How to Become a Landscaper?
Steps to Become a Landscaper
Landscapers artfully sculpt earth and water to make areas more functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their duties might include installing irrigation and sprinkler systems, designing water features, building retaining walls, maintaining lawns, planting flowers, trimming trees and shrubbery, and building garden sculptures.Hone your landscaping skills.
Some entry-level landscaping jobs will provide on-the-job training. However, it always helps to have a solid background in basic landscaping skills. This includes operating a chainsaw, driving a lawn mower, spreading mulch, building retaining walls, installing irrigation, applying fertilization, and reading landscape plans. Many companies prefer to hire landscapers who can drive a truck and trailer, so you can increase your employability significantly by learning this skill.
Consider continuing education.
Though not always required, a degree or certificate in landscaping may help you land higher-paying jobs with more advanced job responsibilities. Community colleges often offer certificates in landscaping that take one to two years to complete. These programs typically include courses on soil testing, landscape management, irrigation design, and plant propagation.
You can also pursue an associate degree in landscaping. This is usually a two-year program that incorporates classes on horticulture, botany, plant pathology, business management, and landscape design and drafting. A four-year bachelor's degree in landscape architecture will give you a comprehensive education for this career path. This course of study usually includes courses on geology, landscape architecture design, urban design, and landscape computer-aided drafting and design.
What type of degree should you pursue to become a Landscaper?
49% of people working as a Landscaper earned a Bachelor's Degree
What skills do you need to be a Landscaper?
- Logical Thinking
- English Language
- Effective Communication
- Good Time Management
- Requests
- Dexterity
Apply for an apprenticeship or entry-level job.
You may be able to get an entry-level job as a landscaper with minimal job experience, especially if you have personal experience in landscaping or formal education in this area. If you'd like to learn more about the art of landscaping or if you haven't earned a certificate or degree in this field, you may also opt for an apprenticeship. Some companies offer paid apprenticeship programs where you can learn alongside skilled professionals as you enter the field. You can even find some employee-sponsored apprenticeships available through colleges that include both free classroom training and paid on-the-job experience.
Pursue licensure or certifications.
In some states, you may need licensure for certain types of landscaping. This may include the installation of irrigation systems, application of pesticides, and operation of heavy machinery. Check with your state to learn more about the licensure that you may need.
You can also pursue certifications with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) or Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). These typically take between six and 10 weeks to complete and provide advanced knowledge in areas like golf irrigation, lawn care, or water-based systems.
Landscaper Career Path
Landscaper
Landscaper III
Lead Landscaper
Total Pay Trajectory
Landscaper Career Path
Related Careers in the Skilled Labor & Manufacturing Industry
Interested in other Skilled Labor & Manufacturing careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Landscaper skills. Discover some of the most common Landscaper career transitions, along with skills overlap.