Careers in the Landscape IndustryWhat types of careers are available in the landscape industry?

Landscape Architect

A person trained in engineering, graphic arts, and architectural technology to design landscapes Usually their work is on a larger scale such as

parks, shopping centers, golf courses, and large corporate complexes

Often in business for themselves

Landscape Designer

Individual trained in the art of design and the science of growing horticultural plants These individuals work primarily with

residential home sites and small corporate sites Many are employed by a landscape company,

nursery, or garden centers

Landscape Contractor

Person hired to install the landscape

This is the individual that transfers the design from paper to actual piece of land

This person can be hired by the designer, work for the same company as the designer, or can serve as the designer as well

Contractors also… Are in charge of ordering plants and materials Must have knowledge of plant identification Can read, understand, and interpret designs Manage a work crew Operate equipment Will subcontract-hire other companies to do part of the

landscape

Other Categories

Many companies will specialize in one of the following areas of landscaping:

1. Landscape Installation

2. Landscape Construction

3. Landscape Maintenance

Other Categories

Larger companies will have separate divisions within the same company that will handle these areas Installation: refers to the actual placing and

planting of plant material into a landscape. Will often include items such as laying sod, installing irrigation lines, grading, and staking trees.

Construction: deals with the installation of larger items such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and pools. (Hardscapes)

Other Categories

Hardscapes: are items in the landscape that are not living. Examples) rocks, walls, walkways, pathways, and fountains.

Maintenance: refers to the care and upkeep of a landscape. Can be items such as watering, cutting, fertilizing, weeding, pruning, and spraying. Can include items such as changing our of annual plants.