Aeration: The process of perforating soil with holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the root zone, promoting healthier grass.
Arbor: A garden structure often covered with climbing plants, vines, or flowers, providing shade and creating a beautiful focal point.
Arborist: A professional specializing in the care and maintenance of trees, including pruning, removal, and disease management.
Bulb: A specialized underground storage organ of a plant, such as tulips or daffodils, that produces flowers.
Compost: Nutrient-rich organic material created by decomposing kitchen and yard waste, improving soil fertility and structure.
Cottage Garden: A style of gardening characterized by a mix of flowers, herbs, and informal design.
Curb Appeal: The attractiveness of a property when viewed from the street, often enhanced through landscaping.
Decking: The construction of outdoor platforms or decks made from wood, composite materials, or other materials for seating and entertainment.
Dethatching: The process of removing a layer of dead grass and debris (thatch) from the lawn to promote healthy grass growth.
Drip Edge: A metal or plastic strip installed along the edges of roofs and eaves to redirect water away from the building’s foundation.
Drip Line: The imaginary line around a tree’s canopy where water drips from the outermost branches, often used as a guide for planting.
Drip System: A method of delivering water directly to the base of plants through a network of tubes and emitters, conserving water and promoting root health.
Drought-Resistant: Plants adapted to thrive in dry conditions with minimal water requirements.
Drought-Tolerant: Landscaping and plants designed to survive with minimal water, suitable for arid or water-conscious environments.
Edging: Defining the borders of garden beds, pathways, or other landscaping areas to maintain clean and distinct lines.
Erosion Control: Strategies to prevent soil erosion, such as planting ground cover, installing retaining walls, or using erosion control blankets.
Fertilization: The application of nutrients to soil or plants to promote healthy growth. Different plants have varying nutrient requirements.
Fescue: A type of cool-season grass known for its fine texture and shade tolerance, commonly used in lawns.
Fountain: A decorative water feature that shoots water into the air, often used for soothing sounds and visual appeal.
Garden Path: A designed pathway within a garden, leading visitors through different areas and providing access to various features.
Garden Sculpture: Artistic additions to landscaping, adding visual interest and personal style.
Gazebo: A freestanding, open-sided structure often placed in gardens or parks, providing shelter and a place for relaxation.
Groundcover: Low-growing plants used to cover bare soil, prevent erosion, and provide a lush appearance.
Hardiness Zone: A geographical area defined by its climate and temperature ranges, helping select suitable plants for a location.
Hardscape: Non-living elements in landscaping, such as pathways, patios, decks, and walls, providing structure and functionality to outdoor spaces.
Herbicide: Chemicals used to control and eliminate unwanted weeds and invasive plants.
Hedge: Rows of closely planted shrubs or trees often used for privacy or as boundaries.
Hedge Trimmer: A gardening tool used to trim and shape hedges and shrubs.
Hydroseeding: A method of planting grass or other seeds by mixing them with water, mulch, and fertilizer and spraying the mixture onto soil.
Irrigation: The controlled application of water to plants, often through sprinkler systems, drip irrigation, or soaker hoses, to ensure proper hydration.
Landscaping Architecture: The profession and practice of designing outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, and public areas.
Landscaping Design: The planning of the layout and arrangement of various elements in an outdoor space to achieve a specific aesthetic or functional goal.
Landscaping Fabric: Permeable material placed under mulch or rocks to suppress weeds while allowing water and air to pass through.
Landscape Lighting: Enhancing the aesthetics and safety of outdoor spaces by illuminating paths, plants, and architectural features during the evening hours.
Lawn Aeration: The process of perforating soil with holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the root zone, promoting healthier grass.
Moss: A type of small, non-vascular plant that often grows in shaded and damp areas, adding a lush and natural look to landscapes.
Mulch: A protective layer of material (e.g., wood chips, straw, or gravel) spread over soil to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.
Mulch Bed: An area covered with mulch to conserve moisture, control weeds, and protect plant roots.
Native Plants: Species naturally occurring in a specific region, adapted to local environmental conditions.
Outdoor Kitchen: A cooking and dining area located outside, typically equipped with a grill, countertop, and seating.
Patio: An outdoor space paved with materials like concrete, stone, or brick, designed for dining, relaxation, and entertainment.
Pavers: Flat stones or concrete blocks used to create walkways, patios, and driveways.
Pergola: A garden structure often covered with climbing plants, vines, or flowers, providing shade and creating a beautiful focal point.
Pruning: Trimming or cutting back branches and foliage on plants to control growth, improve shape, and enhance overall health.
Rain Barrel: A container used to collect and store rainwater for later use in irrigation.
Rain Garden: A landscaped area designed to capture and manage rainwater runoff, promoting water conservation and reducing erosion.
Retaining Wall: A structure built to hold back soil or create terraces in sloped areas, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Slope Planting: Selecting appropriate plants and using erosion control techniques to landscape and stabilize steep slopes.
Slope Stabilization: Methods used to prevent soil erosion and stabilize slopes in hilly or uneven terrain.
Soil pH: Measures the acidity or alkalinity of soil and can affect plant growth; adjusting pH may be necessary for certain plants.
Softscape: The living, horticultural elements in landscaping, including plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers, which add greenery and natural beauty.
Sustainable Landscaping: Focusing on environmentally friendly practices, including water conservation, native plants, and low-impact design.
Thatch: A layer of dead grass and debris on the lawn’s surface that can inhibit healthy grass growth and may require dethatching.
Topsoil: The uppermost layer of soil that contains essential nutrients and organic matter, often used for planting and landscaping.
Tree Canopy: The upper layer of a tree’s foliage, providing shade and habitat for wildlife.
Turfgrass: The grass used for lawns, available in various varieties with different textures and care requirements.
Water Feature: Elements like fountains, ponds, and waterfalls added to landscapes for their soothing sounds and decorative appeal.
Water Garden: A garden feature that includes aquatic plants, fish, and decorative water elements like ponds or waterfalls.
Weed Barrier Fabric: Material placed under mulch or gravel to prevent weeds from growing through while allowing water and air to pass.
Xeric Plants: Species adapted to arid and dry conditions, making them suitable for low-water landscaping.
Xeriscaping: A water-efficient landscaping approach that uses drought-tolerant plants, minimal irrigation, and sustainable design to conserve water.
