Landscaping Terms: A Glossary of Industry Lingo + Detailed Definitions

Every industry has its own language, and landscaping is no different. From softscape to subsurface drainage, knowing the right landscaping terms is key to communicating clearly, quoting accurately, and earning trust on the job.

In this article, you’ll find a glossary of landscaping terms from A to Z, designed for working pros. Every definition is explained with the real-world context you need to use it confidently, whether you’re on the job site, at the supplier, or writing your first client proposal.

General Landscaping Terms A-Z

These are the bread-and-butter landscaping terms and definitions that come up on most jobs. Mastering these will make every conversation clearer, from your crew to your clients.

Aeration

When you aerate, you perforate the soil with tiny holes to allow better absorption of air, water, and nutrients, promoting deeper root growth and healthier plants.

It’s typically done with a core aerator in the spring or fall and is especially helpful for compacted lawns or high-traffic areas. 

For example, if a client’s lawn is thinning despite watering and fertilizing, aeration might be the fix.

Compost

Compost is a nutrient-rich material created by breaking down organic waste, and it’s commonly added to soil to improve its fertility and structure.

Many landscapers use it when installing garden beds or mixing it into topsoil for turf installations.

Drainage

Drainage refers to how water moves through and off a landscape. Poor drainage can lead to puddling, erosion, and plant disease. 

Solutions include French drains, dry creek beds, grading, or using permeable materials. If a client’s yard stays soggy after rain, drainage must be addressed before anything else.

Edging

Edging creates clean, defined boundaries between different parts of a landscape, like where a lawn meets a flower bed or a walkway. 

It can be done with metal, plastic, stone, or a deep spade-cut trench. Proper edging looks crisp and helps reduce lawn creep and mulch spillover.

Erosion Control

Erosion control involves techniques used to stop soil from being displaced by wind or water. Landscapers may use ground cover plants, retaining walls, terracing, or erosion-control blankets, especially on slopes or near water features.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is any substance that adds nutrients to soil to promote healthy plant growth. It can be synthetic or organic and often contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). 

Landscapers often follow a schedule based on the season, plant type, and soil condition to apply the right mix.

Grading

Grading is reshaping the ground’s surface to create a desired slope. It’s usually done to improve drainage, level a site for hardscaping, or create visual interest. 

A well-graded yard is designed to slope away from the house, helping to prevent water from collecting near the foundation and reducing the risk of water damage.

Want to understand how grading impacts site prep and long-term drainage? This in-depth guide on what grading means in landscaping and construction breaks it down clearly.”

Hardiness Zone

A hardiness zone is a geographic area defined by climate and is used to determine which plants will survive in that region. 

Landscapers reference the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (or local equivalents) to choose plants that won’t die off in winter. For example, Zone 7 allows for certain palms that would freeze in Zone 5.

Landscape Fabric

Landscape fabric is a permeable material laid under mulch or gravel to suppress weeds while allowing water and air to reach the soil. It’s commonly used in low-maintenance beds, though it needs to be installed correctly to avoid tearing or water runoff issues.

Mulch

Mulch is a protective layer spread over soil to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. It’s commonly made from materials like bark, wood chips, straw, gravel, or recycled rubber. 

Applying mulch to flower beds enhances their visual appeal while also helping to conserve moisture and minimize weed growth over time.

Overseeding

Overseeding involves applying new grass seed across an existing lawn to boost its thickness and enhance its overall appearance. 

It’s commonly done following aeration and is frequently combined with fertilizing for better results. If a lawn looks patchy after summer stress, overseeding in the fall can bring it back stronger.

Runoff

Runoff is water that flows over the surface of the land instead of soaking into the ground. It often carries soil, fertilizer, or pollutants into storm drains or nearby streams. 

Good landscaping design minimizes runoff with grading, permeable surfaces, and proper plant selection.

