Term	Definition
Aeration	Aerate, in the context of landscape and grounds maintenance, means "to supply the soil with air". Aeration improves the lawn appearance, usability, and it's ability to absorb water from irrigation.
Fertilization	Plants need 16 elements for optimum growth. Of these, three are supplied by air and water – carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The other 13 are normally absorbed from the soil by plant roots. They are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, boron and chlorine. All of these nutrients work together in balance to promote plant growth. Harvesting plants, raking up leaves, and discarding lawn clippings all take nutrients away from the soil. Gardeners must put nutrients back into the soil to enable it to feed and maintain healthy plants.
Lawn Mowing//Edging	Grass blades exist to convert energy from sunlight into sugars, starches and plant fibers that the grass plant then uses for growth. The food manufactured in the blades of grass is used for both top growth and root growth. Deep roots are the key to a healthy drought-resistant lawn. If more than 40% of the grass blade is removed, the roots will stop growing. Therefore, lawns should be mowed lightly and frequently, removing no more than 1/3 of the lawn height at any given time. Each type of grass has a range of ideal height.
Lawn Renovation	When a lawn becomes thin, damaged, or weedy, it is time to renovate it. Renovation can take be accomplished by one of two approaches: overseeding the existing lawn, or killing all weeds and old grass and reseeding or sodding.
Thatching	Thatch is a tightly knit layer of decomposing organic matter sandwiched between the turf and the soil. A small amount of thatch--1/2 inch or less--conserves water, helps insulate the grass from fluctuating soil temperatures, and increases the turf's resilience.

	Key Benefits of Mulching
	Increases soil moisture retention and reduces evaporation from soil surface. Protects the plant roots from extremes of heat, cold, and drought. Retards erosion by wind and rain. Shades the soil to reduce the germination of weed seeds. Extends the life of drip irrigation lines by protecting them from the sun. Improves appearance by adding a top cover and hiding irrigation lines.