High School

In general, a high school diploma is preferred, but not necessary, for most landscaper positions. At least some college training is needed for those with specialized responsibilities. High school students interested in this career should take classes in English, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and as many courses as possible in horticulture and botany.

Postsecondary Training

Those interested in college training should enroll in a two- or four-year program in horticulture, landscape management, or agronomy. Classes might include landscape maintenance and design, turf grass management, botany, and plant pathology. Course work should be selected with an area of specialization in mind. Many trade and vocational schools offer landscaping, horticulture, and related programs. Several extension programs are also available that allow students to take courses at home.

The minimal educational requirement to become a forester is a bachelors degree in forestry; however, some foresters combine three years of liberal arts education with two years of professional education in forestry and receive the degrees of bachelor of arts and master of forestry.

The National Association of Landscape Professionals has developed the Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program, which prepares apprentices for work as a landscape technician in maintenance, installation, and irrigation. Apprentices must complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training as well as a minimum of 144 hours in the classroom or online equivalent. Visit https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/Apprenticeship for more information.

Certification

Colleges and universities offer certificate programs in horticulture, urban forestry, and related fields that help students and current technicians build their skills. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs. Additionally, the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) offers landscape technician and principles of turfgrass management certificate programs. Visit https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/LP/LP/Certification/Certification-NALP.aspx for more information.

Other Education or Training

Landscapers can enhance their knowledge and advance in their work by taking continuing education courses offered by professional associations. Groups such as the NALP, among others, offer continuing education classes, webinars, and workshops.

Certification or Licensing

Licensing and certification differ by state and vary according to specific job responsibilities. For example, in most states landscapers and grounds managers need a certificate to spray insecticides or other chemicals. Landscape contractors must be certified in some states.

Several professional associations offer certification programs for workers in the field. The National Association of Landscape Professionals offers the landscape industry certified technician certification credential to candidates who complete coursework and pass an examination. The certification program is available in both English and Spanish. The Professional Grounds Management Society offers the certified grounds manager and certified grounds technician credentials. Landscapers who specialize in the care of golf courses and sports fields can receive certification from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) or the Sports Field Management Association. The International Society of Arboriculture also provides certification.

Contractors and other self-employed people may also need a license to operate their businesses.

Any previous experience caring for trees, plants, and shrubs will be useful for aspiring landscapers and grounds managers.

Aspiring landscapers should have "green thumbs," and an interest in preserving and maintaining natural areas. They should also be reasonably physically fit, have an aptitude for working with machines, and display good manual dexterity.