17 Landscape Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Landscape managers are responsible for the overall look and feel of parks, gardens, and other outdoor spaces. They may also be in charge of maintaining the grounds of a particular building or estate. This position typically requires a degree in horticulture or a related field, as well as experience in landscaping.

If you’re interviewing for a landscape manager job, you can expect questions about your experience, your knowledge of plants and landscaping techniques, and your ability to manage a team. You’ll also want to be prepared to talk about your design aesthetic and your approach to problem-solving. To help you get ready, we’ve put together a list of common landscape manager interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the different types of plants and trees that are commonly used in landscape design?

Landscape managers need to be knowledgeable about the different types of plants and trees that are available for use in landscaping. This knowledge helps them make decisions about which plants and trees to include in a project, as well as how to care for these plants and trees once they’re installed. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list some of the most common types of plants and trees used in landscape design.

Example: “I am familiar with many of the most common types of plants and trees used in landscape design. For example, I know that there are several varieties of evergreen trees that are commonly used in residential landscaping projects. These include pine, spruce and fir trees. In addition, I’m familiar with the different types of shrubs that are often included in landscaping projects, such as azaleas, hydrangeas and rhododendrons.”

What are some of the most important skills for a landscape manager to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and qualifications to be successful in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of the most important skills for a landscape manager, such as communication, problem-solving and leadership skills.

Example: “I believe that communication is one of the most important skills for a landscape manager to have because it allows them to effectively communicate with their team members and clients. This skill also helps me solve problems more quickly by allowing me to ask questions and get feedback from my team members. Another important skill is problem-solving, which I use every day to find solutions to issues or challenges. Finally, I think leadership skills are essential for a landscape manager because they allow me to motivate my team members and encourage them to do their best work.”

How do you handle conflicts with clients or other members of your team?

Landscape managers often work with clients to ensure they’re happy with their landscaping projects. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle difficult conversations and diffuse conflicts when they arise. In your answer, explain how you would approach a conflict with a client or team member. Explain that you would try to resolve the issue as quickly as possible so it doesn’t impact the project’s timeline.

Example: “I have had to address disagreements between clients before, but I always try to avoid these situations if at all possible. If I do need to speak with a client about something they aren’t happy with, I first try to understand what they are looking for. Then, I offer solutions to help them achieve those goals while also staying within budget.

If I ever have an issue with another member of my team, I try to talk to them directly about the problem. I want everyone on our team to feel comfortable speaking up if they have concerns. I believe in being open and honest with each other so we can solve any issues quickly.”

What is your process for creating a budget for a new landscape design project?

Landscape managers need to be able to create budgets for their projects. This question helps the interviewer understand your budgeting process and how you use numbers to manage a project’s finances. Use examples from past experience to explain your thought process when creating a budget.

Example: “I start by researching what materials I’ll need for the job, including plants, soil, mulch and any other supplies we may need. Then, I estimate labor costs based on the number of hours it will take my team to complete the project. Finally, I calculate transportation and delivery fees so that I can include those in the final cost.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or client.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know how you handle conflict and whether or not you can resolve it quickly. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to solve the problem and what the outcome was.

Example: “In my last position as a landscape manager, I had a client who would often call me with questions about their landscaping project. Sometimes they would call multiple times in one day asking for advice on different things. While I always answered their questions, I tried to encourage them to do some research themselves so that they could save time by knowing what to expect when I called back.”

If hired for this position, what would be your goals for your first 90 days on the job?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s goals and ambitions. It also helps employers see what they can expect from their new hire in the first few months on the job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of your own career goals and how you would apply them to this position.

Example: “My primary goal for my first 90 days on the job would be to get to know everyone I work with. I believe that communication is key to any successful business, so I would like to meet all of my coworkers and introduce myself. Another goal I have would be to create a plan for our landscaping projects. I would want to sit down with each member of the team to discuss their strengths and weaknesses and come up with a plan for which jobs we should take on.”

What would you do if you noticed that one of the plants in a public area was looking unhealthy?

Landscape managers often work with plants that are in public areas, so employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with the public. Use your answer to show that you can communicate effectively and solve problems.

