Landscapers glossary
Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a landscaper provider in Austin TX.
- What are permeable pavers?
- Permeable pavers are hard-surface paving units designed with gaps, porous materials, or open-joint designs that let water drain through them into the soil or gravel base below, reducing surface runoff.
- What is a backflow preventer?
- A backflow preventer is a valve that stops water from flowing backward through a pipe system, protecting the main water supply from contamination by irrigation water or other non-potable sources.
- What is a French drain?
- A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and often a perforated pipe that redirects subsurface water away from structures and problem areas.
- What is a hardiness zone?
- A USDA hardiness zone is a geographic area defined by its average annual minimum winter temperature, used to determine which plants can survive outdoors in that region year-round.
- What is a heritage tree under Austin ordinance?
- A heritage tree is a large tree protected by Austin city ordinance that requires a removal permit before it can be cut down, with size thresholds varying by species.
- What is a rain sensor (irrigation shutoff)?
- A rain sensor is a device that detects moisture from rainfall and automatically halts irrigation cycles to prevent watering when it is not needed.
- What is a retaining wall?
- A retaining wall is a structural barrier built to hold back soil and prevent erosion on sloped ground, commonly used in landscaping and yard construction.
- What is a smart irrigation controller?
- A smart irrigation controller is a device that automatically adjusts watering schedules based on real-time weather data or soil moisture levels, rather than running on a fixed timer.
- What is a xeric plant?
- A xeric plant is a species adapted to dry conditions that thrives with minimal water once established, reducing irrigation needs in arid or semi-arid climates.
- What is an ISA certified arborist?
- An ISA certified arborist holds a credential from the International Society of Arboriculture, earned through passing a comprehensive exam and demonstrating professional tree care experience.
- What is Bermuda grass?
- A warm-season grass variety prized for drought tolerance, fine texture, and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and heat in southern climates like Austin.
- What is blackland prairie soil?
- Blackland prairie soil is a dense clay soil common in eastern Austin that swells significantly when moisture is present and contracts when dry, creating structural movement challenges.
- What is caliche?
- Caliche is a dense, calcium carbonate-rich rock layer commonly found beneath soil in Central Texas that hardens over time and restricts water drainage and root growth.
- What is decomposed granite?
- Decomposed granite is crushed granite aggregate that compacts into a permeable, natural-looking surface used for patios, pathways, and driveways in Austin landscapes.
- What is drip irrigation?
- Drip irrigation is a low-flow watering system that delivers water slowly and directly to plant roots through tubing and emitters, rather than spraying it into the air.
- What is flagstone?
- Flagstone is thin, flat stone split or cut from sedimentary rock quarries, used primarily for patios, walkways, and outdoor paving surfaces.
- What is grading and drainage?
- Grading and drainage is the practice of shaping land surfaces to control water flow and prevent standing water or flooding on a property.
- What is Hugelkultur?
- Hugelkultur is a mound-based gardening technique that buries logs, branches, and organic materials under soil to create nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive raised beds used in permaculture and sustainable landscaping.
- What is oak wilt?
- Oak wilt is a fungal disease caused by Ceratocystis fagacearum that kills live oaks and red oaks in Central Texas through root graft connections and beetle transmission.
- What is St. Augustine grass?
- St. Augustine grass is a warm-season turf species native to tropical and subtropical regions, widely planted in Austin for its shade tolerance and moderate water needs.
- What is tree canopy pruning?
- Canopy pruning is the selective removal of branches from a tree's crown to enhance structure, health, and light penetration, using methods like thinning, raising, and reduction.
- What is xeric mulch vs organic mulch?
- Xeric mulch (decomposed granite, rubber) and organic mulch (hardwood, cedar) are ground coverings that retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, but differ in composition and durability for Central Texas gardens.
- What is xeriscaping?
- Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that minimizes water use by selecting drought-tolerant plants and applying design strategies suited to arid or semi-arid climates.
- What is Zoysia grass?
- Zoysia is a warm-season grass species with fine texture and dense growth that thrives in heat and tolerates drought and foot traffic well.