Sod

Sod is pre-grown grass sold in rolls or squares that can be laid down for an instant lawn. It establishes faster than seed but is more expensive. Landscapers typically install sod over leveled and well-prepared topsoil.

Thatch

Thatch is a layer made up of dead grass, roots, and other organic material that forms between the soil and the green grass above it.

A thin layer can actually benefit the lawn by helping the soil hold moisture and stay insulated. However, if too much thatch accumulates, it can block essential water, air, and nutrients from getting down to the root zone.

In lawns that are poorly maintained or heavily compacted, dethatching may be necessary to restore healthy growth.

Topsoil

Topsoil is the top layer of soil, known for its high concentration of nutrients and organic material. It’s commonly used when planting lawns, creating gardens, or preparing new landscape areas.

When grading a yard or installing sod, landscapers often add a few inches of high-quality topsoil to promote root growth.

Weed Barrier

A weed barrier is a material (often landscape fabric or plastic) laid beneath mulch or rock to prevent weed growth. It’s especially useful in low-maintenance installations or rock gardens. However, it’s not ideal for beds that will be regularly replanted or need rich soil activity.

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that conserves water by using drought-resistant plants and smart irrigation techniques.

Common in arid regions, it relies on native plants, mulches, and smart irrigation rather than lawns and thirsty ornamentals.

Zoning (Landscape Zoning)

Landscape zoning divides a yard or outdoor area into functional sections, like entertainment, utility, or play zones, each with its purpose, materials, and plantings. This concept helps homeowners visualize the space and improves the flow of the design.

Landscaping Terms: Softscape and Hardscape

Softscape refers to the living, horticultural elements of a landscape (plants, soil, turf, and mulch), while hardscape covers the built features (patios, walls, walkways, and other structural elements). 

Whether you’re planning an install or presenting a quote, knowing these terms helps you clearly communicate vision and value.

Aggregate

Aggregate is a mix of materials like crushed stone, gravel, or sand used in construction and landscape applications. It forms the base under patios and driveways and is also used decoratively in xeriscaping. Using the right aggregate size and compaction method ensures structural integrity.

Annuals

These plants grow, bloom, and produce seeds all within one growing season before dying. They must be replanted each year but offer vibrant seasonal color. Landscapers often use them to fill garden beds or containers during spring and summer.

Base Material

Base material is the compacted foundation layer beneath hardscaping features like patios, retaining walls, and driveways. Usually made from crushed rock or road base, it prevents settling and shifting. Skimping on base material is a shortcut that leads to costly callbacks.

Berm

A berm is an elevated mound of earth built on a flat landscape to create height, guide water flow, or enhance visual appeal.

Berms can also be used to improve drainage or screen views when planted with trees or shrubs.

Boulders

Boulders are large stones used as focal points, informal seating, or natural borders in a landscape. Because of their size and weight, they’re often placed with machinery and require thoughtful planning to look intentional and balanced.

Borders

Borders create a clean separation between different landscape areas, like lawns, garden beds, and walkways. Materials range from metal or brick to stone or living edging plants. Effective borders improve aesthetics and help contain mulch or groundcover.

Decomposed Granite (DG)

Decomposed granite is a fine gravel that compacts into a firm, permeable surface. It’s used for walkways, patios, and garden paths and is especially popular in drought-tolerant and minimalist designs. It needs occasional raking and replenishment to stay neat.

Evergreens

Evergreens are plants that retain their foliage year-round, providing consistent structure and color. 

They’re commonly used for hedges, privacy screens, or to anchor planting beds. Examples include holly, boxwood, cedar, and pine.

Flagstone

Flagstone is a flat, irregularly shaped natural stone used for walkways, patios, and stepping paths. It creates a natural, rustic look and is usually installed over compacted gravel or sand with loose or mortared joints.

French Drain

This is a trench with gravel and a perforated pipe designed to move excess water away from saturated areas or building foundations. It’s commonly used to fix drainage problems in low areas of a yard.

