OUR GLOSSARY

[ A. ]

AGGREGATE
Crushed stone, gravel, or sand used as a base layer beneath pavers and hardscapes to provide drainage, stability, and a level foundation.

ARTIFICIAL TURF
A synthetic grass surface that delivers a lush, green look year-round with little to no maintenance, watering, or mowing.

AERATION
The process of perforating soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach grass roots for a healthier lawn.

[ B. ]

BASE MATERIAL
The compacted layer of gravel or crushed stone installed beneath pavers or walls to support weight and prevent shifting.

BROADCAST SPREADING
A method of evenly distributing seed, fertilizer, or mulch across a large area by hand or with a spreader.

[ C. ]

COMPACTION
The process of pressing soil or base material tightly together to create a firm, stable foundation for hardscaping.

CAP STONE
The finishing stone placed on top of a retaining wall or seating wall for a clean, polished edge.

CURB APPEAL
The overall attractiveness of a property as viewed from the street, often enhanced by landscaping and hardscaping.

[ D. ]

DRAINAGE
The system or grading that directs water away from structures and hardscapes to prevent pooling, erosion, and damage.

DECORATIVE GRAVEL
Small, often colored stones used for pathways, borders, or ground cover that add texture and reduce maintenance.

DRY-LAID
A construction method where pavers or stones are set on a compacted base without mortar, allowing flexibility and drainage.

[ E. ]

EDGING
A border of stone, metal, or plastic installed to contain pavers, mulch, or garden beds and keep materials in place.

EROSION
The gradual wearing away of soil by water or wind, often prevented with retaining walls, grading, or ground cover.

EXCAVATION
The digging and removal of soil to prepare a site for hardscaping, drainage, or foundation work.

[ F. ]

FIRE PIT
An outdoor feature designed to safely contain a fire, serving as a gathering point and focal element in a hardscape design.

FINISH GRADE
The final shaping and leveling of soil before installing sod, pavers, or plantings.

FLAGSTONE
Flat, natural stone slabs used for patios, walkways, and stepping paths, prized for their organic look.

[ G. ]

GRADING
The process of leveling or sloping land to control drainage and create a stable base for landscaping and hardscaping.

GEOTEXTILE FABRIC
A permeable fabric placed between soil and base material to improve stability and prevent weeds from growing through.

[ H. ]

HARDSCAPING
The non-living elements of a landscape, such as patios, walkways, walls, and driveways, built from stone, pavers, or concrete.

HERBICIDE
A product used to control or eliminate unwanted weeds and vegetation in lawns and garden beds.

[ I. ]

IRRIGATION
A system of pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads that delivers water to lawns and plantings on a controlled schedule.

INTERLOCKING PAVERS
Pavers designed to fit tightly together, distributing weight and resisting shifting for a durable surface.

[ J. ]

JOINT SAND
Fine sand swept between pavers to lock them in place, prevent weed growth, and support the surface.

[ L. ]

LANDSCAPE FABRIC
A woven or non-woven material laid over soil to suppress weeds while allowing water and air to pass through.

LEVELING
The process of creating an even, flat surface for pavers, sod, or other hardscape and landscape features.

[ M. ]

MULCH
A layer of organic or inorganic material spread over soil to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve appearance.

MASONRY
Construction using brick, stone, or concrete units bound together, often used for walls, columns, and outdoor kitchens.

[ N. ]

NATIVE PLANTS
Plants that occur naturally in a region, requiring less water and maintenance because they’re suited to the local climate.

[ O. ]

OUTDOOR KITCHEN
A built-in exterior cooking and entertaining space, often including a grill, counters, and seating within a hardscape design.

[ P. ]

PAVER
A manufactured or natural stone unit used to create patios, walkways, and driveways with a durable, decorative surface.

PERMEABLE PAVERS
Pavers designed with gaps that allow water to drain through, reducing runoff and improving drainage.

PATIO
A flat, paved outdoor area used for dining, entertaining, or relaxing, typically built from pavers, stone, or concrete.

[ R. ]

RETAINING WALL
A structure built to hold back soil, prevent erosion, and create level areas on sloped or uneven terrain.

RESODDING
Replacing an existing lawn with fresh sod to establish a healthy, green surface quickly.

[ S. ]

SOD
Pre-grown grass with soil and roots attached, installed for an instant, established lawn.

STONEWORK
Hardscaping built from natural or manufactured stone, used for walls, patios, walkways, and accents.

SITE PREPARATION
The clearing, grading, and base work done before installing hardscaping or landscaping.

STEPPING STONES
Individual flat stones set into a path or lawn to create a walkway while allowing grass or ground cover between them.

[ T. ]

TAMPING
Compacting soil or base material with a tool or plate compactor to create a firm foundation.

TOPSOIL
The nutrient-rich upper layer of soil used to support healthy plant, grass, and garden growth.

[ W. ]

WALKWAY
A paved path connecting areas of a property, built for function and to enhance the overall landscape design.

WEED BARRIER
A fabric or material installed beneath mulch or gravel to prevent weeds from growing through.