What does a career as a landscaper involve?

I'm interested in potentially working as a landscaper after high school, but I don't know much about it. What kind of skills do you need, and what are the day-to-day responsibilities like in this job?

Landscaping can certainly be a rewarding career, especially for those who enjoy working outdoors and have an eye for aesthetic design. It's a profession that demands both physical stamina and creative vision.

As a landscaper, your daily responsibilities can be quite diverse depending on the particular job. You may be tasked with maintaining existing landscapes, which could involve tasks like mowing lawns, trimming trees and shrubs, or fertilizing plants. This sort of upkeep requires knowledge about different types of plants and their needs, so a good understanding of horticulture is very beneficial.

In addition, you may also find yourself designing and creating new outdoor spaces. This could involve anything from drawing up detailed plan of a new garden to installing elements like retaining walls, patios, or even ponds. Here, you'll need an understanding of design principles and aesthetics. It's also important to be able to consult with clients to understand their preferences, develop plans accordingly, and articulate these plans clearly.

On the more technical side, some jobs may require a deeper understanding of soil types, drainage issues, and the characteristics and needs of a wide variety of plants. Depending on the scope of the work, understanding of machinery like lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and even heavy equipment like backhoes or bobcats might also be needed.

It's worth noting that there are also opportunities for advancement within the landscaping field, especially if you pursue additional education or certifications. For example, becoming a certified arborist or a landscape designer are potential career paths that would open up more opportunities.

In terms of skills, physical stamina and endurance are essential as the work can be quite physically demanding. Good communication and customer service skills are also important for dealing with clients. Creativity for design and problem-solving skills to tackle challenges that arise on a job are valuable too. Lastly, practical skills like being able to operate basic tools and equipment are a must.

Overall, if you enjoy working with your hands, being creative, and don't mind getting a bit dirty, then a career in landscaping might be a good fit for you.