Landscaping License Practice Test

Which species is commonly used for hedging?

1. Lavender

2. Boxwood

3. Sunflower

4. Fescue

The correct answer is: Boxwood

Boxwood is commonly used for hedging due to its dense foliage and ability to maintain a specific shape through trimming and pruning. This species is evergreen, providing year-round greenery, which is highly desirable for landscape aesthetics. Boxwood tolerates a variety of soil conditions and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making it adaptable to different landscapes. Its leaves are small and closely packed, creating a formal and tidy appearance that enhances the structure of gardens and landscapes, making it a popular choice for borders and privacy screens. In contrast, while lavender can also be used for low hedges and adds a fragrant element to the landscape, its growth habit is not as dense or formal as boxwood. Sunflowers are primarily known as annual flowers and are not suitable for hedging due to their tall, slender growth and short lifespan. Fescue is a type of grass used mainly for lawns or ground cover rather than as a hedge, as it lacks the woody structure needed for effective privacy or boundary marking.