Landscaping License Practice Test

Which area of a property is typically less exposed to direct sunlight during summer?

1. East

2. West

3. North

4. South

The correct answer is: North

The northern exposure of a property is typically less exposed to direct sunlight during the summer months. This occurs because the sun arcs across the sky from east to west as it rises and sets. In the northern hemisphere, during summer, the sun is higher in the sky and primarily travels across the southern portion, resulting in the north side receiving less direct sunlight. This can have implications for plant selection and overall landscaping design, as areas with less sunlight may require shade-tolerant plants or specific design considerations to accommodate the cooling effect and preserve moisture in the landscape. In contrast, southern and western exposures receive the most sunlight during summer due to their position relative to the sun's path, which is why vegetable gardens or sun-loving plants are often planted in those areas. The eastern side does receive morning sunlight but typically gets shaded during the afternoon as the sun moves.