Landscaping Glossary
This glossary explains the landscaping terms you are likely to hear when planning a patio, wall, lawn or garden with us, in plain language and with notes on how they apply to Chilliwack and Fraser Valley yards. Each term links to the related service page if you want to read more. Have a question that is not covered? Contact us or call 604-807-4951.
Contact us today to get a free quote for your landscaping project! Let our experts provide you with personalized solutions to transform your outdoor space.
Tell us a little about your project and we’ll get back to you with a free quote.
A
Aeration
Punching small holes or pulling plugs of soil from a lawn to relieve compaction and let air, water and nutrients reach the roots. It is especially helpful on heavy Chilliwack clay lawns that see a lot of foot traffic. Related: Yard Maintenance & Lawn Care
Aggregate base
A layer of crushed gravel compacted under pavers, turf, steps or walls to give them a firm, stable foundation. In wet Fraser Valley soils, a properly built base is what stops surfaces from sinking. Related: Paver Patios
B
Backfill
Material placed behind a retaining wall or around a new plant once it is set in place. Behind walls, clean drain rock is often used so water can drain freely. Related: Retaining Walls
Bedding layer
A thin, smooth layer of material screeded flat on top of the compacted base, on which pavers are laid. It sets the final height of the surface. Related: Paver Patios
C
Cap (wall cap)
The finished top course of a retaining wall or step, usually a flat block or stone fixed in place. Caps give walls a clean edge and can double as seating. Related: Retaining Walls
Compaction
Pressing soil or gravel down with a plate compactor or roller so it becomes dense and firm. Base layers need compaction; lawn soil, on the other hand, suffers when it is compacted too much. Related: Paver Patios
Cross-slope
A slight sideways tilt built into a walkway or patio so rainwater runs off the surface instead of pooling. It is barely noticeable underfoot but important in a rainy climate. Related: Paver Walkways
D
Deadheading
Removing spent flowers from plants to keep them tidy and, for many perennials and annuals, encourage more blooms. Related: Yard Maintenance & Lawn Care
Drain rock
Clean, washed gravel with gaps between the stones that lets water pass through. It is used behind retaining walls and in drainage trenches. Related: Retaining Walls
E
Edge restraint
A rigid edging installed along the sides of a paver patio or walkway to stop the stones from spreading apart over time. Related: Paver Walkways
Edging (lawn)
Cutting a crisp line between the lawn and beds, paths or patios. A clean edge keeps grass out of beds and makes the whole yard look sharper. Related: Yard Maintenance & Lawn Care
Evergreen
A plant that keeps its leaves or needles through winter. Evergreens such as cedar give Chilliwack gardens structure and colour in the grey months. Related: Planting
F
Freeze-thaw cycle
Repeated freezing and thawing of water in soil and materials. Water expands as it freezes, which can heave poorly drained surfaces; good drainage limits the damage. Related: Paver Patios
G
Geogrid
A plastic mesh laid in layers behind taller segmental retaining walls to tie the wall into the soil behind it and add strength. Related: Retaining Walls
Grading
Shaping the ground to the levels and slopes a project needs, usually so water drains away from the house. Grading is one of the first steps of most landscaping jobs. Related: Landscape Design
H
Hardscape
The non-living parts of a landscape, such as patios, walkways, steps and retaining walls. Hardscape is usually built before planting and lawn go in. Related: Landscape Design
Herringbone pattern
A zig-zag paver pattern with units set at an angle to one another. It gives strong interlock and suits walkways and other busy surfaces. Related: Paver Walkways
I
Infill
Sand or other granular material brushed into some artificial turf products to help fibres stand up, add weight and improve feel. Related: Artificial Turf
Interlocking pavers
Concrete paving units designed to lock together with jointing sand and edge restraint, so loads spread across the surface. Related: Paver Patios
J
Jointing sand
Fine sand swept into the gaps between pavers to lock them together. Polymeric jointing sand contains binders that harden once wet and help resist weeds and washout. Related: Paver Patios
L
Landing
A flat area within or at the top or bottom of a flight of outdoor steps. Landings break up long climbs and give a safe place to pause. Related: Outdoor Steps
Landscape design
A plan for a yard that sets out the layout of lawns, beds, hard surfaces and plants before anything is built. Related: Landscape Design
M
Moss
A low, spongy plant that spreads in shady, damp, compacted lawns and on shaded paths. It is very common in the Fraser Valley and is best controlled by fixing the conditions that cause it. Related: Yard Maintenance & Lawn Care
Mulch
A layer of bark, wood chips or other material spread over garden beds to hold moisture, suppress weeds and protect roots. Mulch helps new plants through dry summer spells. Related: Planting
P
Paver deck
A deck-style outdoor area surfaced with stone or concrete pavers instead of wood or composite boards, built at ground level or raised to meet a doorway or terrace. No boards to stain or rot in wet Fraser Valley winters. Related: Paver Patios
Perennial
A plant that lives for more than two years, often dying back in winter and regrowing in spring. Related: Planting
Perforated drain pipe
A pipe with small holes that collects water from the surrounding gravel and carries it away. It is used at the base of retaining walls and in drainage trenches. Related: Retaining Walls
Pile height
The length of the fibres on artificial turf. Shorter piles suit putting greens and heavy use; longer piles look more like a natural lawn. Related: Artificial Turf
Putting green
A small area of short, dense synthetic turf built on a firm, smooth base for practising putting at home. Related: Artificial Turf
R
Retaining wall
A wall that holds back soil where the ground changes level, used to create flat, usable areas on sloped lots. Related: Retaining Walls
Rise and run
The height (rise) and depth (run) of each outdoor step. Keeping these consistent through a flight is key to safe footing. Related: Outdoor Steps
S
Seasonal cleanup
A spring or fall visit that clears leaves and debris, cuts back plants, and tidies beds and lawns ready for the next season. Related: Yard Maintenance & Lawn Care
Sod
Strips or rolls of turf grass grown on a farm and harvested with a thin layer of soil, laid to create an instant lawn. Related: Sod Installation
Synthetic turf
Manufactured grass made from plastic fibres attached to a backing, also called artificial turf or artificial grass. It stays green without mowing or watering. Related: Artificial Turf
T
Topsoil
The upper layer of soil, rich in organic matter, where most roots grow. New-build lots often have very little of it, which is why it is added before laying sod or planting. Related: Sod Installation
Tread
The flat part of a step that you stand on. Outdoor treads are usually deeper than indoor ones and set with a slight fall so water drains off. Related: Outdoor Steps
W
Weed barrier
A fabric laid under gravel or some beds to slow weed growth. It helps, but mulch and regular weeding are still needed. Related: Planting
Talk to a Chilliwack Landscaper
Ready to put the jargon to work? Book a free on-site consultation and we will walk your property with you. Call 604-807-4951, email office@hugheslandscaping.ca or contact us online. Learn more about Hughes Landscaping in Chilliwack and the Chilliwack neighbourhoods we serve.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
The Best Service In Town
Full-Service Lawn Care And Lawn Care Management
We offer complete lawn care solutions, including mowing, fertilization, and weed control, tailored to your property. Trust our expertise to manage and maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn all year long.