Appendix C - Glossary

Note:

a Canadian plant list approved and kept up-to-date by the Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association can be obtained by visiting their website or contacting the association.

abiotic factors: non-living condition or thing, such as climate or habitat, that influences or affects an ecosystem and the organisms in it
action threshold: before taking any pest control action, IPM first sets an action threshold, a point at which pest populations or environmental conditions indicate that pest control action must be taken. Sighting a single pest does not always mean control is needed. The level at which pests will either become an economic, aesthetics or biological threat is critical to guide future pest control decisions
aeration: in soil, the process by which air from the atmosphere is brought into the soil, usually to reverse loss of macropores resulting from compaction
aggregates: broad category of coarse particulate material used in landscape construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete, etc.
annual: plant that completes its life cycle, from germination to the production of seed, within one year, and then dies.
anti-desiccants: compounds applied to plants to reduce dehydration.
balled and burlapped (B&B)/wire basket: relating to a tree, shrub or other plant prepared for transplanting by allowing the roots to remain covered by a ball of soil around which burlap or other textiles is tied and sometimes reinforced with a rope or a wire basket.
bedding materials (hardscape): last layer of material placed over a compacted base on which interlocking/segmental pavers will be installed.
biennial: flowering plant that takes two years to complete its biological lifecycle.
biodiversity: the variability among living organisms on the earth, including the variability within and between species and within and between ecosystems. Short for biological diversity.
biome: a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a habitat.
biomimicry: the use of engineered or designed solutions to mimic natural systems
biophilic: the innate human desire to interact and connect with nature and natural environments
bioswales: landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water. They consist of a swaled drainage course with gently sloped sides and filled with vegetation, compost and/or riprap.
biotic factors: living things that influence or affect a plant or an ecosystem.
blue infrastructure: landscape elements which are linked to water such as pools, ponds and pond systems, artificial buffer basins or water courses.
botany: scientific study of plants, including their physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance.
brown field reclamation: redevelopment of abandoned, vacant, derelict or underutilized commercial and industrial properties where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination.
bud: small lateral or terminal protuberance on the stem of a plant that may develop into a flower, leaf or shoot.
bulb: underground storage structure that is the resting stage of certain seed plants, particularly perennial monocotyledons, that grows into a new plant when growing conditions are favourable.
calibrate: the process of measuring products and adjusting components to deliver the desired volume. (Used for sprayers and fertilizer spreaders).
Canadian Landscape Standard (CLS): a document that sets guidelines and makes recommendations for all major aspects of the landscape industry across Canada.
canker (tree): localized diseased or necrotic area on a trunk, branch, or twig of a woody plant, usually caused by fungi or bacteria.
canopy raising: removal of lower branches from the tree crown to provide understorey clearance.
capstone: one of a set of slabs on the top of a wall or structure.
carbon capturing: trapping carbon emissions and storing them away from the atmosphere.
catch basin: receptacle or reservoir that receives surface water runoff or drainage.
change order: written order approved by a project owner directing the contractor to change an element of the contract.
chemical: any basic substance that is used in or produced by a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules.
circle check: a visual, and sometimes physical, inspection of a piece of equipment (e.g., truck, trailer, forklift, etc.). It involves walking all the way around the equipment to ensure there are no safety concerns.
climate control: the process of producing particular environmental conditions to regulate the growing environment such as temperature, ventilation and humidity.
climate control systems: adjustable systems that control the indoor climate including light, temperature, air exchange, humidity and CO2 concentration.
codes: a collection of regulations adopted by an industry to define safety standards, and provide guidelines for design, construction and maintenance. Common codes used in this industry include the Canadian Building Code, The Canadian Electrical Code, and the National Plumbing Code.
companion planting: close planting of different plants that enhance each others’ growth or protect each other from pests.
compost: decayed organic material used as a soil conditioner, amendment or plant fertilizer.
concrete: mixture of gravel, sand, cement, and water that can be spread or formed and forms a stone-like mass upon hardening.
confined space: a space that has controlled access and may cause atmospheric and ventilation hazards for workers.
coniferous: mostly needle-leaved or scale-leaved, chiefly evergreen, cone-bearing gymnospermous plants of the order Coniferales, such as pine, spruce and fir.
