Essential Landscape Lingo: Gardeners

If you’re undertaking a landscape project of any sort, you’re likely to encounter a lot of industry-specific terminologies. Keep this reference guide handy as you navigate through the world of outdoor improvements.

For more, see our guides to Talking like a Designer, Talking like a Contractor, and Talking like a Gardener.


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Talking like a Gardener

Gardeners, landscapers, and maintenance personnel helping to keep your outdoor spaces in tip-top shape will appreciate your knowing some common landscape care practices.

aerate - loosening or puncturing the soil to increase water and oxygen penetration 

complete fertilizer - plant food with three primary elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium 

compost - product created from decomposed garden material and used to add nutrients to soils 

deadheading - pinching or snipping off old blooms to promote continued bloom 

dieback - the death of tips of shoots caused by damage or disease 

erosion - wearing or washing away of soil 

fertilizer - material rich in nutrients (usually nitrogen, phosphates and potash) added to feed plants 

inorganic fertilizer - synthetic compounds or minerals; potent though can be a pollutant 

organic fertilizer - made from decomposed plant and animal products 

fungicide - chemicals used to control fungus-related diseases 

herbicide - chemicals used to control weeds 

mulch - a material used to cover soil for moisture conservation and weed suppression 

pesticide - chemicals used to control unwanted organisms 

potting soil - a mixture designed for container gardens and potted plants; loose, light, and sterile 

pruning - cutting back plants to remove dead or injured wood and direct new growth 

topsoil - the top layer of native soil, which may also be good quality soil sold at garden centers 

transplant - moving a plant from one location to another

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Essential Landscape Lingo: Contractors