How to Become a Landscaper
Becoming a professional landscaper is a great career choice for people who enjoy working with their hands and spending time in the outdoors. To be a successful landscaper, you’ll need to obtain an education, gain practical experience by working in the field and learn various small business skills.
- Choose your area of expertise. Landscapers provide a wide range of services from lawn care to yard design. Depending on the type of landscaping you plan to do, you might need to get a license or a certificate. Decide what type of landscaping you want to do as a career, and find out if there are any legal requirements you need to fulfill before you can begin working.
- Enroll in school to learn landscaping skills and business basics. While you do not necessarily need a degree to become a successful landscaper, it can be very helpful in helping you achieve your future career goals. If you are on a budget, many public collages and vocational schools offer affordable programs and flexible class times.
- Gain experience by working for professionals who have been in the landscaping industry for many years. Landscapers work with their hands, so it is very important to gain practical experience in addition to obtaining an education. Being a well-rounded candidate will help you get a job with a reputable landscaping company and advance to a higher-paying position faster.
- Apply for jobs at local landscaping companies. While many professional landscapers start their own businesses eventually, it is important to learn everything you can about the industry before opening your own company. Working for a well-known company will help you perfect your skills and establish your reputation as a professional.
- Continue to take classes and pursue various certifications. You can participate in training programs while you continue to work. The more certifications you obtain, the more you will stand out from your competitors.