Landscaping, Lawn Care and Tree Services Industry Terminology

Aeration (Core Aeration)

The process of removing small plugs of soil from turf to relieve compaction and improve air, water, and nutrient movement.

Schedule core aeration in fall ahead of overseeding; Clay-heavy sports turf needs aeration after high traffic; We include aeration as an upsell in spring packages.

Arborist (ISA Certified Arborist)

A trained tree care professional certified by the International Society of Arboriculture to assess, maintain, and manage tree health and risk.

Have an ISA Certified Arborist evaluate the hazard oak; The city requires an arborist report before removals; Our proposal includes an arborist-led pruning plan.

Backflow Preventer

A device on irrigation systems that stops contaminated water from flowing back into the potable supply; common types include RPZ and DCVA.

Test the backflow preventer annually per code; The irrigation install includes an RPZ near the meter; A failed backflow can contaminate drinking water.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Industry guidelines for efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible operations (e.g., fertilizer calibration, buffer zones, spill response).

Follow BMPs for mixing and loading pesticides; Our SOPs align with state BMPs for water quality; We train crews on BMPs to reduce runoff.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

A soil’s ability to hold and exchange positively charged nutrients (e.g., K+, Ca2+, Mg2+); higher CEC often means better nutrient retention.

Sandy soil with low CEC needs lighter, more frequent feeding; Compost can boost CEC over time; Soil tests list CEC to guide fertility plans.

Crown Reduction

A pruning technique to reduce a tree’s height or spread while maintaining structure, following ANSI A300 standards; not the same as topping.

Specify crown reduction over topping in the bid; Reduce end-weight on long laterals for wind resistance; An arborist marked reduction cuts with paint.

Dethatching

Mechanical removal of the thatch layer using a power rake or vertical mower to improve water and nutrient penetration.

Dethatch when thatch exceeds half an inch; Pair dethatching with overseeding for better germination; Avoid aggressive dethatching in summer heat.

Drip Irrigation

Low-pressure, low-volume irrigation delivering water directly to roots via emitters or inline tubing to minimize evaporation and runoff.

Convert shrub beds from sprays to drip; Check emitter flow rates for uniformity; Drip reduces overspray on hardscapes.

Erosion Control

Practices and materials used to prevent soil loss from wind or water, such as silt fence, erosion control blankets, mulch, and vegetation.

Install silt fence downslope before grading; Use blankets on steep slopes after seeding; Hydroseed with tackifier for immediate cover.

Evapotranspiration (ET)

The sum of water lost via soil evaporation and plant transpiration; used to schedule irrigation based on weather-driven plant demand.

Program controllers using local ET data; ET rose this week, so increase runtimes; Smart controllers adjust for daily ET automatically.

Fertilizer Analysis (N-P-K)

The labeled percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a fertilizer (e.g., 20-0-10); guides nutrient application.

Use 24-0-11 for summer turf feeding; Starter fertilizer 18-24-12 at seeding; Match N-P-K to soil test recommendations.

Fungicide

A pesticide used to prevent or control fungal diseases; includes protectant and systemic types identified by FRAC codes.

Rotate FRAC codes to avoid resistance; Apply preventatively for dollar spot; Systemic fungicides help on root diseases.

Girdling Root

A root that encircles the trunk or major root, restricting vascular flow and leading to decline or failure.

Expose the root flare and cut girdling roots; Pot-bound trees often develop girdling roots; Decline despite watering suggests girdling.

GPM (Gallons per Minute)

A measure of water flow used to size irrigation zones, valves, and pipe; determined by meter specs or a bucket test.

Limit each zone to available GPM capacity; Verify GPM before selecting nozzle sets; Low GPM indicates a supply restriction.

Hardscape

Non-plant elements of landscape construction, such as pavers, retaining walls, steps, and patios, including their base and drainage.

Compact the paver base to 98% Proctor; Add a French drain behind the wall; Edge restraints keep pavers from migrating.

Herbicide

A chemical used to control weeds; can be selective or non-selective, preemergent or postemergent, with label-specific application rates.

