area of dark asphalt paving
  2. Adding more concrete without shade
  3. Reducing the number of trees
  4. Providing shade trees and high-albedo paving Correct answer.

Explanation

Shade trees and high-albedo (reflective) paving reduce absorbed solar radiation and lower surface temperatures. Dark asphalt absorbs more heat, and removing trees or adding unshaded concrete increases heat gain.

Question 21Section 1

A landscape architect is preparing a set of construction drawings and must coordinate the landscape plan with the civil engineer's grading plan. Which potential conflict is most important to resolve before issuing documents?

  1. A difference in the color of the plan legends
  2. A difference in the font used on the two title blocks
  3. A difference in the order of sheets in each set
  4. A mismatch between proposed spot elevations and the landscape's proposed wall heights Correct answer.

Explanation

Grading and wall heights are interdependent: if spot elevations conflict with proposed wall heights, the design may not build as drawn or may create drainage problems. Formatting issues such as fonts, sheet order, and legend colors are minor and do not affect constructability.

Question 22Section 1

A landscape architect is designing a site with a steep slope and must provide accessible pedestrian circulation. Which solution best meets both the slope constraint and accessibility requirements?

  1. A switchback ramp with compliant slope and landings Correct answer.
  2. A steep paved path without landings
  3. A stepped path with handrails
  4. A straight stairway connecting the levels

Explanation

A switchback ramp with compliant running slope, cross slope, and landings provides an accessible route across a grade change. Stairs and stepped paths exclude wheelchair users, and a steep path without landings fails accessibility requirements.

Question 23Section 1

A landscape architect is designing a bioretention facility and must size the underdrain and filter media. Which factor most directly influences the facility's infiltration and treatment performance?

  1. The color of the mulch on the surface
  2. The type of edging around the facility
  3. The species of ornamental grasses used
  4. The hydraulic conductivity of the filter media and the contributing drainage area Correct answer.

Explanation

Bioretention performance depends on the hydraulic conductivity of the filter media and the volume and rate of runoff from the contributing area, which together govern infiltration and treatment. Mulch color, plant species, and edging are secondary or aesthetic factors.

Question 24Section 1

A landscape architect is reviewing a contractor's request for information (RFI) about an apparent conflict between the planting plan and the irrigation plan. What is the most appropriate first step?

  1. Direct the contractor to proceed with whichever plan is cheaper
  2. Instruct the contractor to stop work indefinitely without a response
  3. Review both drawings, determine the intent, and issue a clarifying response Correct answer.
  4. Ignore the RFI until construction is complete

Explanation

The design professional should review the referenced drawings, determine the design intent, and respond with a clarification or supplemental information so the work can proceed correctly. Choosing by cost, ignoring the request, or stopping work without guidance does not resolve the conflict.

Question 25Section 1

A landscape architect is evaluating two planting schemes for a site with saline irrigation water. Which selection criterion is most decisive in choosing between the schemes?

  1. The leaf texture of the proposed shrubs
  2. The salt tolerance of the proposed species Correct answer.
  3. The bloom season of the proposed perennials
  4. The mature height of the proposed trees

Explanation

Where irrigation water is saline, species must tolerate salt accumulation in soil and water, making salt tolerance the decisive criterion for plant survival. Mature height, bloom season, and leaf texture are secondary aesthetic or spatial considerations.

Question 26Section 1

A landscape architect is preparing a site plan for a new park and must show property boundaries based on a metes-and-bounds legal description. Which drawing element conveys this information?

  1. The contour lines at two-foot intervals
  2. The planting legend with botanical names
  3. The grading spot elevations at building corners
  4. The boundary survey line with bearings and distances Correct answer.

Explanation

A metes-and-bounds legal description defines a parcel by courses (bearings) and distances running from monument to monument, so the boundary line annotated with bearings and distances is what reproduces it on a plan. Contours, legends, and spot elevations describe terrain or design content, not legal limits of the parcel.

Question 27Section 1

A landscape architect is reviewing a preliminary site plan and needs to express the relationship between building footprint area and total lot area. Which term describes this ratio?

  1. Impervious cover ratio
  2. Setback ratio
  3. Floor area ratio
  4. Building coverage Correct answer.

Explanation

Building coverage (often called lot coverage) is the percentage of the lot occupied by the building footprint as seen in plan. Floor area ratio instead compares total floor area across all stories to lot area, so it can exceed coverage on multistory buildings.

