material that is spread or sometimes sprayed on the soil surface to reduce weed growth, to retain soil moisture and moderate temperature extremes, to reduce compaction from pedestrian or vehicle traffic or to prevent damage from lawn-maintenance equipment, to reduce erosion or soil splattering onto adjacent surfaces, to improve soil quality through its eventual decomposition, and/or to improve aesthetic appearance of the landscape. Mulch can be composed of chipped, ground, or shredded organic material such as bark, wood, or recycled paper; unmodified organic material such as seed hulls; organic fiber blankets or mats; or inorganic material such as plastic sheeting. See green mulch.

vegetative body of a fungus. Network of branched, fungal filaments (hyphae).

symbiotic association between certain fungi and the roots of a plant.

plants indigenous to a region. Naturally occurring and not introduced by man. Contrast with exotic species, introduced species, and naturalized species.

process of branch removal in which the pruning cuts are made at nodes and in relation to the positions of the branch collar and branch bark ridge.

predator, parasite, or pathogen that targets an organism.

rigging methods that utilize natural crotches for the rigging points.

non-native species that has become established in a region and propagates without human assistance. Contrast with exotic species, introduced species, and native species.

localized death of tissue in a living organism.

slender leaf of a conifer.

failure to exercise due care.

microscopic roundworm. Many are beneficial organisms, but some feed on plant tissues and may cause disease or damage.

slightly enlarged portion of a stem where leaves and buds arise. Contrast with internode.

scientific naming system for living organisms. Scientific names are Latin (or Latinized forms of other languages) and written in italics, the genus first (always starting with capital letter), followed by the specific epithet (species, always starting with lowercase letter, e.g., Quercus alba).

wedge cut into a log or tree for felling.

in carabiners, a type of gate latch mechanism. Also called pin lock or tooth lock. Has the disadvantage that it may catch on a rope. Contrast with key lock.

(1) a dry, hard, one-seeded fruit. (2) hardware with internal threads matched to the external threads of a bolt.

movement of mineral elements (sometimes called nutrients) within an ecosystem as organic matter decomposes, releasing bound nutrients back to plants.

immature form of an insect with incomplete development, resembling a smaller version of the adult without wings.

risk management standard in Australia and New Zealand.