construction details: detailed graphical representations that illustrate the technical characteristics of various structure components.
contaminant: biological, chemical, physical, or radiological substance (normally absent in the environment) which, in sufficient concentration, can adversely affect living organisms through air, water, soil and/or food.
contract: an agreement between two or more parties to perform work or provide goods, including an agreement or order for the procurement of supplies or services.
corm: rounded underground storage organ present in plants such as crocuses, gladioli, and cyclamens, consisting of a swollen fleshy stem base covered with thin external scale leaves; corms differ from bulbs in having much more stem tissue and fewer scale leaves.
cropping schedule: schedule to grow plants to marketable size at the right time of year.
cultivar: a plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding or vegetative propagation methods.
cultivation: the planting, tending, improving, or harvesting of crops or plants, or the preparation of ground to promote plant growth.
cut-and-fill: adding or removing to achieve grade whereby the material from the cut is used for fill on the same site.
cutting (for propagation): a technique for vegetatively (asexually) propagating plants in which a piece of the stem or root of the source plant is placed in a suitable medium to grow.
deadhead: remove spent flower heads from a plant to encourage further blooming.
deciduous: trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials that shed their leaves for part of the year due to dormancy.
deciduous: trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials that shed their leaves for part of the year due to dormancy.
desiccation: drying out of a living organism, such as when plants are exposed to sunlight or drought.
design principles: include the subjective component principles as they are applied to the quality of a design. They may include considerations such as texture, colour, repetition, variety, balance, unity, emphasis, sequence (rhythm) and scale.
detention: the temporary retention and controlled release of water, with focus on flow rate.
detention pond: pond that is temporary in nature and slows the passage of water on its way to a further destination.
dethatch: mechanical removal from a lawn of the layer of dead turfgrass tissue known as “thatch.”
dichotomous key: analytical guide to the identification of organisms, based on the use of contrasting characters to subdivide a group under study into branches.
disease: abnormal growth or dysfunction of a plant, caused by an interruption in the normal life cycles of a plant. Disease can be caused by biotic or abiotic factors.
dormancy: period in an organism’s life cycle when growth and development are temporarily stopped or slowed.
ecosystem: biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
efflorescence: white powdery substance on the surfaces of unsealed concrete caused by migrating vapour bringing soluble salts to the surface.
electrical conductivity (EC): common measure of soil salinity and is indicative of the ability of an aqueous solution to carry an electric current. Indirect measurement that correlates very well with several soil physical and chemical properties.
environmental stewardship: forming a relationship with the natural environment and using and protecting the environment through conservation and sustainable practices.
fertigation: application of fertilizers, soil amendments, or other water-soluble products through an irrigation system.
fertilizer: a fertilizing chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its productivity.
filtration systems: systems that filter liquids or gases to remove solid particles.
gall: abnormal outgrowths of plant tissues caused by many living organisms living on plants including insects, mites, fungi, parasites and bacteria.
geotextiles: permeable synthetic fabrics which, when used in association with soil and aggregate, can separate, modify drainage, filter, reinforce, protect, drain, and serve as a weed barrier.
germination: the process by which a plant grows from a seed. Examples include the sprouting of seedlings from a seed of an angiosperm or gymnosperm and the growth of hyphae from fungal spores.
grades: specified elevations of existing terrain or base.
grading: the work of altering existing terrain, base or an elevation or slope to meet specifications for work such as a foundation, base, landscape feature or surface drainage.
green infrastructure: planned and managed technologies that integrate natural processes within the built environment. They are intended to support healthy living and environmental sustainability.
green roof: roofing system which includes a water proofing and root control system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a growing medium and plants.
grey infrastructure: includes traditional built environments, including roads, pipes and sewers, utilities and buildings.
growing media: the material that plants grow in. It has three main functions: to supply roots with nutrients, air and water, to support maximum root growth, and to physically support the plant.
growth habits: general appearance, form (shape) and manner of growth of a plant.
guy: cable designed to add stability to a tree or free-standing structure.
hardiness: describes a plant’s ability to tolerate and survive adverse growing conditions such as cold, heat, drought, flooding and wind.
