Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

What is a primary concern when selecting trees for a new planting area?

1. Sunlight exposure

2. Size of the tree

3. Water availability

4. Climate compatibility

The correct answer is: Water availability

When selecting trees for a new planting area, water availability is a primary concern because trees require a sufficient and consistent supply of water to establish themselves and thrive. Adequate moisture is crucial for various physiological processes within the tree, including nutrient uptake, growth, and overall health. If the water supply is inadequate or inconsistent, it can lead to stress, poor growth, and even mortality in trees. While factors like sunlight exposure, size of the tree, and climate compatibility are important considerations in the selection process, they ultimately can be managed or mitigated to some extent. For instance, a tree may adapt to varying light conditions or can be pruned to manage size. Climate compatibility is about ensuring that the selected species can survive in the region, which is important, but without sufficient water, even the most climate-adapted tree can struggle to thrive. Therefore, ensuring that there is adequate water availability in the planting area is crucial for establishing healthy trees that can grow and sustain themselves over time.