Breaking Into Landscaping: No Experience? No Problem!
Do you love working outdoors and creating beautiful spaces? Want a job that doesn’t require a degree but still offers great pay and career growth? Landscaping might be the perfect career for you! The best part? You don’t need any prior experience to get started. Whether you’re looking for a full-time job, a side hustle, or even your own business, this guide will show you exactly how to break into landscaping and build a successful career.
Why Landscaping is a Great Career Choice
Landscaping is more than just mowing lawns—it's about designing, building, and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces. It’s also a booming industry with high demand for skilled workers across the U.S. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
✅ No Degree Required – You can start right away with hands-on experience.
✅ Good Pay – Many landscapers earn $40,000 to $70,000 per year, and skilled professionals or business owners can make six figures.
✅ Job Stability – Homes, businesses, and cities always need landscaping services.
✅ Career Growth – You can start as an entry-level worker and move up to a designer, manager, or even own a landscaping company.
✅ Enjoy the Outdoors – No office cubicle—just fresh air and the satisfaction of seeing your work come to life.
Now, let’s get into how to start with zero experience and build a successful landscaping career.
Step 1: Learn the Basics (No Degree Needed!)
The first step is to learn about landscaping, and the good news is—you don’t need formal education to do it. Here’s how you can gain knowledge without spending money:
Watch YouTube tutorials – Many professional landscapers share step-by-step videos.
Read landscaping blogs – Websites like LawnSite and GardenDesign have valuable insights.
Take online courses – Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer basic landscaping courses.
Learn about plants – Understand soil types, seasonal plants, and maintenance techniques.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with the basics like lawn care, tree trimming, and irrigation systems. These are skills that employers look for in entry-level hires.
Step 2: Get Hands-On Experience (Without a Job Yet)
Before applying for jobs, get real-world experience to boost your confidence and resume. Here’s how:
Practice in your own backyard – Experiment with planting, edging, and designing.
Help friends & family – Offer to mow lawns, trim bushes, or plant flowers.
Volunteer for community projects – Parks, schools, and local gardens often need help.
Work at a garden center or nursery – This is a great way to learn about plants while earning money.
📌 Success Story:
John, a 22-year-old with no experience, started by helping his neighbors with yard work. He took before-and-after pictures and posted them online. Within a few months, he had a portfolio and landed his first paid landscaping job!
Step 3: Land Your First Landscaping Job
Now that you have basic skills, it’s time to get hired. Here’s how to make it happen:
1. Build a Simple Resume
Even with no experience, you can highlight:
✅ Physical skills (strength, endurance, ability to work in different weather conditions).
✅ Attention to detail (measuring, cutting, and arranging plants).
✅ Work ethic (reliable, hardworking, good at following instructions).
2. Find Entry-Level Jobs
Great places to apply:
Landscaping companies – Many companies offer on-the-job training and don’t require prior experience. Here are some well-known landscaping companies in the U.S. where you can apply:
● BrightView Landscapes – One of the largest landscaping companies in the U.S. with positions in commercial and residential landscaping.
● The Davey Tree Expert Company – Specializes in tree care and landscaping services.
● TruGreen – Primarily focused on lawn care and maintenance.
● LandCare – A national company with opportunities for entry-level workers.
● SavATree – Great for those interested in tree care and environmental landscaping.
Golf courses & resorts – They need year-round landscaping.
Parks & recreation departments – City and county parks hire maintenance workers.
Home improvement stores – Jobs at Lowe’s or Home Depot help you learn about landscaping materials.
💡 Pro Tip: Walk into local landscaping companies and ask if they’re hiring. Many businesses prefer in-person applications over online ones.
Step 4: Gain Certifications & Special Skills (To Earn More!)
While certifications aren’t required, they can help you stand out and increase your pay. Consider these options:
📜 Top Certifications:
Landscape Industry Certified Technician (LIC-T) – Shows professional skills.
Certified Horticulturist – Great for those who love working with plants.
Pesticide Applicator License – Required for spraying chemicals on lawns.
💡 Extra Skills to Learn for Higher Pay:
Hardscaping (patios, retaining walls)
Irrigation system installation
Tree care and pruning
📌 Success Story:
Maria started as a lawn care worker earning $15/hour. She realized that specializing in irrigation systems could boost her career, so she took a Landscape Irrigation Technician course offered by the Irrigation Association. After getting certified, she was promoted to an Irrigation Crew Leader, increasing her pay to $25/hour. A year later, she got her Pesticide Applicator License and took on additional responsibilities, which helped her land a Project Manager position with a salary of $65,000/year. Her certifications and specialized skills made her an in-demand professional, allowing her to choose projects that paid her the best.
Step 5: Start Your Own Landscaping Business (If You Want to Go Big!)
Once you gain experience, you can become your own boss. Landscaping businesses can make six figures if done right.
How to Start a Landscaping Business:
1️⃣ Choose Your Niche – Lawn care, garden design, hardscaping, eco-friendly landscaping.
2️⃣ Get a Business License – Check your state’s requirements.
3️⃣ Invest in Basic Equipment – Mower, trimmer, shovel, and truck.
4️⃣ Create an Online Presence – Use Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor to find clients.
5️⃣ Offer Promotions – First-time customer discounts, referral rewards.
📌 Success Story:
Mike started a small landscaping business with just a lawnmower and a truck. He posted his work on Facebook, got his first few clients, and reinvested his earnings into better equipment. Within two years, he was making over $120,000 per year running his own business!
Conclusion: You Can Start Today!
Landscaping is one of the few careers where you can start with no experience and still succeed Follow these steps, work hard, and you can turn landscaping into a high-paying career or business.
✅ Learn the basics without spending money.
✅ Get hands-on experience by practicing and volunteering.
✅ Apply for entry-level jobs and work your way up.
✅ Earn certifications and special skills to increase your pay.
✅ Start your own business if you want to make six figures.
🚀 Ready to get started? Take the first step today!