HI Landscape key terms

An early design drawing that shows the overall organization of spaces, circulation, and major features without construction detail. It communicates design intent to the client before technical drawings are prepared.

Drawings that refine an approved concept into dimensioned layouts, materials, and planting intent. They resolve conflicts among uses and set the basis for construction documents.

The final drawing and specification package used for bidding and building. It must be complete enough to obtain permits and to show dimensions, materials, details, and notes clearly.

The phase in which alternative arrangements are tested and a preferred direction is chosen. It typically follows site analysis and precedes design development and cost checking.

A written document describing materials, products, workmanship, and execution requirements that drawings cannot show. It works with the drawings to define the contract scope.

A scaled drawing locating each plant by symbol or key, with quantities, sizes, and spacing. It must coordinate with irrigation, lighting, and utility layouts to avoid conflicts.

A table listing botanical and common names, quantities, container or caliper sizes, root condition, and remarks for each plant on the plan. It is the ordering and inspection reference.

A geographic rating of average annual minimum temperature used to judge whether a plant survives winter in a location. Local microclimate and soil can shift effective conditions.

Local conditions of sun, wind, temperature, and moisture that differ from the surrounding region. Walls, pavement, slope, and shade create these differences and affect plant survival.

The practice of matching a species to the light, soil, water, and space a site actually offers. It reduces irrigation demand, disease pressure, and replacement costs over time.

The trunk diameter of a tree, measured a stated distance above the ground, used to specify nursery stock size. Larger caliper does not guarantee better establishment.

Nursery stock lifted with a soil ball wrapped in burlap and secured with twine or a cage. The wrapping is removed or opened at planting to allow root contact with soil.

The widening where trunk tissue meets the uppermost roots. It must sit at or slightly above grade after planting, because burying it causes girdling roots and slow decline.

A portion of the landscape with similar water need, planted and irrigated as a group. Grouping by water use allows separate schedules and reduces waste.

A system delivering water slowly through emitters to the root zone at low pressure. It limits evaporation and overspray but requires filtration and flushing to prevent clogging.

A device that releases water at a controlled rate, such as a drip or bubbler outlet. Its flow rate and spacing determine how evenly water reaches the root zone.

A measure of how evenly an irrigation system applies water across a zone. Low uniformity means some areas are overwatered while others are underwatered, wasting water and stressing plants.

The depth of water an irrigation system applies per hour, expressed in inches or millimeters. It is compared with soil infiltration rate to set run times that avoid runoff.

A scheduling method that splits a run time into short cycles separated by pauses. It lets water soak in, reducing runoff on slopes and tight soils.

The speed at which water enters the soil surface, usually given in inches or millimeters per hour. It governs irrigation run times, drainage design, and stormwater storage needs.

A field test measuring how quickly water drops in a test hole, used to judge soil drainage. Results inform drain sizing, planting suitability, and septic or infiltration design.

A gravel-filled trench containing a perforated pipe that collects and carries subsurface water away. It needs a graded outlet or storage point and filter fabric to resist clogging.

A shallow, graded channel that conveys stormwater across a site. A vegetated swale slows flow and filters sediment while directing water to a safe outlet.

The elevation of the ground surface at a given point. Setting and checking grade controls drainage direction, step heights, and how structures meet the soil.

The rate of rise or fall of a surface, stated as a percentage or ratio. Minimum slopes move water away from buildings; steep slopes need erosion control and terracing.

A labeled point on a drawing giving the exact finished or existing elevation at that location. Spot elevations fix critical points such as thresholds, inlets, and wall bases.

A line on a plan connecting points of equal elevation. Spacing shows steepness: closely spaced lines mean steep ground, widely spaced lines mean gentle ground.

The systematic study of a property's climate, soils, drainage, views, access, and constraints before design begins. It identifies opportunities and limits that shape every later decision.

The compass direction a slope or facade faces, which controls sun exposure and drying. It strongly affects plant choice, snow melt, and summer heat on paved areas.

The compacted layer of aggregate beneath pavers or slabs that spreads loads to the subgrade. Its depth and compaction determine whether the surface stays flat over time.

The native or prepared soil surface on which pavement layers are built. It must be graded, drained, and compacted, since weak subgrade causes settlement and cracking.

Mechanical densification of soil or aggregate by rolling or tamping to remove air voids. It is tested against a specified percentage of maximum dry density.

A cementitious or lime-based mix used to bond masonry units and fill joints. Its strength and flexibility must suit the unit so movement does not crack the assembly.

A wall built from stacked modular blocks, usually with geogrid or a battered face for stability. Design must address overturning, sliding, bearing, and internal drainage.

A mesh of high-strength polymer placed in soil layers to reinforce and restrain movement. In retaining walls it ties the block face to the retained soil mass.

A small opening that lets trapped water escape from behind a wall or under a slab. It must be kept clear and paired with drainage material to work.

A deliberate gap that allows materials to move with temperature and moisture without cracking. It is required where paving meets structures and at regular intervals in concrete.

The set of drawings, specifications, and forms issued to contractors for pricing. Clear scope and quantity information reduces change orders and disputes later.

A measured list of materials and work items derived from the drawings. Accurate quantities underpin pricing, purchasing, and progress tracking.

A reserve of money or time held for known but unquantified risks. It is drawn down as issues arise and is not a substitute for a complete scope.

A written modification to the contract scope, price, or schedule signed by the parties. Undocumented verbal changes create disputes and should be avoided.

A record of incomplete or defective work found near project completion. Closing items before final payment protects the owner and prompts proper handover.

The stage when the work is usable for its intended purpose, even if minor items remain. It often starts warranty periods and shifts risk to the owner.

A percentage of each payment withheld until specified milestones are met. It provides leverage to finish work and resolve defects before final settlement.

The required notice to the utility locating service before excavation so buried lines are marked. Hitting an unmarked line risks injury, outages, and legal liability.

Any cut, cavity, or trench made by removing earth. It requires slope or shoring protection, spoil placement away from the edge, and safe access for workers.

A narrow excavation deeper than it is wide, typically for pipe or cable. It needs protective systems when deeper than a set threshold and a means of exit.

An enclosed area with limited entry and exit that is not designed for continuous occupancy. Entry may require atmospheric testing, ventilation, an attendant, and a permit.

A procedure that isolates energy sources and locks them off before maintenance or repair. It prevents accidental start-up of irrigation pumps, saws, and other equipment.

Gear such as eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and safety footwear worn to reduce injury. It supplements, but never replaces, engineering and work-practice controls.

The system of labels, safety data sheets, and training that informs workers about chemical hazards. It covers fuels, pesticides, sealers, and other products used on site.

A document from the manufacturer describing a product's hazards, handling, first aid, and storage. Current sheets must be accessible where chemicals are stored or used.

A structural or operational measure that limits runoff volume and pollutant discharge from a site. Examples include infiltration basins, filter strips, and construction sediment controls.

A layer of organic or inorganic material around a plant that conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds. It should be kept clear of the trunk or crown.