Career: Landscapers and Groundskeepers
Which is worth more? The house with weeds and bare patches around it or the one with a blooming garden, beautifully kept lawn, and well-pruned oak and maple trees? Without the growing things around them, buildings lose beauty and even monetary value.
Landscapers and groundskeepers use the tools of nature -- from the fresh scent of flowers to the energy-saving shade of trees -- to better the spaces where we live and work.
Landscapers and groundskeepers plan, develop, and maintain green spaces such as parks and gardens.
Did You Know?
- If you work in urban areas, you’ll need to know local and federal environmental regulations and building codes.
Are You Ready To...?
- Advise a homeowner on which shrubs and trees to plant
- Decide on the best type of grass to use in a golf course
- Design a xeriscape (a water-saving landscape design) for an Arizona business
- Treat city trees against insect infestation and disease
- Plant patriotic displays of geraniums for the Fourth of July
It Helps to Be...
Someone who’s visual and good with tools. Landscapers need to understand the appeal of a broad sweep of green or a wild azalea bush placed in just the right spot.
Make High School Count
- Learn how plants grow in biology.
- Sign up for art classes and develop an eye for beauty.
- Take shop to get hands-on experience with tools and small motors.
- Build important skills in business, accounting, and computer classes. You may well end up with your own business someday.
- Get a summer job with a lawn service -- or start your own.
Did You Know?
- Frederick Law Olmsted, the chief architect of Central Park in New York City, is often called the founder of American landscape architecture.
Outlook
Government economists expect job growth for grounds maintenance workers to be faster than the average for all careers through 2016.
That’s thanks in part to the growing number of shopping malls, parks, housing, and office buildings. Also, homeowners these days have less time to take care of their own lawns and gardens than they once did. They tend to hire professionals instead. Finally, more people realize that money spent to keep grounds looking their best is an investment that can really pay off.
Compensation
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the average yearly salary in 2008 for managers of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers was $42,990.