Question 28Section 1

A landscape architect is drafting a plan where an overhead utility line crosses the site. Which graphic convention most clearly distinguishes this feature from surface improvements?

  1. A long-dash line Correct answer.
  2. A line with short perpendicular ticks
  3. A solid heavy line
  4. A dashed line

Explanation

Overhead and hidden features are conventionally shown with long-dash (phantom or hidden) lines so they read as not on the ground plane. Solid heavy lines usually denote visible edges or property boundaries, and ticked lines commonly indicate fences or retaining walls.

Question 29Section 1

A landscape architect is selecting a tree for a narrow planting strip between a sidewalk and a curb where soil volume is limited. Which characteristic is most important to verify before specifying the species?

  1. Autumn foliage color
  2. Mature canopy spread and root habit Correct answer.
  3. Native range within the state
  4. Flower fragrance

Explanation

In a narrow strip, mature canopy spread determines whether the tree will conflict with pedestrians and vehicles, and root habit affects pavement lifting and soil volume needs. Aesthetic traits are secondary to spatial and structural compatibility in constrained planting areas.

Question 30Section 1

A landscape architect is preparing a grading plan and needs to show a swale that carries stormwater across a lawn without a defined channel. Which graphic technique best communicates this?

  1. A series of spot elevations with a dashed flow line Correct answer.
  2. A single flow arrow along the swale centerline
  3. A solid line with a label reading 'swale'
  4. A hatched area with a slope ratio callout

Explanation

Broad shallow swales are best conveyed with spot elevations or contours plus a dashed flow line indicating direction of drainage. A single arrow or a label alone does not give the contractor the elevations needed to shape the swale.

Question 31Section 1

A landscape architect is asked to describe the term for the vertical distance between two adjacent contour lines on a topographic map.

  1. Horizontal scale
  2. Benchmark elevation
  3. Contour interval Correct answer.
  4. Slope gradient

Explanation

The contour interval is the constant vertical distance between successive contour lines, chosen to suit the map scale and terrain relief. Slope gradient is a ratio of rise to run, and a benchmark is a fixed reference elevation, neither of which describes line spacing.

Question 32Section 1

A landscape architect is developing a planting plan for a courtyard and must indicate groundcover areas that will be planted as solid beds rather than individual plants. Which graphic convention is standard?

  1. A dashed outline with a species label only
  2. A hatched or shaded area with a coverage note Correct answer.
  3. A leader line to a single representative symbol
  4. Individual plant symbols at a fixed spacing

Explanation

Mass plantings such as groundcover are conventionally shown as hatched or shaded areas bounded by a line and annotated with species, size, and spacing. Individual symbols are reserved for specimen plants where each location is intentional.

Question 33Section 1

A landscape architect is reviewing a set of construction documents and finds a general note stating that the contractor must verify all dimensions in the field. What is the primary purpose of such a note?

  1. To eliminate the need for dimensioned drawings
  2. To require the contractor to confirm existing conditions before fabrication Correct answer.
  3. To shift responsibility for design accuracy to the contractor
  4. To authorize the contractor to make design changes without approval

Explanation

Field-verification notes require the contractor to check existing conditions against the drawings before ordering or fabricating materials, reducing conflicts with actual site conditions. They do not transfer design responsibility, replace dimensions, or authorize changes.

Question 34Section 1

A landscape architect is designing a pedestrian path on a site with a cross slope and must meet accessibility requirements for a walking surface. Which maximum cross slope is generally permitted for an accessible route?

  1. 1:20
  2. 1:48 Correct answer.
  3. 1:8
  4. 1:12

Explanation

Accessible routes generally limit cross slope to 1:48 (about 2 percent) so that users of wheeled mobility devices are not forced to steer against a tilt. Running slope limits are separate, and steeper cross slopes require special design justification.

Question 35Section 1

A landscape architect is designing a rain garden that receives runoff from a 2,000-square-foot roof. Which factor most directly governs the surface area required for the facility?

