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Glossary of Lawn Care Terms

  • Aeration

    commonly refers to the process of using mechanized equipment to either puncture the soil with spikes (spike aeration) or remove approximately 1"X2" cores of soil from the ground (core aeration). Spike aeration involves the use of an aeration machine with spikes up to a foot or more in length. Spike aeration is sometimes used to address drainage issues in areas with turf. Core aeration is done on turf areas as a means of reducing turf compaction, reducing thatch build-up, improving the infiltration of water/nutrients, and creating an environment where grass seed can have direct contact with the soil.

  • Alkaline Soil

    soils whose reaction is that of above Ph 7 (See also Ph)

  • Acid Soil

    Soils whose reaction is below that of Ph 7

  • Casting (Earthworm)

    Soil and plant remains that are excreted by earthworms and deposited on the turf surface

  • Compaction

    Unfavourable growing conditions for the turf grass plant, due to compression of soil particles

  • Irrigation

    Hydraulic-electric control of water application in response to turf grass needs

  • Leaching

    Loss of nutrients through natural drainage of the soil's solution

  • Mowing Frequency

    The weekly / monthly number of times a turf grass sward is mown

  • Mowing Height

    The distance above the ground at which the grass leaf is cut by a mower's blade

  • Spiking

    Turf cultivation method in which solid tines or flat pointed blades penetrate the turf and soil surface

  • Sub-soil

    Soil elevation established so that the top-soil placed on top will have the final desired result

  • Thatch

    A layer of organic residues above the soil surface but below the turf grass leaves

  • Thatch Control

    The process of preventing excessive thatch build up by cultural manipulation and removing excess thatch from the turf surface either by biological or mechanical means

  • Top-dressing

    Soil mix added to turf surface and brushed or raked in to produce a smooth surface. Enhances thatch decomposition

  • Triple Mower

    Mower with three cutting units to increase area of ground cut

  • Turf

    Mown vegetation, usually that of turf grass, layered with soil and intermingled roots and stems

  • Turf Grass

    Species or cultivar of grass, can be maintained as a mown turf