CLA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CLA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the recommended minimum thickness for a concrete pedestrian walkway slab in a residential landscape setting? → 4 inches
2. How can landscape architects address climate change through design? → By incorporating green spaces, water-saving systems, and promoting biodiversity
3. Why should landscape architects incorporate water-efficient practices? → To conserve water and reduce environmental impact
4. When analyzing a site for invasive species, which document is most useful as a regulatory reference? → State or federal invasive species lists
5. What is a 'bid bond' required from contractors during the competitive bidding process? → A financial guarantee that the low bidder will enter into the contract at their bid price
6. Which document legally binds the contractor to perform the work described in the construction drawings and specifications? → Agreement/Contract
7. Which design technique involves gradually changing an element — such as plant height or paving material — across a space to create visual flow? → Transition
8. During site analysis for a park in an urban heat island area, which surface characteristic would most reduce local temperatures? → High albedo (light-colored) paving
9. A landscape architect implementing a tree canopy assessment should use which metric to compare urban forest coverage? → Percent canopy cover per unit land area
10. What does 'compressive strength' measured in PSI indicate for a hardscape material like concrete? → The force per unit area the material can withstand under compression before failure
11. Which irrigation component is used to prevent backflow of potentially contaminated irrigation water into the potable water supply? → Backflow preventer (RPZ or DCVA)
12. Which riparian buffer width is generally recommended by USDA to provide effective water quality protection for agricultural streams? → 35 to 100 feet
13. The term 'genius loci' in landscape design refers to: → The spirit or distinctive character of a place
14. When conducting a traffic impact analysis for a new park, the landscape architect is primarily concerned with: → Peak-hour vehicle trip generation and effects on adjacent road capacity
15. Why is considering the climate important in landscape design? → To ensure that designs are resilient and appropriate for the climate
16. A 'ha-ha' is a recessed landscape design element historically used to: → Provide a hidden boundary that preserves unobstructed views while containing livestock
17. Which approach to slope stabilization is most ecologically appropriate for a disturbed streambank in a sensitive watershed? → Bioengineering techniques using live stakes, brush layers, and native plantings
18. What is 'efflorescence' in masonry and concrete hardscape materials? → White salt deposits that leach to the surface as water migrates through the material
19. Which of the following grass species is a cool-season turf commonly seeded in the upper Midwest and Northeast US? → Kentucky bluegrass
20. A designer creates a garden with a strong central axis flanked by identical plantings and features on both sides. This layout exemplifies: → Formal or symmetrical design
21. In landscape design, 'unity' is best achieved through: → Repeating design elements, materials, or themes to create a cohesive whole
22. Why is environmental analysis important in site planning? → To identify constraints and design sustainably
23. Which type of retaining wall system uses interlocking concrete blocks with no mortar and relies on mass and batter for stability? → Segmental retaining wall (SRW)
24. What does 'ET' stand for in irrigation scheduling, and why is it important? → Evapotranspiration — the combined water loss from soil evaporation and plant transpiration
25. What is the botanical name for Eastern Redbud, a commonly specified native flowering tree in the eastern US? → Cercis canadensis
26. What does the term 'B&B' mean when specifying trees on a planting plan? → Balled and burlapped
27. What is 'chlorosis' in landscape plants, and what is a common cause in alkaline soils? → Yellowing of leaves due to iron or manganese deficiency
28. A retention pond holds stormwater permanently, while a detention pond: → Temporarily stores water and releases it slowly
29. What is a 'hydrozone' in landscape irrigation planning? → A grouping of plants with similar water requirements served by a dedicated irrigation zone
30. A project site has three distinct microclimate zones. The coolest zone is most likely located: → In low-lying areas where cold air settles