hardscape: components of the design and construction of any landscape project that deals with a range of materials (e.g., brick, stone, wood, metals or other natural or fabricated materials) used in construction of the built landscape including streets, walkways, structures, walls, street amenities, pools and fountains, and fireplaces and fire pits, etc.
heading: cutting back the terminal portion of a branch to a bud. A term whose subcategories include “topping” and “pollarding.”
herbaceous: plants or plant parts that are fleshy as opposed to woody and that die back to the ground at the end of each growing season.
integrated pest management (IPM): an approach to planning and managing pests that uses a combination of cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical methods to reduce pest populations to acceptable levels and with the least disruption to the environment starting with the least toxic control first.
invasive species: nonindigenous organisms with the potential to cause serious harm to the economy, the environment and health.
irrigation controller: device to operate automatic irrigation systems such as lawn sprinklers and drip irrigation systems and that has a means of setting the frequency of irrigation, the start time and the duration of watering.
irrigation systems: automated systems that deliver and distribute water to landscape and horticultural crops for the purpose of growing and maintaining moisture during periods of inadequate supply of precipitation.
joint materials: compounds used to fill the space between adjacent paving units and wall stone. May be bound or unbound. Including: sand, polymeric sand, cement mortars, resin mortars, etc.
lasagna gardening: a no-dig gardening practice of layering organic materials (such as leaves, branches, paper) to create a rich and fertile soil network.
layering: propagation method by which a branch/shoot takes root while still attached to the parent plant.
lifts: layers of soil or aggregate fill.
liming: treatment of soil or water with lime to reduce acidity (increasing pH) and improve fertility, aggregate structure, and consequently, oxygen levels.
liners: young, immature plants intended for “growing-on” to mature sizes in nurseries, either by lining-out in the field or in containers. Typically, 1 or 2 years old and often sold bare-root or in small containers.
load distribution requirements: a load distributed evenly over the entire length of a structural member or the surface of a vehicle, trailer, floor, or roof expressed in weight per length or weight per area.
lock-out/tag-out: is a safety procedure used in workplaces to protect workers by tagging dangerous tools, equipment and machines and ensuring that the energy source is locked out to prevent accidental use or start up prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work.
low impact development (LID): planning and engineering design approach to managing stormwater runoff. Its basic principle is modelled after nature. LID’s goal is to mimic a site’s pre-development hydrology by using design technologies that infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate and detain runoff close to its source.
microclimate: local climate conditions of a specific area that include temperature, light, wind and moisture and influenced by walls, fences, slope, elevation, exposure and orientation.
micro-propagation: propagation of plants from very small plant parts, tissues or cells grown in a test tube or container where the environment and nutrition are rigidly controlled.
morphology: the study of organism structures, including reproductive structures, and also addresses the pattern of development and relationships of these structures as they mature.
mulch: layer of bark, peat moss, compost, shredded leaves, hay or straw, lawn clippings, gravel, paper, plastic or other material spread over the soil around the base of plants primarily to reduce weeds, retain water, promote the soil microbiome and improve aesthetics
no-till: is a soil conservation method with the goal of minimum soil manipulation. It is a tillage method that does not turn the soil over. It is contrary to intensive tillage, which damages the soil structure.
organic material: an organic substance such as a fertilizer of plant or animal origin; a pesticide whose active component is an organic compound or a mixture of organic compounds; or a plant produced by organic farming.
overseed: to spread grass seed on turf or an established lawn to fill in thin or bare spots.
pathogen: biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host by disrupting normal physiology. Can be a fungus, virus, bacteria or parasite.
peat moss: spongy organic soil amendment made from Sphagnum used to increase acidity, organic matter, aeration and water retention of soil. Most soilless mix features peat as its main ingredient.
perennial: a non-woody plant which grows and lives for more than two years.
pest: any species of plant, animal, or pathogenic agent which reduces the productivity or health of plants. Pests include but are not limited to insects, snails, nematodes, fungi, viruses, bacteria, microorganisms, mycoplasma organisms, weeds, plants or parasitic plants.
physiology: plant physiology is the study of vital processes and functional activity occurring in plants in relation to their survival, metabolic activities, water relations, mineral nutrition, development, movement, irritability, organization, growth and transport.
