Instruction Set 1
Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
Introduction to Landscaping
Basic skills of a landscaper; skills needed to recognize common landscaping problems.
Instruction Set 2
Plants and Their Health
Parts of a plant; elements plants need to thrive; annual, biannual, and perennial plants.
Soils and Fertilizers
Classifications of soil and their properties; adjusting the soil’s pH; properly and safely applying fertilizer.
Graded Project #1: Soil Sample
Take a soil sample and have it analyzed. Using the results, make recommendations for applications of fertilizer and other amendments to the test area. Area should be at least 3000 sq. ft. in size. Recommendations for equipment to use.
Pest Management
Recognizing damage caused by insects and related pests; types of weeds; diagnosing problems.
Instruction Set 3
Hand Tools
Types of hand tools and their uses; determining which tool is appropriate for the job.
Power Tools
Components of outdoor power equipment; maintaining small power tools.
Graded Project #2: Identifying and Pricing Hand Tools and Power Tools
Visit vendors and make a list of tools needed to plant and maintain the landscape of residential property. List will include prices and vendor/store.
Instruction Set 4
Servicing Lawn Mowers and Riding Mowers
Basic parts of a rotary lawn mower and their functions; routine maintenance procedures for rotary lawn mowers; sharpening and balancing lawn mower blades; preparing a lawn mower for seasonal storage; troubleshooting lawn mower problems.
Servicing Garden Tractors
Basic parts of a riding mower and garden tractor; maintenance procedures; preparing a riding mower or garden tractor for seasonal storage; troubleshooting problems.
Instruction Set 5
Tree Identification
Simple and compound leaves; identifying trees by their flowers, twigs, and buds or bark.
Shrub Identification
Alternate and opposite leaves; identifying shrubs by their flowers, twigs, and buds or bark.
Graded Project #3: Creating a Design Using Shrubs
Visit nurseries in your area to see what shrubs are available; plant two areas with shrubs; describe what you have planted; give the prices you paid for the shrubs.
Textbooks:
• The Tree Identification Book
• The Shrub Identification Book
Instruction Set 6
Ground Covers
Properly preparing an area to be planted; methods of planting ground cover.
Design for Residential and Commercial Properties
Mixing and matching trees and shrubs in your design; using mulch and/or stone.
Graded Project #4: Creating a Design Using Ground Covers
Visit nurseries in your area to see what ground covers are available; plant two areas with ground covers; describe what you have planted; give the prices you paid for the plants.
Instruction Set 7
Turfgrass Establishment
Varieties of grass; preparing the soil for planting; mulching newly seeded lawns; recommended watering schedule.
Turfgrass Maintenance
Cutting the grass at the proper mowing height; properly edging sidewalks.
Textbook: Turfgrass Science and Management
Instruction Set 8
Specialty Landscapes
Proper planting around a pool; designs most effective in enhancing a gazebo; planting designs for use near ponds; designing a rock garden.
Your Landscaping Business
Opportunities in the industry; managing your business.
Graded Project #5: Maintenance Contract Proposal
Develop a maintenance contract for a residential property that includes labor and material.
Textbook: Step-by-Step Landscaping
Work Experience Option
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