Landscaping

Landscapers create visual appeal for office buildings or homes through the planting of trees, flowers and other plants. Landscaping is an ideal career for those who like working with their hands outdoors. While becoming a landscaper doesn't require a formal education, training can help advance your landscaping career. In this article, we show you the steps to become a landscaper, along with the job outlook and the average salary you can expect.

Some landscapers work for lawn services, civil services or commercial entities while others are self-employed. Ground maintenance and groundskeeper are similar terms for a landscaper. Landscapers work alone or in teams, and some may have specializations, such as:

Landscape architect
Landscape designer
Landscape gardener
Interior landscaper (shopping malls or office buildings)

Landscapers can expect to make an average of $55,381 per year. Landscape designers earn an average of $57,194 per year, while landscape architects earn approximately $69,288 per year.

Aspiring landscapers learn and develop many of their skills by watching, learning and doing while on the job. Although there is no defined path to become a landscaper, here are seven steps you can take to start your career as a landscaper:

1. Earn a high school diploma

For many employers, a high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement to work as a landscaper. Earn your diploma or equivalent and consider taking gardening or horticulture classes if you're still in school. Consider joining a gardening club at school to build your skills as a landscaper.

2. Learn a range of skills

Consider searching for landscaping or gardening groups and join to learn how to plant, use tools and operate machinery. You can find out if your local community colleges or extension services offer continuing education programs, or check with your state department of agriculture.

Volunteering at a community or botanical garden or joining a gardening club can help you find landscaping job opportunities. By varying your experiences, you have the opportunity to explore different types of landscaping to get a better idea of career paths you like best or where your strengths lie.

3. Apply for an apprenticeship

Often, local nurseries or landscaping companies may offer advice on where to apply for an apprenticeship or offer opportunities to apply. Consider asking if the company participates in mentoring or apprenticeships, then find out who to contact and send in your application.

Apprenticeships offer on-the-job training and experience that can result in a permanent position or provide the skills you'll need to pursue a full-time, paid position. Choose an apprenticeship that will teach you skills like:

Understanding gardening drawings
Understanding the environment
Staying organized and meeting deadlines

4. Consider a trade school or degree

Trade schools may provide an associate degree or certificate in horticulture, landscaping or starting your own landscaping business. For those who are advancing or expanding their careers, pursuing a bachelor's degree is the next step. Trade schools and degree programs cover:

Landscaping as a profession
Landscaping specialties
Landscaping market
Botany basics
Common plant troubles
Environmentally friendly landscapes
Assessing clients' needs
Planting and maintaining turf and common turf problems
Planting and maintaining trees and bedding plants
Industry certifications

5. Check licensing requirements

Licensing requirements for landscapers vary from state to state. Some locations may require a license to install irrigation systems, apply pesticides or operate certain machinery. Check with your state to find out what the licensing requirements are and get details on how to maintain your license.

6. Earn certifications

To improve your chances of getting a job in landscaping, consider earning certifications. Search the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) for available certifications. Opportunities may vary by location, check with your local chapter or organization. Depending on the course, certification can take anywhere from six to 10 weeks to complete. Available certifications include:

Certified grounds technician
Certified lawn care technician
Certified golf irrigation auditor
Water-based systems layout

7. Start your own business

If this is your preferred route, learn the details of a landscaping business, such as:

Business planning
Market analysis
Licensing requirements
Business management
Client communication
Licensing
Liability
Insurance
Worker's compensation
Tax breakdowns
Governing boards

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