phytosanitary certificate: a document, issued by a qualified inspector, that attests to the phytosanitary status of anything exported to and from Canada.
pinching: a form of pruning that encourages branching on the plant.
plain language: communication that is clear and easy to understand for the target audience.
plant classification: assignment and identification of organisms to groups and taxonomies within a system of categories distinguished by structure, origin, ecological adaptation, use, cultural or climatic requirements, growth habit and life span etc.; Plants are grouped by various common characteristics to help us communicate similar ecological adaptations and cultural requirements.
plant hardiness zone map: the plant hardiness zone map outlines the different zones in Canada where various types of trees, shrubs and non-woody plants will most likely survive. It is based on the average climatic conditions of each area and on a wide range of climatic variables. In Canada, the map is divided into nine major zones: the harshest is 0 and the mildest is 8. Subzones (e.g., 4a or 4b, 5a or 5b) are also noted in the map legend.
plugs: cylinder of medium in which a plant is grown. The term is generally used for seedlings and rooted cuttings.
positive drainage: grade that ensures that surface water drains away from all structures on a property so as not to damage structures and buildings on a site nor negatively impact on human health.
potting-on: transplanting a plant from a smaller container up to a bigger container in the growing-on process (also called bumping-up).
pruning: the selective cutting and removing of parts of a tree or shrub. It covers a number of horticultural techniques that control growth, shape, remove dead or diseased flowers and fruit buds. Pruning often means cutting branches back, sometimes removing smaller limbs entirely to preserve or improve plant health and structure.
quarantine: confinement or isolation of plants or plant products suspected of carrying an infectious agent for observation and research or for further inspection, testing and/or treatment for a period to prevent disease from spreading.
rainwater management: collection and storage of rainwater (often from rooftops in storage units) for reuse on-site, rather than allowing it to run off. Uses include water for garden, irrigation, domestic use with proper treatment, etc.
refugia: areas that provides shelter for a population of organisms to survive through a period of unfavourable conditions.
regeneration: processes designed to build soil health or to regenerate soil, including maintaining a high percentage of organic matter in soils, minimum tillage, biodiversity, composting, mulching, and crop rotation to support a sustainable growing environment.
retention: the storage of water, measured as a unit of retention capacity, without reference to flow rate
retention pond: pond that holds water for either infiltration into native soil or as a body of water and is the end location of piping or surface runoff systems. Retention water is not transported to other destinations.
ribbon test: simple method used to estimate the percentage of sand, silt and clay in a soil sample.
right plant-right place: concept used in the process of plant selection to select plants that are suited to the growing conditions and fulfill the intended function for their specific use in the landscape.
riparian zones: zones where land and waterways interface.
rootstock: the root or part of a root used for plant propagation. In grafting, the rootstock is the part of a grafted plant that supplies the roots.
rotating crops: a system in which crops are grown on different sections of a plot on a cycle to build soil fertility, boost yields and economic returns, and minimize the negative impact of soil-borne pests and diseases.
scarify: to break up and loosen soil to a shallow depth.; Also, to rough up the surface of a root ball or other material.
scion wood: short length of stem, taken from one plant, which is then grafted onto the rootstock of another plant.
silt fencing: temporary sediment control device used on construction sites to protect water quality in nearby streams, rivers, lakes and seas from sediment (loose soil) in stormwater runoff.
site assessment: includes identifying the existing inventory of elements and features including roads, neighbouring properties, soil type, drainage, microclimate, compaction, slopes, waterways, existing plants, wildlife, utilities and hazards, access and security requirements, etc.
site locates: depicts the location of underground public and private utilities existing on a piece of property including lines for telecommunication, electricity distribution, natural gas, cable television, fiberoptics, traffic lights, street lights, storm drains, water mains, and wastewater pipes. In some locations, major oil and gas pipelines, national defense communication lines, mass transit, rail and road tunnels also compete for space underground.
smart water technology: irrigation best management practices and components that address landscape needs without overwatering.
sod: carpet-like sheets of turf that are laid over prepared soil to establish new lawns. Many types of grasses are available.
softscape: parts of a landscape that comprise and support living material such as flowers, plants, grass, trees, soil, mulch, etc.
