Certified Arborist Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Hardiness in plants specifically refers to the plant's ability to withstand cold temperatures and various winter stresses. This characteristic is crucial for determining which plants can survive in particular climates, especially in regions where temperatures drop significantly during the winter months. For example, hardy plants are better equipped to cope with freezing temperatures and can resume normal growth when favorable conditions return in spring.

This trait is essential for gardeners and landscapers, as it helps in selecting appropriate species that can thrive in specific environmental conditions without requiring excessive protection or care during colder periods.

The other options touch on important aspects of plant growth and health but do not define hardiness. Nutrient-poor soil impacts growth and development but does not relate directly to a plant's ability to survive cold weather. Growth rate and development refer to how quickly a plant can grow, while resistance to diseases and pests focuses on a different aspect of a plant's resilience that is not specifically tied to hardiness in the context of temperature and winter conditions.