What does a Landscaper do?
A landscaper is responsible for building and maintaining gardens, parks, property buildings, and other outdoor landscapes. They ensure plant growth, the cleanliness of outdoor facilities and pruning of overgrown hedges. Additionally, landscapers supervise maintenance repairs and equipment, landscape structures, outdoor furniture and walkways. Landscapers usually work for a landscaping company or as a municipal employee maintaining city parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces.
A high school diploma or equivalent certification is required for landscapers as well as two years landscaping or groundskeeping experience. Successful landscapers are detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills with great stamina. Ideal landscapers possess a strong knowledge of pest management and basic lawn maintenance.
- Perform general maintenance duties such as cleaning walkways, fixing fountains, and applying plaster
- Conduct minor repairs and maintenance procedures on equipment utilized in groundskeeping
- Utilize pesticides to rid grounds of pests such as mosquitos, wasps, and ticks
- Efficiently apply fertilizer to property grounds to enhance growth
- Safely cut grounds using hand, power or riding mower for trimming edges around walkways, flower beds, and walls
- Monitor property grounds to ensure a pleasant appearance
- Be willing to train and enhance knowledge in assigned duties
- Ensure grounds are free of weeds and dead plants
- A minimum of 2 years' experience in a landscaping or groundskeeping role
- Must be able to safely operate maintenance equipment including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and hedge trimmers
- Strong knowledge of pest management and basic lawn maintenance
- Excellent organizational skills
- Working knowledge of horticulture
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Ability to work in a variety of outside conditions for long periods of time
How much does a Landscaper make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$37,573
/ yrLandscaper Career Path
Learn how to become a Landscaper, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Landscaper Insights
Jet Airways“Odd timing and stressful and none to provide training properly..you are on your own.”
Affiliated Construction Services“Internship program is not structured like others (which is negative or positive depending on preference).”
“Our flexible edging – Flexline – is entirely flexible yet incredibly sturdy making it unbelievably easy to work with.”
Aquinas Consulting“This is a nice place to work with nice managers who work with you and help you learn the industry.”
Cedar Springs Landscapes“I've enjoyed working with this company and getting so many opportunities to learn and grow in this industry.”
UCI Health“I wouldn't say there were really any cons; the internship allowed me to explore career options”
Builders FirstSource“The parking was a bit tough for an intern since I didn't have a designated spot”
Wells Fargo“The paid internship I participated in was a great way to get to know Wells Fargo”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of landscapers
The typical day of a landscaper involves managing the plants, soil, ornaments, and water of an outdoor area. These professionals are responsible for the design and care of gardens, yards, and parks. Job duties include planting, watering, trimming, and mowing.
The opportunity to work outside is an advantage of being a landscaper that many people enjoy. Once you have experience as a landscaper, you can branch out on your own by offering your landscaping services as an independent contractor or small business.
In the U.S., the average pay for a landscaper is $37,573 a year, with a range from $28,232 per year to $50,391 per year. Landscapers typically receive hourly pay rather than a yearly salary, and hours can vary based on the season.
Working as a landscaper requires physical labor in various weather conditions, including repetitive motions, lifting heavy objects, and mowing. Landscapers don't usually need to work night hours, but you may need to work weekends, especially in the spring and summer.