Landscaping Contractors Industry Terminology

Schedule core aeration in spring and fall for high-traffic turf | Aerate before overseeding to improve seed-to-soil contact | Specify 2–3 inch core depth with 2–3 inch spacing.

Install 4–8 inches of Class II AB under paver patios | Compact AB to 95% of maximum dry density (Proctor) | Use AB over geotextile to separate from subgrade.

Prune street trees per ANSI A300 Part 1 | Cabling and bracing shall conform to ANSI A300 Part 3 | Soil management to follow ANSI A300 guidelines.

Hire an ISA Certified Arborist to evaluate hazards | Submit arborist report for permit approval | Arborist to supervise root pruning near utilities.

Provide redlined as-builts at substantial completion | GPS-map valve boxes for irrigation as-builts | Update pipe routes and wire splices on as-builts.

Install RPZ for high hazard commercial systems | Test backflow preventer annually per code | PVB must be 12 inches above highest downstream emitter.

Specify 2.5 inch caliper B&B maples | Remove top third of burlap and wire at planting | Handle B&B trees by the root ball, not the trunk.

Import survey base map into CAD | Verify utility locates on the base map | Use aerial plus survey to build the base map.

Construct 3 foot berm along property line for screening | Use berms to redirect surface runoff to swales | Plant evergreens on berm to increase privacy.

Submit bid proposal with alternates by 2 PM | Break out unit prices for add/delete items | Low bid awarded subject to scope review.

Order 3 inch caliper oaks | Verify caliper at the correct height per ANSI Z60 | Caliper determines staking and guying requirements.

Issue CO for added French drains | Do not proceed without an approved change order | CO increases substantial completion by 5 days.

Compact subgrade to 95% Proctor under pavements | Avoid heavy equipment in tree root zones | Use plate compactor for paver bedding sand.

Incorporate 2 inches of compost into planting beds | Use STA-certified compost for quality | Brew compost tea for foliar feeding as part of organic programs.

Balance cut and fill to minimize export | Stake cut/fill limits before grading | Update cut/fill quantities after design change.

Submit a design-build proposal with concept plan | Use design-build to fast-track installations | Owner prefers single point of responsibility via design-build.

Dethatch when thatch exceeds 0.5 inch | Power rake before overseeding | Collect and dispose of thatch debris per site rules.

Improve DU by correcting pressure and spacing | DU of 0.75 is acceptable for sprays | Conduct catch-can test to calculate DU.

Grade swale at minimum 2% slope | Line with turf reinforcement mat on steep slopes | Tie downspouts into the swale inlet.

Use 0.6 gph pressure-compensating emitters | Flush drip lines at end caps each season | Set filter and pressure regulator on drip zones.

Do not plant trees in utility easement | Obtain permission to cross drainage easement | Verify easement widths before layout.

Install steel edging along shrub beds | Secure paver edge restraint with 10 inch spikes | Set edging flush to avoid mower damage.

Install silt fence at downslope perimeter | Use biodegradable erosion control blanket on 3:1 slopes | Maintain SWPPP logs after rain events.

Set controller to 70–80% of ET for water savings | Use local ET data from weather station | Smart controllers adjust runtimes based on ET.

Call 811 for utility locates before excavation | Excavate 8 inches for paver base depth | Stockpile and protect topsoil separate from subsoil.

Apply 16-4-8 at 1 pound N per 1,000 square feet | Prefer 50% slow-release N for summer feedings | Use soil test to guide N-P-K selection.

Set finish grade 1.5 inches below sidewalks for sod | Maintain 2% slope away from structures | Verify finish grade with laser level.

Meter provides 20 GPM available flow | Match zone flow to valve capacity | Use bucket test to measure GPM at hose bib.

Install 4 inch perforated pipe with 1% slope | Wrap trench with nonwoven geotextile | Daylight the drain to a safe discharge point.

Build a Gantt chart for the planting season | Update Gantt weekly to reflect rain delays | Identify critical path tasks (concrete cure) on Gantt.

Place geotextile between subgrade and base | Use nonwoven geotextile around French drains | Prevent base rock pumping with geotextile.

Verify spot elevations before rough grading | Adjust grading plan to protect tree roots | Submit revised grading plan after field changes.

Route graywater to mulch basins for trees | Install diverter valves and filters per code | Do not use graywater on root crops eaten raw.

Hardscape scope includes patio, fire pit, and seat wall | Coordinate hardscape elevations with finish grade | Ensure expansion joints are placed per spec.

Space rotors head-to-head at 30 feet | Correct dry spots by achieving head-to-head coverage | Re-nozzle to maintain head-to-head at new pressure.

Hydroseed roadside slopes with native mix | Use bonded fiber matrix for erosion control | Water lightly and frequently after hydroseeding.

Create low, moderate, and high water hydrozones | Program controller by hydrozone | Hydrozoning reduces overwatering and runoff.

Set cycle-and-soak runtimes for low infiltration clay | Perform percolation tests for infiltration basins | Match precipitation rate to infiltration capacity.

Scout weekly and record pest counts per IPM plan | Use cultural controls before chemical treatments | Establish action thresholds for grubs and weeds.

Install Wi-Fi smart controller with flow sensor | Set seasonal adjust to 80% in spring | Add rain and freeze sensors to the controller.

Separate turf and shrub zones | Limit rotor zone flow to valve capacity | Balance zones to maintain desired pressure.

Code crew hours to specific cost codes | Compare actual vs budget weekly via job costing | Identify unprofitable tasks (hand weeding) from reports.

Sweep polymeric sand and vibrate with plate compactor | Mist to activate polymeric binder | Top up joint sand during maintenance.

Track KPI for crew productivity (sq ft/hour) | Monitor days sales outstanding as a cash-flow KPI | Set KPI for warranty call-backs per month.

Landscape architect to stamp construction drawings | Coordinate plant substitutions with the LA | Work with ASLA-member firm on design.

Install landscape fabric under decorative gravel | Cut X-slits for plantings, avoid large openings | Avoid fabric in perennial beds where division is needed.

Achieve LEED points with low-water hydrozones | Provide LEED documentation for irrigation water savings | Use native plants to support LEED credits.

Submit conditional lien waiver with invoice | Collect final lien waivers from subs before release of retention | Owner requires lien waivers monthly.

Bill 5% line item for mobilization | Schedule mobilization after permit issuance | Mobilization includes fencing, porta-john, and signage.

Apply 3 inches of shredded bark mulch in beds | Keep mulch 3 inches away from tree trunks | Replenish mulch annually to maintain depth.