Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Which step should be completed FIRST when installing a landscape?

1. Build retaining walls and garden walkways

2. Plant the trees and shrubs

3. Add amendments to the soil

4. Install the drainage system

The correct answer is: Install the drainage system

The first step when installing a landscape is to install the drainage system. Proper drainage is crucial because it prevents water from accumulating in unwanted areas, which can lead to various problems such as root rot in plants and erosion in soil. By addressing drainage first, you ensure that the landscape can manage water effectively, setting a stable foundation for subsequent steps in the installation process. Once the drainage is properly set up, it becomes easier and more effective to handle other components such as soil amendments, hardscaping structures, and planting. If these elements are completed before addressing drainage, any effort may be undermined due to improper water management.