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 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-burlap (B&B)
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 is tied and sometimes reinforced with a rope or a wire basket.
bedding materials
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.
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 thing that influences or affects an ecosystem.
blue infrastructure
landscape elements which are linked to water such as pools, ponds and pond systems, wadis, 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.
bulbs
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 in order to deliver the desired volume. (Used for sprayers and fertilizer spreaders).
Canadian Landscape Standard (CLS)
The purpose of the CLS is to document acceptable Canadian landscape construction practices as agreed upon by the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, government authorities and other industry associations. The CLS sets guideline and makes recommendations for all major aspects of the landscape industry. It is intended that the CLS will set guidelines for landscape construction projects across Canada. It is intended for use by anyone who specifies landscape work, including landscape architects, landscape designers, municipal parks, planning departments, procurement departments, and allied organizations. It is intended for landscape contractors to support them in the bid process. Furthermore, it supports industry related educational and training programs. Although the standard is not a specification, it will help streamline the specification writing process by referencing one nationally recognized industry standard.
canker
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 to prevent global warming.
catch basins
receptacle or reservoir that receives surface water runoff or drainage.
change orders
written order approved by a project owner directing the contractor to change contract amount, requirements, or time.
chemical
any basic substance that is used in or produced by a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules.
circle check
a circle check is 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
is the process of producing particular environmental conditions to regulate the growing environment such as temperature, ventilation and humidity.
climate control systems
adjustable systems installed to grow crops with optimum efficiency. They control the indoor climate including; light, temperature, air exchange, humidity and CO2 concentration. (greenhouse, cold storage facilities etc.).
codes
construction technologies and techniques must meet safety standards and comply with municipal, provincial and federal codes such as: electrical, building, plumbing and fire codes etc.
companion planting
close planting of different plants that enhance each other's 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
is a space that is not both designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy, has limited 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 pines, spruces, and firs.
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 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.
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 amount of material from cuts roughly matches the amount of fill needed.
cuttings
plant cutting, also known as striking or cloning, is 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.
defoliation
to strip (a tree, bush, etc.) of leaves.
desiccation
drying out of a living organism, such as when plants are exposed to sunlight or drought.
design principles
include the component principles of repetition, variety, balance, emphasis, sequence (rhythm) and scale as they are applied to the quality of a design.
dethatch
mechanical removal from a lawn of the layer of dead turfgrass tissue known as "thatch."
dichotomous key
analytical guide to the identification of plants, 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, in part, due to low temperatures that slow chemical activity.
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 stewards
individuals who responsibly use and protect the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.
fertigation
application of fertilizers, soil amendments, or other water soluble products through an irrigation system.
fertilizer
a chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its productivity.
filtration systems
process of filtering liquids or gases, such as air, through a filter in order to remove solid particles.
foot baths
a tub or mat containing disinfectants to provide sanitation protection of the footwear of all workers/visitors entering growing area to prevent the introduction of soil-borne pests and diseases from contaminating crops.
gall
abnormal outgrowths of plant tissues caused by many living organisms living on plants including insects, mites, fungi, parasites, and bacteria.
geotextile
permeable synthetic fabrics which, when used in association with soil, have the ability to separate, modify drainage, filter, reinforce, protect, or drain and serves 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 mitigate pollution and provide ecosystems that support healthy living. Green infrastructure takes many forms including but is not limited to the following: urban forests, natural areas, greenways, streams and riparian zones, meadows and agricultural lands; green roofs and green walls; parks, gardens and landscaped areas, community gardens, and other green open spaces; rain gardens, bio-swales, engineered wetlands, rainwater and stormwater management systems and permeable hard surfaces.
green roof
a green roof system is an improvement of an existing roof which includes a water proofing and root repellant system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium and plants that can provide building owners and municipalities with a return on investment.
grey infrastructure
includes traditional roads, stormwater management including pipes and sewers, utilities and buildings.
growing media
the material that plants grow in and 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, or wind.
hardscape
components of the design and construction of any landscape project that deals with a range of materials that include 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 dies 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 plants that have the potential to invade agricultural and natural areas causing serious damage to Canada's economy and environment and sometimes harm to human health.
irrigation controllers
device to operate automatic irrigation systems such as lawn sprinklers and drip irrigation systems and that have 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 the landscape and horticultural crops (greenhouse and nursery), for the purpose of growing and maintaining moisture during periods of inadequate rainfall. Components of these systems typically include sprinklers, nozzles, controllers, bubblers, drip emitters, valves, backflow prevention, pipe etc.
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.
layering
propagation method by which a branch/shoot takes root while still attached to the parent plant.
let-it-lay
leave in place, let lie, take no action, not removing natural debris in forested and natural areas.
lifts
layers of soil or aggregate fill.
liming
treatment of soil or water with lime to reduce acidity (increasing pH) and improve fertility or 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.
minimum tillage
is a soil conservation system 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.
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, promote the soil microbiome and improve aesthetics
organics
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.
pathogens
biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host by disrupting the normal physiology. Can be a fungus, virus, bacteria or parasite.
peat moss
spongy organic soil amendment used to increase acidity, organic matter, aeration and water retention of soil. Sphagnum peat moss is generally considered to be highest in quality. 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, either directly by eating them or indirectly by spreading diseases among them.
physiology
plant physiology is the study of vital processes and functional activity occurring in plants in relation to its survival, metabolic activities, water relations, mineral nutrition, development, movement, irritability, organization, growth and transport processes.
phytosanitary certificates
a document, issued by an inspector, that attests to the phytosanitary status of anything exported to and from Canada and that contains the information required by the Model Phytosanitary Certificate of the International Plant Protection Convention is signed by an inspector / official and sealed with an official Phytosanitary Certificate seal.
pinching
a form of pruning that encourages branching on the plant.
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 zones map outlines the different zones in Canada where various types of trees, shrubs and flowers will most likely survive. It is based on the average climatic conditions of each area and based on a wide range of climatic variables, including minimum winter temperatures, length of the frost-free period, summer rainfall, maximum temperatures, snow cover, January rainfall and maximum wind speed. 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 negative 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 wood, and stimulate the formation of 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 farther inspection, testing and/or treatment for a period of time, in an effort 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.
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.
refugia
area where a population of organisms can survive through a period of unfavourable conditions.
retention ponds
basins that are designed to temporarily hold a set amount of water and to catch runoff from higher elevation areas while slowly draining to another location. They are more or less around for flood control when large amounts of rain could cause flash flooding.
ribbon tests
simple method used to estimate the percentage of sand, silt and clay in a soil sample.
rootstock
the root or part of a root used for plant propagation. In grafting the rootstock is that 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 three- or four-year 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. Roughing up the surface of a root ball that has circling roots.
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
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 site utilities existing on a piece of property including lines for telecommunication, electricity distribution, natural gas, cable television, fiber optics, 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 material added to a soil/media to improve its physical properties to enhance production, such as water retention, permeability, water infiltration, drainage, aeration and structure.
soil texture
soil texture is 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
precise statement of legal particulars or documents that define the detailed qualitative requirements for products, materials, and workmanship upon which the contract for construction is based.
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 in order to contain it. The kit may also include protective equipment, such as goggles and gloves.
standards
a document developed to establish recognized and accepted minimum levels of quality that may be recognized by the owner, user, consultant for material, product, plant, design, system or installation procedure and;
to standardize, or simplify such variables as dimensions, varieties or other characteristics of specific products or plants in order to minimize variation in manufacture, production and/or use.
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 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 surface of topsoil. 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 in order 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 soluble 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.
wetland
wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas that are protected and managed in order 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.