Common Lawn Care Terms Explained

If you’ve ever talked with a lawn care professional and felt like they were speaking a different language, you’re not alone! Lawn and landscape work come with a lot of specialized terms — and understanding them can help you care for your yard with confidence.

At Blooming Blades Lawn Care in Bloomington, MN, we believe that part of great service is education. Below, we’ve broken down some of the most common lawn care terms you’ll hear and what they really mean for your yard.

Aeration

Aeration is the process of removing small plugs of soil from your lawn to help air, water, and nutrients reach the roots. This helps relieve soil compaction, encourages deeper root growth, and improves your lawn’s overall health. In Minnesota, aeration is best done in spring or fall.

Dethatching

Thatch is the layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that builds up between the soil and the grass blades. When it gets too thick, it prevents nutrients and moisture from reaching the soil. Dethatching removes this layer, allowing your lawn to breathe again and grow thick and green.

Overseeding

Overseeding means spreading new grass seed over an existing lawn to fill bare spots, improve density, and create a more uniform color. It’s often paired with aeration for the best results. Overseeding in early fall gives new seedlings time to establish before winter.

Mulching

Mulch is a protective layer—usually wood chips or shredded bark—placed on top of soil around trees, shrubs, and flower beds. It helps retain moisture, regulate temperature, suppress weeds, and add nutrients as it breaks down. Plus, it gives your landscape a polished, finished look!

Edging

Edging is the process of creating a clean, defined border between your lawn and areas like driveways, sidewalks, or garden beds. It adds curb appeal, prevents grass from spreading where it shouldn’t, and keeps your yard looking neat and professional.

Fertilization

Fertilizing provides your grass with the essential nutrients it needs to grow strong and green. Timing and balance matter — the right blend at the right time helps your lawn recover from stress, resist weeds, and stay lush throughout Minnesota’s changing seasons.

Pruning

Pruning means trimming or cutting back plants, shrubs, and trees to remove dead or overgrown branches. This encourages healthy growth and keeps your landscape safe and attractive year-round.

Fall Cleanup

Fall cleanup includes leaf removal, trimming perennials, and preparing your lawn for the winter ahead. In Bloomington, MN, this is essential to prevent mold buildup, protect your turf, and ensure a healthy start in spring.

Why It Matters

Knowing these basic terms helps you make better decisions for your property and understand the services your lawn care provider recommends. At Blooming Blades Lawn Care, we’re proud to not only care for your lawn, but also to help you learn the “why” behind each step.

Whether you need professional mowing, aeration, fall cleanup, or snow removal, our Bloomington-based team is ready to keep your yard healthy and beautiful year-round.

Contact us today at 952-426-5558 to schedule your next service or learn more!