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Spanish for landscaping professionals – HearSay

Spanish B1

Master the technical vocabulary you need to manage your landscaping crew in California. Practice listening and speaking on the go to confidently handle job site troubleshooting and client negotiations.

Lessons

Welcome to the job site
David and Elena arrive at a new residential property. Learn how to welcome the crew and issue basic formal instructions.
Vocabulary
- el paisaje (landscape)
- el proyecto (project)
- el equipo (equipment)
- la herramienta (tool)
- el camión (truck)
- trabajar (to work)
Objectives
- Welcome the crew to a new landscaping site
- Give basic formal commands using the usted form
Irrigation system basics
The crew needs to test the existing water lines. Learn the vocabulary for sprinklers and hoses.
Vocabulary
- el sistema de riego (irrigation system)
- el aspersor (sprinkler)
- la manguera (hose)
- la válvula (valve)
- encender (to turn on)
- apagar (to turn off)
Objectives
- Identify basic irrigation components
- Command a crew member to turn the water on or off
Assessing soil health
Elena checks the moisture and quality of the earth before planting. Learn to describe soil conditions.
Vocabulary
- el suelo (soil)
- la tierra (earth)
- húmedo (wet)
- seco (dry)
- la raíz (root)
- cavar (to dig)
Objectives
- Describe the current condition of the soil
- Instruct the crew on where to dig
Directing the crew
David organizes the team to clear out debris. Practice using plural formal imperatives for group tasks.
Vocabulary
- la pala (shovel)
- el rastrillo (rake)
- la carretilla (wheelbarrow)
- limpiar (to clean)
- barrer (to sweep)
- mover (to move)
Objectives
- Use ustedes commands to direct multiple workers
- Ask crew members to move heavy materials
Drip irrigation and scheduling
Installing a water-efficient setup requires precision. Learn to discuss timers and use direct object pronouns.
Vocabulary
- el riego por goteo (drip irrigation)
- el temporizador (timer)
- la tubería (pipe)
- la gota (drop)
- programar (to schedule)
- revisar (to check)
Objectives
- Explain how to program the irrigation schedule
- Use direct object pronouns to avoid repeating nouns
Pruning tools and basics
It is time to trim the overgrown trees. Cover the foundational vocabulary for seasonal pruning.
Vocabulary
- podar (to prune)
- el árbol (tree)
- la rama (branch)
- la hoja (leaf)
- las tijeras de podar (pruning shears)
- el arbusto (shrub)
Objectives
- Identify parts of a tree and essential pruning tools
- Instruct a worker on which branches to cut
Advanced pruning techniques
Elena explains the difference between shaping a young tree and maintaining an old one using indirect object pronouns.
Vocabulary
- la poda de formación (formative pruning)
- la poda de mantenimiento (maintenance pruning)
- la forma (shape)
- el corte (cut)
- el tronco (trunk)
- dañado (damaged)
Objectives
- Differentiate between types of professional pruning
- Use indirect object pronouns to assign specific tasks to workers
Soil amendments and compost
The California clay soil needs improvement. Direct the crew on how to properly mix fertilizers and compost.
Vocabulary
- la enmienda del suelo (soil amendment)
- el compostaje (composting)
- el fertilizante (fertilizer)
- la mezcla (mixture)
- el abono (manure)
- mezclar (to mix)
Objectives
- Instruct the crew on mixing fertilizers
- Explain the benefits of soil amendments to a client
Passing tools efficiently
David needs his gear while working on a ladder. Master double object pronouns to ask for tools quickly.
Vocabulary
- el cortacésped (lawnmower)
- la sopladora (leaf blower)
- el guante (glove)
- la bolsa (bag)
- prestar (to lend)
- entregar (to hand over)
Objectives
- Ask a crew member to pass a specific tool
- Use double object pronouns (e.g., pásamelo) efficiently on site
Troubleshooting water issues
There is a massive puddle near the driveway. Learn to diagnose leaks and order repairs.
Vocabulary
- la fuga (leak)
- la presión (pressure)
- el charco (puddle)
- roto (broken)
- reparar (to repair)
- reemplazar (to replace)
Objectives
- Identify and report irrigation leaks to the team
- Command the crew to fix or replace broken sprinklers
Discussing client estimates
David meets with the homeowner to discuss the project budget. Practice professional negotiation vocabulary.
Vocabulary
- el presupuesto (estimate)
- el cliente (client)
- el costo (cost)
- el contrato (contract)
- proceder (to proceed)
- firmar (to sign)
Objectives
- Present a formal project estimate to a client
- Ask for the client's formal approval to proceed
Negotiating landscape alternatives
The client is worried about the high cost of certain plants. Elena steps in to offer sensible compromises.
Vocabulary
- la preocupación (concern)
- la opción (option)
- económico (economical)
- el diseño (design)
- sugerir (to suggest)
- cambiar (to change)
Objectives
- Acknowledge and address a client's budget concerns respectfully
- Suggest alternative, cost-effective design options
Seasonal landscaping changes
As winter approaches, the crew must prep the garden for the cold. Discuss weather protections and weed removal.
Vocabulary
- la temporada (season)
- el clima (weather)
- la helada (frost)
- la maleza (weed)
- proteger (to protect)
- arrancar (to pull out)
Objectives
- Prepare the garden for seasonal weather changes
- Instruct the crew to clear weeds and protect delicate roots
Final project walkthrough
The landscaping job is complete. Walk through the site with the client to ensure complete satisfaction.
Vocabulary
- la inspección (inspection)
- el detalle (detail)
- el resultado (result)
- satisfecho (satisfied)
- excelente (excellent)
- terminar (to finish)
Objectives
- Conduct a final walkthrough with the client
- Congratulate the crew on a finished job using formal praise