  1. The soil infiltration rate of the native subgrade Correct answer.
  2. The depth of the ponding zone
  3. The height of adjacent ornamental grasses
  4. The color of the decorative gravel

Explanation

The surface area needed to treat and infiltrate a given runoff volume depends primarily on the infiltration rate of the underlying soil and the design storm volume. Ponding depth affects storage volume but is chosen after the infiltration capacity is known.

Question 36Section 1

A landscape architect is preparing a demolition plan for an existing site. Which information is essential to include on that plan?

  1. Proposed finish grades for new paving
  2. Structural calculations for the new building
  3. New planting schedule and quantities
  4. Limits of work and items to remain Correct answer.

Explanation

A demolition plan must clearly delineate what is to be removed, what is to remain, and the limits of work so the contractor does not remove protected features. Proposed grades and new plantings belong on other sheets, and structural calculations are outside the landscape scope.

Question 37Section 1

A landscape architect is evaluating a site for a new community garden and must confirm that the site has adequate solar exposure. Which analysis tool is most appropriate?

  1. A sun-path diagram overlaid on the site plan Correct answer.
  2. A traffic count at the adjacent street
  3. A soil permeability test
  4. A noise contour map

Explanation

A sun-path diagram overlaid on the site plan shows how buildings and trees will shade the garden throughout the growing season. Soil, traffic, and noise analyses address different site constraints and do not establish solar access.

Question 38Section 1

A landscape architect is specifying a paving material for a plaza over a structured parking deck. Which property is most critical to confirm with the structural engineer?

  1. The coefficient of friction
  2. The joint spacing pattern
  3. The color of the aggregate
  4. The saturated weight of the paving assembly Correct answer.

Explanation

On a structural deck, the dead load of the paving assembly, including saturated soil and water, must be checked against the structural capacity. Color, friction, and joint spacing are relevant to appearance and performance but do not govern structural adequacy.

Question 39Section 1

A landscape architect is designing a retaining wall that will support a slope and must address drainage behind the wall. Which measure is standard practice?

  1. Increasing the wall height to reduce lateral pressure
  2. Installing a drainage layer and weep holes or a perforated footing drain Correct answer.
  3. Omitting the footing to allow water to escape
  4. Backfilling with compacted clay to seal the wall

Explanation

Water behind a retaining wall increases lateral pressure and can cause failure, so a granular drainage layer plus weep holes or a footing drain is standard. Sealing with clay traps water, and omitting a footing compromises structural stability.

Question 40Section 1

A landscape architect is preparing a set of drawings and must indicate where a contractor may store materials during construction without damaging existing trees. Which plan should show this information?

  1. The lighting plan
  2. The site protection or tree protection plan Correct answer.
  3. The irrigation plan
  4. The planting plan

Explanation

A tree protection plan identifies root protection zones, fencing, and areas where staging and storage are prohibited to prevent soil compaction and root damage. Planting, irrigation, and lighting plans address installation of new work rather than protection of existing vegetation.

Question 41Section 1

A landscape architect is reviewing a contractor's submittal for a specified light fixture and finds a proposed equal that differs in color temperature. What is the appropriate response?

  1. Ignore the difference because the fixture is decorative
  2. Reject or return the submittal with a comment noting the deviation Correct answer.
  3. Approve the submittal as an acceptable equal
  4. Direct the contractor to install the equal without further review

Explanation

A substitution must meet the specified performance and appearance characteristics, so a differing color temperature is a deviation requiring rejection or comment. Approving or ignoring the difference would allow nonconforming work that affects the design intent.

Question 42Section 1

A landscape architect is asked to explain why a site plan should include a north arrow and graphic scale even when the drawing is dimensioned.

  1. They replace the need for a written scale note
  2. They indicate the direction of stormwater flow
  3. They allow the drawing to remain legible when reproduced at a different size Correct answer.
  4. They are required by building codes in all jurisdictions

Explanation

A graphic scale and north arrow preserve orientation and measurability when a drawing is reduced, enlarged, or reproduced, since the printed size may change. They are drafting conventions rather than universal code requirements and do not indicate drainage.

Question 43Section 1

A landscape architect is designing a trail across a slope and must minimize erosion. Which alignment approach is generally preferred?

