How to Become a Landscaper

There are two parts to becoming a successful landscaper. One is learning the art and science of caring for plants and trees that accompany private and public buildings. Just as important, but often overlooked, there are the business and public relation skills needed to run a small business.Put these two together and you might be successful with your endeavor as a landscaper.

Learn the art and craft of caring for outdoor plants, lawns and gardens. Your best option will be going to work for a greenhouse business, gardener or another landscape company. There may even be a relative or neighbor that has a similar business and needs a helping hand.

Do some research on different plants and trees that are commonly used in horticultural settings in the area that you live. This should be considered as a secondary option to Step 1, but still it is a very important way to expand to your base of knowledge and the area of research should definitely not be overlooked.

Ask a lot of questions. You will encounter lots of people who in their own way can be a vital resource in regards to learning more about landscaping. Whether it be a greenhouse owner, retired landscaper or fertilizer salesman, there are definitely things to be learned from any of these individuals.

Enroll in a landscape architecture program. Maybe designing parks and golf courses is your thing and completing a four or five year college program will help you find a job with an architectural firm as a landscape architect. Even if a college degree is not in the picture, there are educational classes that might be of help in your progress towards the goal of being a landscaper.

Invest in a vehicle and some very simple equipment. A van or a pickup truck is probably the most useful, but don’t forget that a vehicle is not 100% necessary. A person who knows how to prune fruit trees might be able to find work with just the simple investment of a pair of pruning shears and a bicycle. Of course, eventually you will need to expand your business and purchase a vehicle.

Start cultivating customers. You begin your business with such simple tasks such as raking or mulching leaves, or perhaps rototilling a garden, but you have to start somewhere and most likely the best thing to do is begin small and work your way up.

Learn how to do bookkeeping. The business world is full of skilled craftsmen who go broke because of business mismanagement. At first a course in bookkeeping might be just the right thing, but if your business takes off you might consider hiring an accountant.

You can learn skills of the skill in the most unexpected places. Keep your ears open.

Building a successful self-employed business requires very different skills than it does to learn about the care of ornamental flowers, shrubs and trees.