Who Is a Landscaper?

A landscaper is someone who designs, creates, and maintains outdoor spaces such as gardens, lawns, and parks. They apply their understanding of horticulture, ecology, and architecture to create attractive, functional outdoor spaces that satisfy their clients' demands. Landscapers use many components, such as trees, plants, rocks, water features, and illumination, to create visually appealing and functional outdoor spaces. 

Landscaping generally involves various tasks, including site analysis, design, planting, pruning, fertilizing, watering, mowing, and pest control. According to Future Market Insights, the landscaping services market is currently valued at $314.35 billion, and they predict it to reach $573.67 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. Zippia also reports that the average household spends $500 yearly on lawn care and gardening. These all show that the profession is fast growing.

What Landscapers Do

Landscapers make outdoor spaces beautiful and functional. They plan and design gardens, parks, and more. Below are some of their responsibilities:

1. Clean and Maintain Landscape Areas

Landscapers clean and maintain outdoor spaces, ensuring they stay neat and attractive. Their responsibilities include removing debris, leaves, and trash. They mow lawns, trim bushes, and care for plants. This upkeep enhances the visual appeal of landscapes and contributes to a healthy and well-maintained outdoor environment. Landscapers play a crucial role in preserving and beautifying outdoor spaces for people and the community to enjoy.

2. Remove Weeds and Dead Plants

Landscapers actively remove weeds and dead plants to maintain the health and aesthetics of landscapes. They employ methods like hand-pulling or using tools such as hoes. This process helps ensure that unwanted vegetation is eliminated, allowing healthy plants to thrive and contributing to the overall beauty and functionality of the outdoor space.

3. Apply Fertilizers and Pesticides 

Landscapers apply fertilizers and pesticides to enhance plant health and control pests. Using tools like spreaders for even distribution, they ensure plants receive essential nutrients. Also, they make use of sprayers for precise pesticide application, safeguarding against harmful insects. This contributes to a thriving, well-protected landscape, promoting beauty and sustainability.

4. Maintain Lawn

Landscapers maintain lawns to ensure it is well-groomed and healthy. This involves mowing grass at an appropriate height, edging along pathways, and occasionally aerating the soil for optimal growth. They use lawnmowers, edgers, and aerators to perform these tasks. This contributes to the overall beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces.

5. Perform Groundskeeping and Building Maintenance Duties

Landscapers engage in groundskeeping and building maintenance duties. They ensure the overall cleanliness and orderliness of outdoor areas. This includes tasks like sweeping, trash removal, and minor repairs. Landscapers use tools such as brooms and essential repair equipment like garden shovels and rakes to uphold a well-kept environment. This also contributes to the overall appeal and functionality of the surroundings.

6. Maintain Shrubs and Trees

Landscapers help maintain shrubs and trees to ensure their health and visual appeal. This involves pruning to shape and control growth, removing dead or diseased branches, and applying appropriate treatments. Landscapers use tools like pruning shears and saws for precision. This promotes the well-being of shrubs and trees, contributing to a lush and thriving landscape.

7. Handle Hardscape Installation

Landscapers handle hardscape installation, creating non-plant elements like pathways, patios, and retaining walls. They skillfully construct durable and aesthetically pleasing features using tools such as shovels, concrete mixers, and saws. This hands-on work enhances the structural aspects of outdoor spaces. It combines functionality with design to create well-balanced and visually appealing landscapes.

8. Uphold the Landscaping Design

Landscapers contribute to upholding landscaping designs. They follow blueprints and design plans, ensuring plants, structures, and features are correctly placed. This involves precise implementation and ongoing maintenance to preserve the intended aesthetic and functionality. Their efforts play a crucial role in realizing and sustaining the envisioned landscape design and creating harmonious outdoor environments.

9. Trim Trees

Landscapers trim trees to maintain health and appearance. Using tools like pruning shears and saws, they carefully remove excess branches, shape the canopy, and address potential hazards. This helps promote tree vitality and enhances the overall beauty of outdoor spaces, showcasing the skilled care provided by landscapers.

10. Install Irrigation Systems

Landscapers install irrigation systems to ensure efficient and controlled watering for plants. They lay out and connect pipes using tools like trenchers and pipe cutters. This enables automated and targeted watering, promoting the health and sustainability of landscapes. They play a crucial role in implementing systems that contribute to the overall well-being of plants.