Apply preemergent before soil temps hit germination thresholds; Use a selective herbicide on broadleaf weeds; Spot-spray non-selective along fence lines.

IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

An approach combining monitoring, thresholds, cultural and biological controls, and targeted chemical use to manage pests effectively and sustainably.

Set action thresholds before spraying; Switch to disease-resistant cultivars; Release beneficials before chemical controls.

Irrigation Audit

A performance evaluation of an irrigation system measuring precipitation rate, distribution uniformity (DU), and scheduling efficiency.

Conduct a catch-can test to find DU; Audit before proposing nozzle upgrades; Deliver an audit report with runtime changes.

Job Costing

Tracking labor, materials, equipment, and overhead by job to measure actual versus estimated cost and gross margin.

Review job costing weekly for variances; Overtime eroded the patio job’s margin; Update estimates based on job costing data.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator)

A measurable metric that reflects operational or financial performance, used to guide decisions and improvements.

Monitor revenue per crew day; Track first-time quality and callbacks; Set targets for gross margin by service line.

Lateral Line (Irrigation)

Piping that carries water from control valves to sprinkler heads or drip zones; typically operates at lower pressure than mainlines.

Use class-appropriate pipe on laterals; Fix a lateral leak causing soggy turf; Keep laterals below freeze depth.

Lawn Renovation

A process to restore failing turf through steps like weed control, scalp mowing, aeration, soil amendment, overseeding, and proper watering.

Kill existing weeds before renovation; Topdress with compost after aeration; Use a starter fertilizer at seeding.

Mulch

A layer of organic or inorganic material applied over soil to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate temperature.

Maintain 2–3 inches around shrubs; Keep mulch off the trunk to avoid volcano mulching; Refresh mulch annually for aesthetics.

Mycorrhizae

Beneficial fungi forming symbiotic associations with plant roots, improving water and nutrient uptake and stress tolerance.

Inoculate roots at transplant; Mycorrhizae help trees in poor soils; Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce colonization.

Native Plants

Species that occur naturally in a region and support local ecosystems, often requiring less water and maintenance once established.

Swap exotics for natives in rain gardens; Natives support pollinators and birds; Propose natives to reduce irrigation demand.

Nitrogen Stabilizer

Additives that slow nitrogen loss via volatilization or nitrification, improving fertilizer efficiency (e.g., NBPT, DCD).

Treat urea with a stabilizer in hot weather; Stabilized N extends feeding on sandy soils; Use with liquid N to reduce losses.

Organic Matter

Decomposed plant and animal material that improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient retention.

Incorporate compost before sod; Track OM percentage in soil tests; Mulch mowing adds organic matter over time.

Overseeding

Applying seed into existing turf to thicken density, introduce improved cultivars, or transition cool-season color in warm-season turf.

Aerate before overseeding for better contact; Overseed bermuda with rye in fall; Adjust watering to keep seed moist.

Paver Base

Compacted aggregate foundation beneath pavers or slabs that provides support and drainage; graded for proper slope.

Excavate to allow for base depth; Compact in lifts to avoid settling; Screed bedding sand over the base evenly.

PHC (Plant Health Care)

A proactive, holistic approach to managing plant health via monitoring, proper pruning, nutrition, irrigation, and targeted treatments.

Enroll trees in a PHC program; Conduct seasonal PHC inspections; Use soil injections as part of PHC.

pH

A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity affecting nutrient availability and microbial activity; scale ranges from 0 to 14.

Lime raises pH in acidic soils; Sulfur lowers pH for azaleas; Base fertilizer plans on soil pH results.

Quick Coupler Valve

A keyed valve on irrigation mainlines that provides quick access to pressurized water for hand-watering or testing.

Attach a hose using a quick coupler key; Use it to flush debris from lines; Install near large turf areas for spot watering.

QWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper)

A certification focused on water-efficient irrigation design, auditing, and scheduling to reduce outdoor water use.

Bid notes a QWEL-certified auditor; Cities may offer rebates for QWEL projects; QWEL training covers ET-based scheduling.

