C27 – Landscaping Contractor

A landscape contractor constructs, maintains, repairs, installs, or subcontracts the development of landscape systems and facilities for public and private gardens and other areas which are designed to aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally, or functionally improve the grounds within or surrounding a structure or a tract or plot of land. In connection therewith, a landscape contractor prepares and grades plots and areas of land for the installation of any architectural, horticultural and decorative treatment or arrangement.

The Landscaping (C-27) examination is divided into seven major sections. These sections are:

1. Landscape Design (15%)

• Hardscape design
• Drainage design
• Irrigation system
• Plant selection
• Mulch selection

2. Job Estimation (23%)

• Scope of work
• Time estimation and labor cost
• Equipment and tool selection
• Drainage and irrigation materials
• Softscape materials
• Hardscape materials

3. Site Preparation (13%)

• Drainage control
• Erosion control
• Underground piping installation
• Soil amendment

4. Hardscape Installation (9%)

• Concrete and masonry
• Retaining walls
• Landscaping edgings
• Fences, gates, screens, and steps
• Water features
• Electrical connections
• Lighting

5. Irrigation System Installation (18%)

• Controllers
• Main lines
• Lateral lines
• Drip system components

6. Plant Material Installation and Landscaping Maintenance (13%)

• Planting methods
• Water management
• Plant maintenance
• Turfgrass management

7. Job Site Safety (9%)

• Hazard Identification
• Personal protection
• Environmental protection

*Percentages are approximate*

 
Sample Questions

The following questions are typical of the types of items that are on the examination. The correct answer is highlighted.

1. When is the best time to remove thatch build up in a cool season lawn?

a.       Mid to late winter

b.       Mid to late summer

c.       Mid to late spring

d.      Mid to late fall

2. What effect does lime have when added to soil?

a.      It increases the pH.

b.       It decreases the pH.

c.       It increases the potassium.

d.       It decreases the potassium.

3. If the gpm changes from 8 gpm to 12 gpm, how would velocity be affected?

a.      Velocity will increase.

b.       Velocity will remain the same.

c.       Velocity will decrease by two.

d.       Velocity will decrease by four.

*All questions are written and reviewed by licensed contractors who are actively working in the field*

Sunset Western Garden Book. Sunset Publishing Corporation.

Menlo Park, CA 94025.

INTERNET: www.sunset.com

University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

6701 San Pablo Ave.,
Oakland, CA 94608.
(800) 994-8849
FAX: (800) 487-8488.

INTERNET: http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu

Landscaping Construction.

David Sauter, Delmar/Thompson Learning.
(800) 347-7707
FAX: (800) 487-8488.

INTERNET: www.agriscience.delmar.com

California Landscape Standards.

California Landscape Contractors Association.
(916) 830-2780
FAX: (916) 830-2788.

INTERNET: www.clca.org

Trouble Shooting Irrigation Control Systems.

Derryberry Irrigation Consulting.
5818 East Oak Street,
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
(480) 423-0542
FAX: (480) 423-1322.

Email: billderryberry@cox.net

American National Standard for Tree Care Operations - Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing Tree, and Cutting Brush - Safety Requirements.

ANSI/Global Engineering Documents,
15 Inverness Way East,
Englewood, CO 80112.
(800) 854-7179
FAX: (303) 397-2740.

INTERNET: www.global.ihs.com