Essential Landscape Lingo: Contractors
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.
Talking like a Contractor
From surveying your property to seeing new additions go in the ground, it’s helpful to know what will be on your contractor’s mind.
acid soil - soil with a pH lower than 7.0
acre - a measure of land totaling 43,560 square feet (a square acre is 208.75 feet on each side)
alkaline soil - soil with pH higher than 7.0
building code - local laws and regulations for constructed elements (e.g. fences or pools)
building permit - project approval by local regulatory bodies for construction of certain features
clay - a soil type with small particles and good nutrient retention
drainage - controlling the flow of water with grading, slopes, berms, swales, pipes, or drain tiles
drip irrigation - a slow-feeding water system for plants, shrubs, trees, perennials
easement - land use rights given to others to access land, such as for utility access
evaporation - water (like rainfall and irrigation) returning to air; high temperatures speed this up
frost line - the lower depth at which the soil freezes in winter
grading - changing the slope level of an area
irrigation - watering by means of a piped system
microclimate - variations of the climate within a specific area, thanks to hills, structures, or water
pH - a measure of the amount of acidity and alkalinity contained in your soil
setback - locally required distances between a property line and special features
subsoil - the layer of soil beneath the topsoil or loam; usually poor quality soil or clay