Groundcover

Groundcover consists of low-growing, spreading plants that cover soil and suppress weeds. They’re used in areas where grass doesn’t grow well or to reduce erosion on slopes. Common choices include creeping thyme, ajuga, and sedum.

Hardscape

Hardscape includes all non-living elements of a landscape, such as stone patios, concrete paths, brick walls, fire pits, or pergolas. These features define how the space functions and are typically the most labor-intensive parts of a project.

Infill

Infill refers to the material, such as polymeric sand or pea gravel, placed between pavers or stones. It locks the elements in place, helps with drainage, and prevents weed growth. 

Polymeric sand is often used as infill for high-traffic areas due to its binding strength.

Irrigation

Irrigation involves supplying water to a landscape through man-made systems such as sprinklers, drip irrigation, or soaker hoses.

An efficient irrigation design saves time, conserves water, and keeps plants healthy, particularly in larger or high-maintenance properties.

Native Plants

Native plants naturally grow in a particular area or environment without human introduction. Because they’ve evolved in local conditions, they usually need minimal watering, fertilizing, or upkeep.

Using native plants also supports pollinators and sustainable landscaping.

Pavers

Pavers are individual units made from concrete, stone, or brick, used to build patios, walkways, and driveways. They interlock to create durable, flexible surfaces that can be repaired easily by replacing individual units.

Pathway Lighting

Pathway lighting consists of low-voltage fixtures that illuminate walkways, steps, or garden paths. It increases safety at night while enhancing the visual appeal of the landscape. 

LED systems are now the standard in pathway lighting due to efficiency and longevity.

Perennials

Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and return season after season. After blooming, they typically go dormant in colder months and regrow in spring. 

Examples include hostas, daylilies, and coneflowers, all excellent choices for low-maintenance planting beds.

Pergola

A pergola is an outdoor structure featuring upright supports and horizontal beams, commonly built over patios or paths to offer light shade and create a focal point in the landscape. 

It can also be used to hold climbing vines or outdoor lighting and is usually made from materials like wood, metal, or vinyl.

Raised Bed

A raised bed is an enclosed garden bed built above ground level. It can be built using materials like wood, stone, metal, or brick, allow for improved management of soil conditions and drainage.

It’s especially useful for vegetable gardening or planting in areas with poor native soil.

Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is a structure built to hold back soil on a slope, creating level areas for planting or hardscape. It also prevents erosion and can define usable space in uneven yards. Common materials include interlocking block, stone, and timber.

Riprap

Riprap is a protective layer of large stones placed along slopes, shorelines, or drainage areas to prevent erosion. While primarily functional, it can be designed to look natural and blend into rock-based or native plant landscapes.

Seat Wall

A seat wall is a short wall built at bench height around a patio, fire pit, or garden area. It serves a dual purpose: as a retaining feature and as built-in seating. It’s often capped with smooth stone or brick for comfort.

Slab

A slab is a large, flat section of stone or concrete used in hardscaping. Slabs offer a sleek, modern look and are commonly installed in patios or contemporary pathways where fewer joints and a clean finish are desired.

Softscape

Softscape encompasses the living elements of a landscape, such as plants, soil, turf, and mulch. It provides color, texture, and seasonal change, balancing the structure of hardscape with organic life.

Stacked Stone

Stacked stone is a technique where thin stones are layered to create vertical surfaces like garden walls, columns, or fire pit surrounds. It can be dry-stacked for a natural look or mortared for added strength and precision.

Stepping Stones

Stepping stones are individual flat stones set into grass, gravel, or mulch to create a casual walkway. They reduce wear on turf and guide foot traffic, often used between patio areas and garden features.

Swale

A swale is a shallow, grassy ditch or channel designed to redirect stormwater across a property without causing erosion. Swales are a subtle and eco-friendly way to handle runoff in both residential and commercial landscapes.

