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100+ Free AL Erosion Control Mowing Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AL Erosion Control Mowing Exam

70%

Passing Score

PSI AL GC Bulletin

40 Q

Official Exam Questions

PSI AL GC Bulletin

2 hours

Time Allowed

PSI AL GC Bulletin

$96

PSI Exam Fee

PSI AL GC Bulletin

Open book

Exam Format

PSI AL GC Bulletin

Alabama AL Erosion Control Mowing trade exam via PSI: 40 questions, 70% pass, 2 hours, fee $96. Open-book specialty classification under the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (bulletin 1/23/26).

Sample AL Erosion Control Mowing Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AL Erosion Control Mowing exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When planting a balled-and-burlapped tree, how wide should the planting hole generally be relative to the root ball?
A.Equal to the root-ball diameter
B.At least twice the root-ball diameter
C.Four times the root-ball diameter on all sides
D.No wider than half the root-ball diameter
Explanation: Standard landscape practice digs a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball so lateral roots can expand into loosened soil. Depth is set so the root flare sits at or slightly above finished grade.
2Where should the root flare of a newly planted tree be positioned relative to finished grade?
A.Several inches below finished grade and covered with soil
B.At or slightly above finished grade
C.Six inches below grade with extra topsoil over the trunk
D.Buried until only the lowest branch is visible
Explanation: The root flare (trunk flare) should sit at or slightly above finished grade. Planting too deep is a leading cause of tree decline because it smothers roots and can promote trunk rot.
3When installing a B&B tree, what should be done with synthetic burlap or plastic twine around the root ball?
A.Leave all wrapping materials intact for the first year
B.Remove or cut away non-biodegradable wrappings from the top and sides after the ball is set
C.Burn the burlap in place to free the roots
D.Cover the wrapping completely with at least 12 inches of soil
Explanation: After the ball is positioned and partly backfilled, remove or cut away synthetic burlap, plastic, and twine from the top and sides so roots can grow freely. Natural burlap may be folded down, but non-biodegradable materials must not remain around the trunk.
4What is the preferred mulch depth over the root zone of a newly planted landscape tree, excluding the trunk?
A.Less than 1/2 inch
B.About 2 to 3 inches
C.8 to 10 inches piled against the trunk
D.12 inches of soil mixed with mulch over the flare
Explanation: A 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, and reduces weed competition. Keep mulch pulled back from the trunk to avoid moisture-related bark damage.
5On a sloping planting site, what simple feature helps keep irrigation water over a new tree's root zone?
A.A low soil berm or watering ring on the downhill side
B.A concrete curb sealed to the trunk
C.A deep trench cut through the root ball
D.Complete removal of all surface mulch
Explanation: A low circular berm or dike, especially on the downslope side, holds water over the root zone long enough to soak in and reduces runoff and erosion around the planting.
6When is staking of a newly planted tree generally recommended?
A.Always for every tree regardless of size or site
B.Only when the tree cannot stand upright in expected winds or has a weak root-to-shoot balance
C.Never, because staking always kills trees
D.Only after the tree has been in the ground for two years
Explanation: Stake only when necessary for stability. Unnecessary staking can reduce trunk strength development; when used, ties should allow slight movement and be removed after establishment, typically within one growing season.
7Which backfill practice is generally recommended for most landscape tree plantings in native soil?
A.Backfill with pure sand regardless of site soil
B.Backfill primarily with the excavated native soil, amending only as specified
C.Backfill only with pure peat moss
D.Leave the hole half empty to promote air pruning
Explanation: Using excavated native soil as backfill encourages roots to leave the planting hole. Heavy amendment of only the hole can create a bathtub effect that holds water or discourages roots from entering surrounding soil.
8What is the primary purpose of root pruning or scoring circling roots on a container-grown shrub before planting?
A.To reduce the need for water forever
B.To encourage outward root growth and prevent girdling
C.To kill the plant so a larger one can be installed later
D.To eliminate the need for mulch
Explanation: Circling roots in containers can continue to spiral and eventually girdle the plant. Cutting or teasing them outward promotes radial root growth into surrounding soil.
9During the establishment period, how should irrigation of a newly planted tree typically be applied?
A.A light daily mist only on foliage
B.Deep, infrequent watering that moistens the entire root ball and adjacent soil
C.No water for the first 60 days
D.Flooding the trunk flare continuously
Explanation: Deep watering that saturates the root ball and nearby soil encourages roots to grow outward. Frequent shallow misting wets only the surface and promotes weak, shallow roots.
10Which pruning cut is preferred when removing a branch from a landscape tree?
A.A flush cut that removes the branch collar
B.A cut just outside the branch collar that leaves the collar intact
C.Leaving a long stub of several feet
D.Tearing the branch downward without a cut
Explanation: Proper pruning cuts are made just outside the branch collar so the tree can seal the wound. Flush cuts remove protective collar tissue and slow compartmentalization.

About the AL Erosion Control Mowing Exam

The Alabama Erosion Control and Mowing Contractor Examination is a classification trade examination administered by PSI for the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. The official open-book exam has 40 questions, a 70% (28 of 40 correct) passing standard, and 120 minutes allowed. PSI examination fee is $96 per attempt (bulletin updated 1/23/26). This English-language MCQ bank is a study aid for the trade knowledge on the official content outline; it is not an official PSI form, does not replace the required Business & Law exam for primes, and is not a substitute for board-approved experience or the official open-book examination.

Questions

40 scored questions

Time Limit

120 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$96 (PSI Services LLC (for Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors))

AL Erosion Control Mowing Exam Content Outline

25%

Grass and Ground Cover

Turf and ground cover establishment

20%

Trees and Shrubs

Woody plant installation

18%

Drainage and Grading

Drainage and finish grading

15%

Hardscaping

Hardscape erosion features

13%

Regional Plants

Alabama/regional plant materials

10%

Soils and Amendments

Soils and soil amendments

How to Pass the AL Erosion Control Mowing Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 40 questions
  • Time limit: 120 minutes
  • Exam fee: $96

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AL Erosion Control Mowing Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study only the approved references listed for your classification in the current PSI Alabama General Contractors bulletin
2Practice open-book navigation with permanent tabs and indexes before test day
3Drill OSHA 29 CFR 1926 topics that appear across nearly every trade outline
4Work quantity takeoff and plan-reading problems under timed conditions
5Confirm Board eligibility and classification scope on genconbd.alabama.gov before scheduling with PSI

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the AL Erosion Control Mowing exam?

The official PSI trade examination has 40 scored questions (plus possible experimental items). Passing is 70% (28 of 40 correct) within 120 minutes.

How much does the AL Erosion Control Mowing exam cost?

PSI lists $96 per examination registration for this Alabama general contractor classification exam (Candidate Information Bulletin updated 1/23/26). License application fees to the Board are separate.

Is the Alabama specialty contractor exam open book?

Yes. PSI administers these classification exams as open book. Only the bulletin-listed approved references are allowed; temporary tabs like Post-it notes are prohibited.

Do I still need the Business and Law exam?

Prime contractor applicants must also pass the Alabama Business & Law examination (50 questions, 70%, 120 minutes). Reciprocity may waive a trade exam in some cases but does not waive Business & Law.