How to Become a Landscape Technician

A landscape technician is involved in the aesthetic improvement of lawns and gardens. They will work on private or public properties and will work to improve the visual experience and usability of the area for residents or guests.

A landscape technician works in private and public outdoor spaces to improve the look of gardens, lawns, and parks. They do various tasks throughout their work to keep outdoor spaces looking good and ensuring that they are safe for the general public. 

The duties of a landscape technician may include: 

• Caring for lawns, including mowing them, ensuring that they are safe for their desired activity, and making them look aesthetically pleasing.
• Designing walkways, garden areas, and pathways in the style that the landowner wants.
• Planting trees and bushes.
• Monitoring flowers for disease or damage, and assessing what to do about them if they are spoiled, including removing them.

There are a few different types of landscape technician, and their duties vary depending on what exactly they do. Some professionals in this career have a main focus on landscaping gardens. Groundskeepers often work on sports courses and are more focused on ensuring that athletic fields are in good condition. Pesticide handlers look at controlling diseases in plants, and arborists trim hedges and trees to prevent them from obstructing pavements and roads. 

All landscape technicians should be physically fit and be able to work in variable weather. The work can be seasonal – there may not be as much available in winter months – and landscape technicians may find themselves working outdoors in extreme summer weather as well.

There are specific landscape technician skills that candidates must demonstrate. In terms of physical abilities, landscape technicians should be proficient at operating machinery. This is because they will need to be able to use different engineering equipment, such as chemical spray and ride-on mowers. They should also demonstrate physical endurance, as they may need to kneel or stand for long periods. Having the ability to carry heavy loads is also crucial. 

Candidates should have excellent customer service abilities, as they will need to deal with customers’ needs frequently. They should also be able to communicate and collaborate with other garden staff, and simultaneously be able to deal with responsibility.

Landscape technicians should have keen attention to detail, as they need to complete their projects with precision. Furthermore, they should be able to use problem-solving capabilities to find out the right cure for plant diseases and to overcome design issues. 

Some landscape technicians work on one project at a time, whereas others travel and could work on multiple projects per day. Because of the necessary travel, landscape technicians may need to have a driving licence and a vehicle. 

It is beneficial for prospective landscape technicians to have a horticulture or landscape technician qualification – but it is not essential. Most jobs provide training, but applicants with relevant knowledge and work experience will be favoured. 

If their job involves handling potentially hazardous materials, including pesticides or herbicides, landscape technicians may need a licence. 

The wage for a landscape technician may vary depending on who employs them. Private clients typically pay more than the public sector. Professionals in this position could progress to become a landscaping manager, and many set up their own companies and become self-employed.