Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist key terms

Gear worn to reduce injury risk, such as safety glasses, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots. Employers must supply and maintain it where hazards exist.

A procedure for isolating energy sources on equipment before maintenance or jam clearing, using locks and warning tags so the machine cannot be started by another worker.

Canada's Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. It requires labels, safety data sheets, and worker training for controlled products such as pesticides, fuels, and fertilizers handled on landscape sites.

A standardized document listing a product's hazards, first-aid measures, handling, storage, and spill response. Workers must be able to access an SDS for every controlled product on site.

The process of marking buried gas, power, water, and communication lines before digging, usually requested through a regional one-call service. Hand digging near marked lines is required.

The mandatory practice of requesting a utility locate several working days before excavation. It reduces the risk of striking buried services and is often a legal requirement.

The sudden rearward or upward thrust of a chainsaw or cut-off saw when the chain or blade contacts an object at the top of the bar. It is a leading cause of serious cutting injuries.

A safety device on a chainsaw that stops chain rotation when the front hand guard is pushed forward, either by the operator's hand or by kickback force.

A blend of gasoline and lubricating oil used in equipment such as string trimmers and chainsaws. The correct ratio protects the engine; mixing errors cause seizure or excess smoke.

A planned timetable for servicing equipment, covering oil changes, filter cleaning, blade sharpening, and inspections. Following it reduces breakdowns and extends machine life.

A device or practice that stops irrigation water from reversing into a potable supply. It protects drinking water from contamination by fertilizers, pesticides, or soil.

A group of sprinklers or emitters controlled by one valve, matched for similar water demand and sun exposure. Zoning lets different areas be watered independently.

A low-pressure system delivering water slowly through emitters near plant roots. It saves water, reduces foliage wetness, and suits planting beds and containers.

The systematic recording of existing site conditions such as topography, drainage, sun exposure, soil, vegetation, and utilities, followed by interpretation to guide design decisions.

The shaping of ground surfaces to direct water, create usable levels, and tie into structures. Correct grading moves water away from buildings and prevents ponding.

An area of the landscape grouped by similar water needs, sun exposure, and soil so irrigation can be scheduled efficiently. Hydrozones usually align with irrigation zones.

The principle of matching a plant's light, moisture, soil, and space requirements to the chosen location, reducing maintenance, water use, and plant failure.

A geographic rating of minimum winter temperatures used to judge whether a plant can survive in an area. Canadian growers commonly refer to the Natural Resources Canada zones.

Localized conditions that differ from the broader area, such as a warm south wall, a frost pocket, or deep shade. Microclimates can extend or limit the range of a plant.

The standardized naming of plants by genus and species, with cultivar names in single quotes. Accurate names prevent confusion between plants with the same common name.

A plant variety selected and maintained by humans for specific traits, written after the genus and species in single quotes. Cultivars must be propagated to retain those traits.

The minimum temperatures, light levels, wind tolerance, and soil conditions a species needs to thrive. These factors determine where a plant can be installed successfully.

The proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in soil. Texture governs drainage, water-holding capacity, and how easily roots can grow.

The arrangement of soil particles into aggregates and pore spaces. Good structure supports air and water movement and resists compaction.

A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity that controls nutrient availability to plants. Most landscape plants grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soil.

The compression of soil that eliminates pore space, restricting root growth, air, and water infiltration. It is common on construction sites and heavily trafficked areas.

An element needed by plants in large amounts: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Nitrogen drives leafy growth, phosphorus supports roots and flowers, and potassium aids overall vigor.

The percentage by weight of nitrogen, phosphorus (as P2O5), and potassium (as K2O) stated on a fertilizer label. It guides application rate and nutrient balance.

Material spread on the soil surface to conserve moisture, moderate temperature, suppress weeds, and improve appearance. Organic mulches also break down to add organic matter.

The widened area where the trunk meets the major roots. It must sit at or slightly above grade after planting; burying it causes girdling roots and decline.

How deep a plant is set in the soil, measured from the root flare or the top of the root ball. Incorrect depth is a common cause of transplant failure.

A tree or shrub dug with a soil ball wrapped in burlap and secured with twine or a wire basket. The wrapping is removed or opened at planting.

A cut made to remove or shorten branches using proper technique, such as the three-cut method for heavy limbs and cutting outside the branch collar. Clean cuts help the tree seal wounds.

The swollen tissue at the base of a branch where it joins the trunk. Cuts made just outside the collar allow the tree to form effective wound-sealing tissue.

Removing spent flowers to prevent seed set and encourage further bloom. It also improves appearance and can reduce self-seeding.

A decision process combining monitoring, thresholds, cultural and biological controls, and pesticides only when needed. It aims for long-term pest suppression with minimal harm.

The pest population level at which control action is justified because damage would otherwise exceed the cost of treatment. It is a core IPM decision point.

Using living organisms such as predatory insects, nematodes, or pathogens to suppress pests. It works best when habitat and pesticide choices support beneficial populations.

A trench filled with gravel and containing a perforated pipe that collects and redirects subsurface water away from wet areas or foundations.

A compacted layer of granular material beneath pavers that provides drainage, load support, and a stable bedding surface. Proper thickness and compaction prevent settling.

A written agreement documenting a change to scope, price, or schedule after the original contract. It protects both contractor and client by recording approved revisions.

A written description of the tasks, materials, and deliverables included in a project. It sets clear expectations and helps prevent disputes about what was promised.

A document authorizing and describing a specific maintenance or installation task, including location, timing, materials, and responsible crew. It supports scheduling and record keeping.