11. Plant

Landscapers plant various vegetation, including flowers, shrubs, and trees. They carefully place and nurture plants in designated areas using tools like shovels and hand trowels. This contributes to the aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits of outdoor spaces. It showcases the expertise they have in creating vibrant and well-balanced landscapes.

12. Properly Store and Handle All Equipment

Landscapers ensure the proper storage and handling of all equipment. This involves securely storing tools in designated areas, maintaining cleanliness, and conducting routine inspections. By handling equipment responsibly, landscapers contribute to efficient operations and a safe working environment. This demonstrates their commitment to professionalism and workplace safety.

13. Sweep the Walkway of Debris

Landscapers sweep walkways to remove debris and maintain cleanliness. They clear leaves, dirt, and other detritus using brooms or blowers. This regular upkeep ensures safe and tidy pathways, contributing to outdoor areas' overall neatness and appeal. Landscapers' attention to detail in sweeping enhances the usability and aesthetics of walkways.

Skills and Knowledge Required for a Landscaper

Landscapers must have a combination of skills and knowledge to perform their jobs effectively. Here are some of the essential skills and knowledge required for a landscaper:

• Attention to detail. This is the ability to notice and focus on small particulars. This skill ensures precision in tasks like pruning, planting, and design implementation. It enhances the overall quality and aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces they work on.
• Horticultural knowledge. This is the understanding and expertise in the cultivation of plants. Landscapers with horticultural knowledge possess knowledge of plant biology, growth patterns, and optimal care practices. This knowledge helps them to select, plant, and maintain vegetation effectively.
• Irrigation management. This involves overseeing the efficient watering of plants and landscapes. Landscapers with this skill ensure proper installation, maintenance, and adjustment of irrigation systems. They regulate watering schedules and monitor water distribution, promoting plant health while conserving resources.
• Organizational skills. This involves efficiently managing tasks, time, and resources. This skill ensures systematic planning and execution of various responsibilities, such as planting schedules, equipment maintenance, and project timelines. Strong organizational skills contribute to smooth and effective landscaping operations.
• Landscaping design. This is the art and science of planning and creating outdoor spaces. Landscapers with design expertise envision and implement layouts that harmonize with natural surroundings. They consider elements like plants, hardscapes, and terrain to craft visually appealing and functional landscapes.
• Physical stamina and strength. Physical stamina and strength are essential for landscapers. Stamina allows them to endure prolonged tasks, like mowing large areas or planting numerous plants. Strength is vital for lifting heavy equipment and materials. The combination of stamina and strength ensures landscapers can handle the physical demands of their job effectively and complete tasks efficiently.
• Supervise a crew of landscapers. This involves overseeing and guiding the team in their tasks. This includes assigning responsibilities, ensuring everyone follows safety protocols, and maintaining workflow efficiency. The supervisor coordinates efforts to achieve project goals, communicates instructions clearly, and fosters a collaborative and productive work environment among the landscaping team.

Types of Landscape Professionals

Different landscape professionals contribute to creating and maintaining outdoor spaces. Below are some of them:

Landscape Architects

Landscape architects specialize in designing outdoor spaces and harmonizing aesthetics and functionality. They plan layouts, considering plants, hardscapes, and environmental sustainability. Typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture, they possess a potent blend of artistic vision and technical knowledge to create well-balanced and visually appealing landscapes.

Landscapers

Landscapers are professionals who transform outdoor spaces by designing, installing, and maintaining landscapes. They plant and care for vegetation, install hardscape elements, and perform these tasks to enhance visual appeal and functionality. Landscapers do not need formal education but can gain skills through experience, showcasing creativity, and practical expertise in shaping outdoor environments.

Groundskeepers

They are responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of outdoor spaces. They perform tasks like mowing, weeding, and general upkeep to ensure cleanliness and orderliness. Groundskeepers contribute to the overall appearance and functionality of landscapes. While formal education is not mandatory, practical experience and a good understanding of landscaping practices are essential for this role.

Irrigation Specialists

Irrigation specialists focus on designing, installing, and managing irrigation systems to efficiently water plants. They ensure the proper distribution and conservation of water resources. These specialists use their expertise to promote plant health while considering environmental sustainability. Qualifications often include knowledge of irrigation technology, water management, and related fields acquired through education or experience in the field.

