What does a landscaper do?

A landscaper is responsible for the maintenance, improvement, and construction of outdoor spaces for residential, commercial, and public clients. While mowing lawns is part of the job, professional landscaping involves a much wider range of skills.

Landscaping job duties

Landscaping duties fall into two main categories: softscaping and hardscaping.

• Softscaping: This is the horticultural side of the job, focusing on living elements like plants, soil, and turf.

  • Mowing, edging, trimming, and fertilizing lawns

  • Planting and pruning trees, shrubs, and flowers

  • Weeding, mulching, and general garden upkeep

  • Diagnosing and treating plant diseases and pests

• Hardscaping: This involves the construction and installation of non-living, structural elements.

  • Building paths, patios, decks, and retaining walls

  • Installing water features, outdoor lighting, and irrigation systems

  • Grading and excavating sites to ensure proper drainage

You'll be working outdoors in all types of weather, and the job is very physically demanding. You need strength, stamina, and a willingness to get your hands dirty!

Essential skills for landscapers

If you want to succeed in landscaping, you’ll need a blend of physical, technical, and interpersonal skills.

Core landscaping skills include:

• Knowledge of plants, soils, and turf care

• Physical strength and stamina

• Safe equipment operation

• Basic construction and site preparation

• Problem-solving and adaptability

• Attention to detail

• Customer communication and service

How to become a landscaper: Step-by-step

The career outlook for a landscaping professional is bright, with projected growth that remains steady. People will always need experts to maintain and enhance their outdoor living spaces.

The good news is that unlike some other trades, you don't typically need a formal degree to break into this industry. Most successful landscapers start by gaining practical, on-the-job experience.

Step 1: Gain experience and learn the tools

This is arguably the most crucial step. Nothing beats real-world practice for building foundational landscaping skills. Look for an entry-level position as a groundskeeper, grounds maintenance worker, or assistant with a local landscaping company.

You’ll quickly learn how to operate essential tools and machinery, including:

• Commercial mowers and trimmers

• Leaf blowers

• Hedge trimmers and chainsaws

• Tillers, edgers, and aerators

Hands-on training under experienced landscapers is the fastest way to build practical skills.

Step 2: Get education or specialized training

Most landscaping roles don't require a formal degree, but education can help you advance faster and qualify for higher-paying positions. You have a few options for formalizing your knowledge.

• On-the-job training / Apprenticeships: Many companies offer formal or informal training programs where you learn while you earn. This is the most common path.

• Vocational / College courses: Certificates or an associate's degree can help you move into lead or management roles. Courses in horticulture, landscaping, or landscape construction can deepen your knowledge of:

  • Plant science

  • Soil composition

  • Turf management

  • Basic landscape design

  • Irrigation systems

  • Site grading and drainage

Self-study: Books, online courses, and industry organizations offer valuable instruction on sustainable practices, plant identification, and garden design principles.

Step 3: Get licensed and certified (where required)

General landscaping itself often doesn't require a state-mandated license, but you must check your local state and municipal regulations as the requirements vary widely by location.

You typically need a state license for:

• Applying pesticides or certain fertilizers (almost always requires a commercial applicator license)

• Installing irrigation systems, depending on state rules

• Hardscaping or construction-related work

  • In many states, building patios, retaining walls, or large structures requires a contractor license when job costs exceed a threshold (example states: CA, AZ, NV, OR, FL)

Professional certifications

While often optional, certifications help you stand out, increase your earning potential, and demonstrate professionalism. Some industry-recognized certifications include:

Many states also offer regional certifications, such as the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Certified Professional (FFLCP) credential.

Step 4: Build your business and soft skills

Technical skills will get you started, but communication and customer service will grow your career, especially if you want to run your own landscaping business.

Essential business-related skills include:

• Communication: Explaining services, timelines, and expectations

• Customer service: Building trust and retaining clients

• Scheduling and time management: Coordinating job sites efficiently

• Sales and estimating: Bidding projects accurately and competitively

• Team leadership: Managing crews and workflow

These skills directly influence your reputation, income, and long-term success in the industry.

How much do landscapers make?

Landscaper salaries can vary widely based on your location, specialization, and experience level. The median annual salary for grounds maintenance workers is around $38,500 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

How to increase your earning potential

There are a few ways to raise your earning potential as a landscaper:

• Specialize in high-demand services (hardscaping, irrigation, arbor care).

• Work in higher-paying regions, such as major metro areas.

• Start your own landscaping business to expand income opportunities.

FAQ about becoming a landscaper

Do you need a degree to become a landscaper?

No, you don't need a degree to become a landscaper. Most landscapers enter the field through hands-on experience or vocational training. Certifications can enhance your qualifications.

Do landscapers need a license?

Lawn care rarely requires licensing, but pesticide application, irrigation installation, andhardscaping often require state-level certifications or contractor licenses.

How long does it take to become a landscaper?

You can qualify for an entry-level landscaping job in as little as a few weeks. Learning specialized skills may take months to years.

What is the difference between a landscaper and a landscape designer?

A landscaper installs and maintains outdoor spaces. A landscape designer focuses on planning layouts, plant schemes, and aesthetic concepts — often without doing physical labor.

Learn more about how to become a landscape designer.

Which landscapers earn the most?

Hardscape installers, irrigation technicians, arborists, and landscaping business owners typically earn the highest salaries.

Is landscaping a good career?

Yes, landscaping offers steady demand, active work, skill specialization opportunities, and strong earning potential, especially for those who start their own business.