Landscape Maintenance Flashcards

What is the recommended maximum amount of grass to remove in a single mowing (the 'one-third rule')?

Answer: One-third of the total grass blade height

Removing more than one-third of the blade in one mowing stresses the plant and reduces photosynthetic capacity.

What is 'thatch' in lawn maintenance?

Answer: A layer of accumulated dead and living organic matter between the soil and green grass blades

Thatch forms when organic debris accumulates faster than it decomposes, creating a barrier that restricts water and air movement into the soil.

What is the purpose of 'core aeration' on a compacted turf lawn?

Answer: To remove plugs of soil to reduce compaction and improve air, water, and nutrient penetration

Core aeration extracts small plugs of soil, creating channels that allow air, water, and roots to penetrate compacted ground.

Which pruning cut removes a branch back to its point of origin at the trunk or main stem?

Answer: Thinning cut (removal cut)

A thinning or removal cut eliminates an entire branch at its origin, preserving the plant's natural form without stimulating excessive regrowth.

When is the best time to prune spring-blooming shrubs such as forsythia or lilac?

Answer: Immediately after they finish blooming in spring

Spring bloomers set flower buds on the previous year's growth, so pruning after bloom preserves next year's flowers.

What is 'mulching' in landscape maintenance and what depth is typically recommended?

Answer: Applying organic material around plants; 2–4 inches deep

Mulch applied 2–4 inches deep conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter as it decomposes.