Horticulturists

Horticulturists specialize in the science and cultivation of plants. They contribute expertise to landscape planning and care, emphasizing plant health and optimal growth conditions. Horticulturists often have formal education in horticulture, botany, or a related field. Their knowledge guides plant selection, care practices, and overall landscape sustainability.

Arborists

Arborists are specialists dedicated to the care and maintenance of trees. They assess tree health, diagnose diseases, and implement pruning or removal when necessary. Arborists contribute to urban forestry, emphasizing safety and sustainability. Qualifications include specialized training, often leading to certification, showcasing their expertise in arboriculture.

Landscape Contractors

Landscape contractors oversee and manage landscaping projects, coordinating the efforts of various professionals to bring designs to life. They handle aspects like budgeting, scheduling, and client communication. While formal education is beneficial, practical experience and business acumen are often vital qualifications for this role. Landscape contractors play a pivotal role in executing and completing successful landscaping endeavors.

Garden Designers

Garden designers specialize in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional garden layouts. They consider plant selection, color schemes, and layout design to enhance outdoor spaces. Garden designers must have formal horticulture or landscape design training, showcasing a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of plant varieties and garden composition.

Where Landscapers Work and Who Do They Work For?

Landscapers work in many settings, offering services to different clients, including:

• Residential clients. Designing and maintaining private gardens and outdoor spaces for homeowners.
• Commercial properties. Enhancing the business settings, office complexes, and industrial areas.
• Public spaces. Contributing to the beauty of parks, recreational areas, and government properties.
• Private companies. Employed by landscaping firms like BrightView, The Davey Tree Expert Company, TruGreen, etc., serving many clients.
• Government agencies. Working for local or federal government agencies like the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Parks Canada, City of London, UK - Parks and Open Spaces, etc.,  to maintain public parks, streetscapes, and green spaces.

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Some landscapers work as freelancers or gig workers, providing services on-demand to various clients.

Landscapers' Salary

Landscapers' salaries vary depending on their job title and experience. According to Indeed, the average salary for a groundskeeper is $17.63 per hour. Landscapers' salaries can range from $10.00 to $30.00 per hour, depending on their experience and the type of work they perform. Those who work for design-build firms or landscape architects earn higher salaries than those who work for landscaping companies or as independent contractors. 

The salary range for a landscape architect is between $40,000 and $100,000 per year, depending on their experience and location. Landscapers who offer specialized services such as irrigation system maintenance or tree removal also earn higher salaries than those who offer general landscaping services.

Opportunities for Advancement in Landscaping

Landscaping is a growing industry, and there are many opportunities for advancement. Landscapers can start as crew members and work their way up to crew leaders, garden managers, and even landscape architects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of grounds maintenance workers, including landscapers, is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. 

According to Our World in Data, by 2050, more than two-thirds of the world's population will live in urban areas, an increase from 54% in 2016. This indicates that cities will continue to grow, and there will be a greater need for green spaces to improve the quality of life for urban dwellers in the city of the future. There will then be a growing demand for landscapers to create and maintain outdoor spaces. 

Landscapers need various skills and knowledge, including lawn maintenance, soil and irrigation management, tree and bush work, attention to detail, pest control, hardscaping, leadership, organizational, customer service, and a strong work ethic. 

Recommended Literature

• Landscaper job description [updated for 2023] - indeed. (2023, September 27). https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/landscaper
• byE, P. (2021, December 29). The garden scoop: What types of landscapers are there? EARTHeim Landscape Design Lexington, Kentucky. https://eartheim.com/2021/12/29/the-garden-scoop-what-types-of-landscapers-are-there/
• Fedele, A. (2023, August 8). Types of landscape professionals: Which is best for your next project? Pretty Purple Door. https://www.prettypurpledoor.com/types-of-landscape-professionals/
• Bboldt. (2023, October 28). Landscaping jobs: How to become a landscaper. PeopleReady. https://www.peopleready.com/landscaping-jobs-how-to-become-a-landscaper/
• Indeed Editorial Team (2023, January 19). What does a landscaper do? (with job description example). https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-landscaper-do