FL Landscape flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping

A UF/IFAS Extension program with nine principles, including right plant right place, water efficiently, fertilize appropriately, mulch, attract wildlife, manage pests responsibly, recycle yard waste, reduce runoff, and protect waterfronts.

Right plant, right place

A design principle that matches a plant's light, water, soil, salt, and space requirements to the site so it thrives with minimal irrigation, fertilizer, and pruning.

Notice to Owner

A Florida Construction Lien Law document served by a subcontractor or supplier not in privity with the owner to preserve lien rights; timing and content are set by statute.

Claim of Lien deadline

Under Florida law, a Claim of Lien must generally be recorded within 90 days after the last furnishing of labor, materials, or services; verify current statute language before relying on it.

Change order

A written, signed modification to the contract that documents scope, price, and schedule changes before work proceeds, protecting both contractor and client.

Overhead and profit

Overhead covers indirect business costs such as insurance, office, and vehicles; profit is the return on the work. Both are added as percentages to direct costs.

Production rate

The quantity of work a crew can complete per unit time, such as square feet of sod per crew-hour, used to estimate labor hours and cost.

Contour interval

The vertical distance between adjacent contour lines on a grading plan; closely spaced contours indicate steeper slopes and help determine drainage direction.

USDA hardiness zone

A geographic zone based on average annual minimum temperature; most of Florida falls in zones 8b-11a, guiding which plants survive winter cold at a site.

Brazilian pepper

An invasive exotic shrub or small tree (Schinus terebinthifolia) in Florida that displaces native vegetation; it should be removed rather than planted.

Cabbage palm

Sabal palmetto, the Florida state tree, a native fan palm tolerant of salt and drought, commonly used in coastal and highway landscapes.

Coontie

Zamia integrifolia, a native Florida cycad used as a low-maintenance shrub; it is the host plant for the atala butterfly.

Root flare

The widened base of a tree trunk where roots begin; it must remain at or slightly above grade after planting to prevent girdling roots and decay.

Precipitation rate

The depth of water an irrigation zone applies per hour, calculated from head type and spacing; spray heads typically apply 1.5-2.0 inches per hour.

Distribution uniformity

A measure of how evenly an irrigation system applies water; low uniformity means some areas receive too little and others too much, wasting water.

Rain sensor

A device that overrides an automatic irrigation controller after sufficient rainfall; Florida law requires one on automatic systems installed in the state.

Backflow preventer

A device that prevents irrigation water from flowing back into the potable water supply; it must be tested annually per local utility requirements.

Cation exchange capacity

The soil's ability to hold positively charged nutrients; Florida's sandy soils generally have low CEC and leach nutrients quickly.

Slow-release nitrogen

Nitrogen in a form that releases gradually over time; Florida urban turf fertilizer rules require at least 50% slow-release nitrogen to reduce leaching.

Summer fertilizer blackout

Many Florida counties prohibit nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer application during the rainy season, commonly June 1 through September 30; check local ordinance.

Iron chlorosis

Interveinal yellowing of new leaves caused by iron deficiency, common on high-pH Florida soils; chelated iron (EDDHA) is effective at high pH.

Integrated pest management

A decision framework using cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls, with chemical treatment used only when monitoring shows pests exceed an action threshold.

Large patch disease

A Rhizoctonia solani disease of St. Augustinegrass causing circular yellow-to-brown patches in cool, wet weather; managed with cultural practices and fungicides.

Lethal bronzing

A phytoplasma disease of palms spread by a planthopper; infected palms decline and die, and early removal reduces spread to nearby palms.

Restricted-entry interval

The time after a pesticide application during which entry into the treated area is prohibited without required protective equipment, stated on the label.

Positive drainage

Grading that slopes away from structures and toward swales or inlets, typically at a minimum of 2% (1/4 inch per foot) for the first several feet.

Paver base course

A compacted aggregate layer under pavers, typically 4-6 inches for pedestrian and 6-8 inches for vehicular use, with a 1-inch sand setting bed above.

Silt fence

A temporary sediment barrier installed downslope of disturbed soil to capture runoff and prevent sediment from leaving the construction site.

Sunshine 811

Florida's free utility locate service; contractors must call before digging so underground utilities can be marked and clearances maintained.

Branch collar

The swollen tissue at the base of a branch; a proper pruning cut is made just outside it to allow the tree to seal the wound.

One-third rule

A mowing guideline that no more than one-third of the turfgrass leaf blade should be removed in a single mowing to maintain root health and density.

Hurricane cut

An excessive palm pruning practice that removes green fronds; it reduces the palm's food production and should be avoided in favor of removing only dead fronds.