Root Flare

The area at the base of a tree where the trunk widens into roots; should be visible and at or slightly above grade.

Correct deep planting to expose the root flare; Keep mulch off the flare; Buried flares increase decay risk.

RFP (Request for Proposal)

A formal document issued by clients to solicit competitive proposals, outlining scope, specifications, and evaluation criteria.

The HOA issued an RFP for grounds maintenance; Submit questions before the RFP deadline; Tailor the bid narrative to the RFP scoring.

Scalping (Turf)

Cutting turf excessively short, removing most of the leaf blade, which stresses the plant and invites weeds and disease.

Raise the deck to avoid scalping high spots; Scalping bermuda can be part of spring transition if timed; Uneven grade contributed to scalp marks.

Soil Test

Laboratory analysis of soil for pH, nutrients, salts, organic matter, and sometimes texture; used to guide amendments and fertilization.

Pull composite samples at proper depth; Base fertilizer rates on soil test results; Retest annually to track improvements.

Stump Grinding

Mechanical removal of a tree stump below grade using a grinder, followed by cleanup and backfilling.

Call 811 before grinding near utilities; Remove chips before replanting; Specify grind depth in the proposal.

Thatch

A layer of intermingled dead and living stems, roots, and stolons between soil and green vegetation; excessive thatch impedes water and fosters disease.

Measure thatch depth during lawn inspection; Address thatch with aeration or verticutting; High N fertilization can increase thatch.

TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification)

An ISA qualification that trains arborists to assess tree risk using standardized methods and reporting.

Schedule a TRAQ assessment for the leaning maple; The report rates likelihood of failure and consequences; Use TRAQ to prioritize removals.

T&M (Time and Materials)

A billing method where the client pays actual labor hours and materials used, rather than a fixed price.

Storm cleanup billed as T&M; Extras beyond scope handled T&M with approvals; T&M rates include equipment and markup.

Utility Locate (811)

A free service that marks underground utilities before digging to prevent damage and ensure safety; required by law in many areas.

Call 811 at least two business days prior; Wait for all-clear marks before trenching; Include locates in the project timeline.

Urban Forestry

The management of trees and forests in urban environments to enhance canopy cover, public safety, and ecosystem services.

Develop an urban canopy plan with the city; Prioritize street tree species diversity; Track canopy cover targets over time.

Verticutting

Vertical mowing that slices turf and thatch to improve seed-to-soil contact and stimulate new growth.

Verticut ahead of overseeding rye; Set blade depth just to the thatch layer; Clean up debris after verticutting passes.

Value Proposition

A concise statement of the unique benefits a company delivers to its customers relative to competitors.

Emphasize fewer callbacks and data-driven irrigation savings; Our value prop is safety, speed, and quality; Use case studies to support the value proposition.

Water Hammer

A pressure surge caused by a sudden change in water flow, which can damage pipes, valves, and fittings.

Install slow-closing valves to reduce hammer; Add air chambers or arrestors on long runs; Water hammer cracked the PVC mainline.

Work Order

An internal document detailing a specific task or service call, including scope, materials, labor, and timing.

Dispatch the irrigation repair via a work order; Close the work order with photos and notes; Track billable time on each work order.

Xeriscaping

A landscape design approach that minimizes water use through drought-tolerant plants, soil improvement, mulching, and efficient irrigation.

Replace turf with xeric beds and drip; Choose region-appropriate low-water plants; Use gravel mulch to reduce evaporation.

Yellow Nutsedge

A perennial sedge weed with triangular stems and glossy leaves, thriving in wet, compacted soils; difficult to control.

Identify by the triangular stem and seedhead; Improve drainage to discourage nutsedge; Spot-treat with halosulfuron or sulfentrazone.

Zone (Irrigation Zone)

A group of irrigation heads or emitters controlled by a single valve, scheduled based on plant type, sun exposure, and soil.

Separate turf and shrub zones for better scheduling; Shade zones run less than full-sun zones; Balance zone GPM to maintain pressure.