  1. A direct fall-line route up the slope
  2. A route following the contour with gentle grades Correct answer.
  3. A route along the bottom of the drainage swale
  4. A route cutting through the toe of the slope

Explanation

Trails that follow the contour with gentle grades reduce runoff velocity and the potential for gullying compared with fall-line routes. Locating a trail in a swale or at the slope toe concentrates water on the tread and increases erosion.

Question 44Section 1

A landscape architect is preparing a preliminary cost estimate at the schematic design phase. Which estimating method is most appropriate given limited design detail?

  1. A bid-based estimate from selected contractors
  2. A unit-price estimate based on completed construction documents
  3. A final reconciliation of change orders
  4. A parametric estimate using cost per square foot or per unit Correct answer.

Explanation

At schematic design, quantities are not yet defined, so parametric or unit-cost estimates based on comparable projects provide a reasonable order-of-magnitude figure. Unit-price and bid-based estimates require detailed drawings and specifications that do not yet exist.

Question 45Section 1

A landscape architect is designing a plaza and must reduce the heat island effect. Which strategy most directly lowers surface temperatures?

  1. Increasing the solar reflectance of paving and adding shade trees Correct answer.
  2. Adding decorative bollards along the edge
  3. Reducing the number of benches
  4. Increasing the height of light poles

Explanation

High-albedo paving reflects more solar radiation, and shade trees reduce the amount of solar energy absorbed by surfaces, both directly lowering surface temperatures. Benches, bollards, and light poles do not meaningfully change the thermal performance of the plaza.

Question 46Section 1

A landscape architect is reviewing a geotechnical report for a site with expansive clay soils. Which design implication is most significant for landscape construction?

  1. Lower seasonal soil movement
  2. Higher soil permeability
  3. Increased need for flexible pavement and careful foundation detailing Correct answer.
  4. Reduced need for irrigation

Explanation

Expansive clays swell and shrink with moisture changes, so pavements, footings, and walls must be detailed to accommodate movement, often with flexible or reinforced systems. Expansive soils have low permeability and cause greater, not lower, seasonal movement.

Question 47Section 1

A landscape architect is designing a bioretention cell and must select an underdrain configuration. Which factor most directly determines whether an underdrain is needed?

  1. The color of the filter media
  2. The width of the adjacent sidewalk
  3. The infiltration rate of the underlying native soil Correct answer.
  4. The species of plants in the cell

Explanation

Where native soils infiltrate slowly, an underdrain is needed to convey treated water away and prevent prolonged ponding. Filter media color, plant species, and adjacent paving width do not determine the need for an underdrain.

Question 48Section 1

A landscape architect is asked to resolve a conflict between the landscape plan and the civil plan regarding the invert elevation of a storm drain. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Issue a clarification coordinating both disciplines before construction proceeds Correct answer.
  2. Defer to the landscape plan because it is the later sheet
  3. Instruct the contractor to choose the higher elevation
  4. Revise the landscape plan to match the civil plan without review

Explanation

Conflicts between disciplines must be resolved through coordination and a documented clarification or revision, not by unilateral priority rules or field decisions. The landscape architect should coordinate with the civil engineer to confirm the correct elevation and issue a consistent directive.

Question 49Section 1

A landscape architect is evaluating a site for a new playground and must locate equipment to minimize conflict with existing mature trees. Which approach best protects the trees while meeting program needs?

  1. Remove all trees within 50 feet to simplify construction
  2. Place equipment within the drip line to use the shade
  3. Locate equipment outside the critical root zone and provide fencing during construction Correct answer.
  4. Grade the area around the trees to improve drainage

Explanation

Locating equipment outside the critical root zone and fencing that zone during construction protects roots from compaction and severing. Placing equipment within the drip line, removing trees unnecessarily, or regrading around trunks can damage or kill the trees.

Question 50Section 1

A landscape architect is designing an irrigation system for a site with a single water meter and varied plant hydrozones. Which design approach best matches water application to plant needs?

  1. Separate valve zones by hydrozone and matched precipitation rates Correct answer.
  2. A single schedule applied year-round
  3. One valve zone covering the entire site
  4. Drip emitters spaced uniformly regardless of plant type

Explanation

Separating zones by hydrozone and using matched precipitation rates allows each zone to be scheduled according to plant water needs and soil type. A single zone or uniform schedule over- or under-irrigates portions of the site and wastes water.