Walkway

A walkway is a path designed for foot traffic, usually connecting areas like the driveway to the front door or the patio to the garden. It can be built using pavers, flagstone, gravel, concrete, or stepping stones. Proper edging and base preparation are critical to keeping a walkway safe and long-lasting.

Landscaping Terms: Design and Aesthetics

These landscaping terms  are essential for landscapers looking to elevate their work from functional to visually compelling, especially when pitching higher-end jobs or collaborating with designers.

Accent Planting

Accent planting is the use of one or more plants to highlight a specific area or feature. These are usually bold in color, shape, or size, and placed where they’ll attract attention, like framing a path or flanking an entryway.

Balance

Balance is the visual equilibrium in a design. Symmetrical balance involves mirroring elements on both sides of a central axis (like a front door flanked by identical shrubs), while asymmetrical balance uses different elements to achieve a sense of harmony (such as a large boulder on one side balanced by a grouping of smaller plants on the other).

Color Theory

Color theory is the use of color relationships to create mood and contrast in a landscape. 

Warm colors (reds, yellows, oranges) draw attention and feel energetic, while cool colors (blues, purples, greens) recede and create calm. 

Landscapers often use complementary colors for bold impact or analogous colors for harmony.

Contrast

Contrast adds visual interest by placing differing elements side by side, such as pairing dark mulch with bright flowers or using smooth concrete beside rough natural stone. 

In moderation, contrast helps highlight features and break up monotony in a design.

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is the visual impression a property makes from the street. It’s often the first thing potential buyers or clients notice, and it influences property value. 

Strategic updates like pressure-washing, seasonal color, or tidy mulch beds can significantly boost curb appeal with minimal cost.

Focal Point

A focal point is the standout feature in a landscape that naturally draws the eye. This might be a large specimen tree, a sculptural fountain, or a bold planting arrangement. 

A strong focal point helps structure the rest of the design and prevents the space from feeling scattered.

Form

Form is the overall shape or structure of elements in a landscape, such as the rounded canopy of a tree, the upright form of ornamental grasses, or the geometric shape of paver patterns. Using a variety of forms creates visual interest and balance.

Layering

Layering involves arranging plants in tiers, typically tall in the back, medium in the middle, and low in the front, to create depth and structure in beds. It mimics the way plants grow in nature and ensures every plant is visible and gets light.

Line

Line refers to the visual path that the eye follows in a landscape. It can be defined by edges of walkways, rows of plants, or the shape of beds. 

Straight lines convey formality and order, while curved lines feel more natural and relaxed.

Proportion

Proportion deals with the size relationships between elements, such as how a tree fits near a home or how tall a retaining wall looks next to a fence. 

Getting proportions right helps everything look balanced and intentional rather than awkward or out of place.

Rhythm and Repetition

Rhythm involves creating a sense of movement or flow in a design by repeating elements like shrubs, lights, or paving patterns at regular intervals. 

Repetition adds predictability and helps the eye move smoothly through the landscape without getting “stuck.”

Scale

Scale describes the relative size of elements within the space. Features should be appropriately sized for the yard and for each other. 

For example, a tall pergola might work well in a large backyard but would overwhelm a small patio.

Texture

Texture refers to how surfaces and plant foliage look and feel (fine, coarse, rough, smooth, etc.). 

Combining different textures, like pairing feathery ornamental grasses with broad-leafed shrubs, adds depth and dimension to plantings.

Unity

Unity ties the entire landscape together, creating a cohesive and organized feel. This is often achieved by repeating materials, shapes, or plant types throughout the space. 

For example, using the same brick color in the walkway and patio helps unify different zones.

Visual Weight

Visual weight is how heavy or dominant something appears in a design, based on size, color, or texture. 

Dark, dense plants have more visual weight than light, airy ones. Balancing visual weight helps designs feel grounded and intentional.

Landscaping Terms: Tools and Equipment

These are the machines, hand tools, and specialized equipment every landscaping tech should know, especially when managing labor, quoting projects, or renting gear.

