Landscaping is a job that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It involves physical labor, such as lifting heavy objects like mulch, compost, soil, and potted plants. It also requires creativity, accounting skills, and other business-related knowledge. Mobility can also play a role in how difficult the job is for one person compared to another.
Despite the challenges, landscaping can be an enjoyable and beneficial long-term career option. The physical aspect of landscaping can be exhausting, especially for those who are not physically fit. However, there are other aspects of the job that can make up for the physical labor. For example, there are design elements to consider, as well as accounting and other business facets. It's also important to be prepared to invest in tools and materials, and to expect clients to pay quickly. Most people consider money and fun when evaluating career options, but there are many benefits to being a professional landscaper.
For instance, many landscapers offer their employees health insurance, life insurance, a retirement plan (with a 3% match), and the chance to earn paid vacation. Landscapers can work full time or part time and can work individually or as part of a landscaping company. Professional landscapers may be required to perform basic tasks repeatedly or for numerous clients each week. This means that a landscaper can complete physically laborious tasks for approximately 40 hours each week. However, many people mistakenly believe that the professional term landscape refers only to crew members who install and maintain landscapes. In reality, it encompasses much more than that.
If you have aspirations to go far with the profession or even start your own landscaping business, a degree or diploma in landscaping or horticulture could be beneficial.