soil amendments: any organic or inorganic material added to a soil/media to improve its physical properties such as water retention, permeability, water infiltration, drainage, aeration and structure.
soil texture: a qualitative classification tool used in both the field and laboratory to determine classes for soils based on their physical texture.
spalling: loss of a fragment/chip or splinter, usually in the shape of a flake, or pitted appearance detached from the edge or surface of a paver or concrete due to a blow or sudden force, or the action of weather or pressure. Typically caused by poor installation and / or weather factors.
specifications: the part of the contract that consists of written requirements and provides a detailed and precise statement of particulars for the work of a project, and outlines a detailed description of materials, equipment, systems, processes, techniques, standards and workmanship, and certain administrative requirements and procedural matters applicable to the work. Specifications are typically prepared by the consultant as a complement to the drawings.
spill containment: where spills of chemicals, oils, sewage, etc. are contained within a barrier or drainage system rather than being absorbed.
spill kits: consist of absorbents that are sprinkled on top of the spill or sponge-like fabrics that are placed around the spill to contain it. The kit may also include protective equipment, such as goggles and gloves.
stems: the main body or stalk of a plant or shrub, typically rising above ground but occasionally subterranean. Slender stalk supporting or connecting another plant part, such as a leaf or flower.
stormwater management: stormwater management practices are developed to reduce, control, and prevent stormwater runoff through a variety of strategies. These strategies vary in nature and effectiveness and strive to improve water quality and either reduce or control flooding and erosion.
structural base materials: the layer or layers of specified or selected material of designed thickness and density placed on a sub-grade to support a base course.
structural integrity: ability of an item to hold together under a load, including its own weight, resisting breakage or bending. It ensures that the construction will perform its designed function, during reasonable use, for as long as the designed life of the structure.
subsoil: the stratum of earth or earthy material immediately under the surface of top soil. It contains little or no humus.
subsurface drainage systems: the process of directing excess water away from the root zones of plants by natural or artificial means, such as by using a system of pipes and drains placed below ground surface level.
take-off or quantity take‑off: process in which detailed lists are compiled, based on drawings and specifications, of all the material and equipment necessary to construct a project. Estimators use construction blueprints, either manually or electronically, and start “taking off” quantities of items they will need from those blueprints to prepare part of the estimate. Examples of possible take offs include the number of plants, linear measurement of pavers, volumes of aggregate, etc. needed to complete the work.
thinning: selective removal of plants/trees to improve to allow sufficient room for the remaining plants to grow; form of pruning that removes an entire shoot, limb, or branch at its point of origin to revitalize a plant by removing over-mature, weak, problematic, and excessive growths. When performed correctly, thinning encourages the formation of new growth that will more readily bear fruit and flowers. This is a common technique in pruning roses and “opening-up” the branching of neglected trees, or for renewing shrubs with multiple branches. A thinned plant becomes more open and is more likely to retain its natural form. More light penetrates a plant that has been thinned, and interior branches and foliage will be retained nearer the center of a tree.
top-dress: application of granular fertilizers, fresh soil, or compost to the soil surface around a plant or to lawns to replenish nutrients and to improve plant health.
topping: cutting back of the vertical stem (leader) and upper primary limbs (scaffold branches) on mature trees to achieve a uniform height. Topping is also referred to as heading, stubbing, or dehorning.
turf: the upper stratum of soil bound by grass and plant roots into a thick mat.; Any of various grasses (as Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass) grown to form turf.
vines: plant whose stem requires support and which climbs by tendrils or twining or creeps along the ground.
wattles: a method of erosion control using a bound mulch filter or an assembly of twigs or sticks.
wetlands: generally, include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas that are protected and managed to preserve a particular type of habitat and its flora and fauna which are often rare or endangered.
whip: a slender, un-branched shoot or plant.
woody: stems or trunks that are hard and thickened rather than soft and pliable and which increase in diameter each year.
xeriscape principles: is a landscape design and maintenance concept that conserves water and protects the environment. The 7 principles include: Planning and design; Soil analysis; Practical turf areas; Appropriate plant selection; Efficient irrigation; Use of mulches; and Appropriate maintenance.