Demystifying Landscaping Terms: Your Guide to Industry Language

When working with professional landscaping services in the Clarence, East Amherst, Amherst, Williamsville, and Snyder areas, understanding industry terminology can help you communicate more effectively with contractors and make informed decisions about your outdoor spaces.

Core Landscaping Company Categories

Residential Landscape Company

A residential landscape company specializes in designing, installing, and maintaining outdoor spaces for private homes. These companies focus on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments that enhance property value and homeowner enjoyment.

• Softscaping: The living elements of landscape design including plants, trees, shrubs, and grass
• Plant Material: All vegetation used in landscaping projects
• Specimen Plant: A standout plant used as a focal point in design
• Native Plants: Species that naturally occur in the Western New York region

Hardscape Company

Hardscape companies specialize in the non-living structural elements of landscape design. These permanent features form the backbone of outdoor spaces.

• Hardscaping: Non-plant elements like patios, walkways, retaining walls, and water features
• Permeable Pavers: Paving materials that allow water to pass through, reducing runoff
• Retaining Wall: A structure that holds back soil and prevents erosion
• Grade: The slope or level of the ground surface
• Base Material: The foundation layer beneath hardscape installations

Common Industry Terms You Should Know

Design and Planning

• Site Analysis: Evaluation of property conditions including soil, drainage, and sun exposure
• Master Plan: Comprehensive landscape design covering the entire property
• Phased Installation: Breaking a large project into manageable stages over time
• Microclimates: Small areas with different growing conditions than the surrounding area

Maintenance and Care

• Overseeding: Adding new grass seed to existing lawn areas
• Aeration: Creating small holes in soil to improve air and water penetration
• Mulching: Applying organic material around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Pruning: Selective removal of plant parts to maintain health and shape
• Deadheading: Removing spent flowers to encourage continued blooming

Seasonal Services Terminology

Spring and Summer

• Spring Cleanup: Removal of winter debris and preparation for growing season
• Dethatching: Removing the layer of dead grass that accumulates on lawns
• Fertilization Program: Scheduled application of nutrients to promote plant health

Fall and Winter

• Fall Cleanup: Leaf removal and winterization services
• Winterization: Preparing landscapes and irrigation systems for freezing temperatures
• Snow Management: Services including plowing, salting, and ice removal

Technical Terms for Property Assessment

• Soil pH: Measurement of soil acidity or alkalinity affecting plant growth
• Drainage: How water moves through and away from soil
• Exposure: The amount of sunlight an area receives (full sun, partial shade, full shade)
• Hardiness Zone: Geographic regions based on average annual minimum winter temperatures
• Frost Line: The depth to which groundwater in soil freezes

Project Management Terms

• Site Preparation: Initial work including clearing, grading, and soil amendments
• Installation: The actual placement of plants, hardscape elements, and other features
• Establishment Period: Time needed for new plantings to become well-rooted
• Warranty Period: Time frame during which work is guaranteed
• Change Order: Modifications to the original project scope

Understanding these terms will help you have more productive conversations with landscaping professionals and ensure your project meets your expectations. When discussing your outdoor space needs, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any terminology that’s unfamiliar.