What is Needed to Become a Landscaper?

Landscapers need a broad knowledge of many plant types and how to care for them.

Lawns, flowers, shrubs and trees require care and maintenance to thrive. A landscaper performs these functions. Based on information found at the job and salary information site Indeed.com, the average annual salary in 2010 for a landscaper in the United States was $24,000.

Knowledge Requirements

A landscaper must possess knowledge of the care and maintenance of a variety of plants. She needs to know how to identify and eradicate diseases and pests, how much food and water plants need, and which plants grow best in different climates and environments.

Skill Requirements

Agility in using hand and garden tools is necessary. Proper manipulation of shears, pruners, spades, shovels, hoes and rakes is required. Proficiency in operating power equipment like mowers, leaf blowers and electric saws and shears is also requisite.

Physical Requirements

Landscaping is physically demanding. The landscaper must be physically fit in order to bend and stretch to reach ground plants and prune trees and shrubs. He is outdoors for most of his workday, so withstanding heat and other adverse weather conditions is also part of the job.

References

• Careers.StateUniversity.com: What is Needed to Become a Landscaper?