Auger

This tool has a helical bit used for drilling holes into soil, often for planting trees, installing fence posts, or setting deck footings. 

Powered augers can be mounted on a skid steer or handled manually, depending on the job size.

Bobcat / Skid Steer

While “Bobcat” is a well-known brand, the term is often used to describe any skid steer loader, a compact, engine-powered machine with lift arms that can be outfitted with various attachments such as buckets, augers, or forks. 

These machines are commonly used on landscaping sites for tasks like digging, grading, transporting materials, and light demolition.

Compactor / Plate Compactor

A compactor is a machine that compresses soil, gravel, or paver base material to create a solid foundation. It’s essential when installing patios, walkways, or retaining walls to prevent settling and ensure long-term stability.

Dethatcher

A dethatcher is a tool, either manual or motorized, used to clear out built-up thatch. Removing thatch improves airflow and water absorption, especially before overseeding or fertilizing.

Edger (Manual or Power)

This tool creates clean boundaries between grass and hard surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, or garden beds. 

Manual edgers have a half-moon blade, while power edgers use a spinning blade for faster, more precise cuts.

Hedge Trimmer

This handheld tool with oscillating blades is used to shape and maintain hedges or large shrubs. It comes in gas, electric, or battery-powered versions, and is key for maintaining a tidy, symmetrical appearance in formal gardens.

Landscape Rake

A landscape rake is a wide-headed rake used to level soil, spread gravel, or remove debris across larger areas. Unlike a leaf rake, it’s designed for grading and smoothing out surfaces before laying sod or seed.

Lawn Roller

A lawn roller is a heavy, cylindrical tool used to flatten soil or turf. It’s commonly used after seeding or sodding to ensure contact between soil and seed or to smooth out minor bumps in a lawn.

Leaf Blower

A leaf blower uses forced air to clear leaves, grass clippings, or debris from walkways and lawns. 

Gas-powered blowers offer high power, while electric versions are quieter and more eco-friendly, making them ideal for maintenance crews and post-installation cleanup.

Post Hole Digger

This is a manual tool with two shovel-like blades to dig narrow, deep holes for posts, signs, or fencing. It’s slower than an auger but works well for smaller or precision jobs.

Pruners / Hand Pruners

Pruners are handheld cutting tools used for trimming small branches, deadheading flowers, and shaping plants. 

Bypass pruners work best for trimming live stems and branches, while anvil pruners are more effective when cutting through dry or dead wood.

Sod Cutter

This machine removes sections of grass and roots in strips. It’s essential for lawn removal or reshaping areas before installing new turf, patios, or garden beds.

String Trimmer / Weed Whacker

This handheld tool uses a fast-spinning nylon line to cut grass in hard-to-reach areas, like around trees, fences, or edging. It complements a mower by reaching where the blades can’t.

Tamper / Hand Tamper

A hand tamper is a flat, heavy tool used to compact soil or base material in small areas. It’s slower than a compactor but useful in tight spots or when working around delicate features.

Wheelbarrow

A wheelbarrow is a single- or dual-wheeled cart used for transporting soil, mulch, tools, or debris. It’s a basic but essential tool for efficiency on any job site, especially when hauling materials across uneven ground.

Zero-Turn Mower

A zero-turn mower is a high-maneuverability riding mower that can pivot 180 degrees without leaving uncut grass. It’s ideal for maintaining large properties efficiently and is often used by maintenance crews handling residential or commercial lawns.

Final Thoughts

Mastering landscaping terms—from tools and techniques to design concepts—gives you an edge. It boosts your credibility, helps you quote more accurately, and builds trust with everyone, from clients to suppliers.

If you’re ready to take that next step, our guide on how to run a landscaping business is a great place to start.

And when you’re ready to scale, Workyard is here to support you with powerful tools that bring clarity to your time, labor, and project costs so you can build a business that lasts.

With simple mobile tools built for teams in the field, Workyard helps you cut back on admin time and focus more on growing your business.