Example: “If I noticed a plant was looking unhealthy, I would first try to identify what’s wrong with it. If I’m not able to diagnose the problem myself, I would call my supervisor for advice on how to proceed. Once I know what the issue is, I would remove the plant from its current location and take it back to our nursery where we could treat it. After it has fully recovered, I would return it to its original location.”

How well do you understand local and state regulations regarding landscape design?

Landscape managers must understand the regulations in their area and state to ensure they’re designing landscapes that meet safety standards. Your answer should show the interviewer you have a good understanding of these regulations and how to apply them to your work. If you haven’t worked in this particular area or state before, you can talk about how you researched local regulations when starting a new job.

Example: “I’ve been working as a landscape manager for five years now, so I’m very familiar with the regulations in my current city. However, when I started my career, I did some research on the regulations here to make sure I understood them well enough to design safe landscapes. I also learned more about the regulations from other professionals who were willing to share their knowledge.”

Do you have experience creating design plans using computer software?

Landscape managers often use computer software to create design plans for clients. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary skills to complete your job duties. Before your interview, review the job description to see if they mention any specific software that they require their employees to know how to use. In your answer, let them know which programs you are familiar with and why you chose those ones.

Example: “I am very comfortable using computer software to create landscape designs. I’ve used several different types of software in my previous position, including AutoCAD, SketchUp and PlantStudio. These programs allow me to create detailed drawings of a client’s property while also allowing me to add plants, shrubs and other elements to the plan. This helps me communicate exactly what I want to do on the project.”

When planning a landscape, what is your process for selecting plants that will thrive in that environment?

This question can help the interviewer understand your knowledge of plants and how you plan for success. Use examples from past projects to highlight your critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Example: “I first look at the client’s budget and what they want their landscape to achieve. For example, if a client wants privacy, I’ll select shrubs that are tall enough to block out views but also provide seasonal color. If they’re looking for something more colorful, I might choose annuals or perennials instead. Then, I research which plants will thrive in that environment based on sunlight exposure, soil type and other factors. Finally, I order the plants and install them once they arrive.”

We want to increase our use of sustainable materials and practices in our designs. Are there any practices or materials that you would recommend we avoid?

An interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with sustainable practices and materials. Use your answer to highlight any specific materials or practices that you avoid in your designs, as well as the reasons why.

Example: “I would recommend avoiding using plants that are invasive because they can cause damage to ecosystems. I also try to avoid using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides because they can contaminate soil and water. Instead, I use organic fertilizers and natural pest control methods like ladybugs.”

Describe your process for maintaining healthy plants and trees in a landscape.

Landscape managers need to have a strong understanding of how plants and trees grow. This question helps employers determine if you can apply your knowledge to their business. Use examples from your experience to describe the steps you take when caring for plants and trees in a landscape.

Example: “I start by assessing the health of all the plants and trees in a landscape. I look at each plant’s color, size and overall appearance to see if it needs any care. If there are any issues, I’ll remove the affected plant or tree and replace it with one that is more suitable for the landscape. Next, I make sure all the irrigation systems are working properly so the plants get enough water. Finally, I monitor the plants regularly to ensure they’re growing well.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you are a good fit for the role. Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly read through the job description so that you can reference specific skills or requirements they’re looking for in an ideal candidate. In your answer, try to highlight two or three of these skills while also sharing what makes you unique as a landscape manager.

Example: “I am passionate about landscaping and have been working toward becoming a certified landscape professional since I graduated college. My education and experience has prepared me to take on this position, but my passion is what makes me the best candidate. I love helping clients create beautiful outdoor spaces that they enjoy spending time in.”

Which landscape designers or managers do you admire most?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your background and experience. It also helps them understand what you value in a landscape manager or designer. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention someone who has had an impact on your career.

Example: “I admire my mentor, John Smith, because he taught me everything I know about landscaping. He was always willing to answer questions and give advice when needed. He’s retired now, but he still answers my calls if I have any questions. Another person I admire is Jane Doe. She started her own landscaping company after working for mine. Her business is doing really well, and she’s hired several of our former employees.”

What do you think is the most important thing that landscape managers can do to maintain a beautiful and functional outdoor space?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your landscaping skills and how you might approach this role. Your answer should include examples of what you’ve done in the past to maintain beautiful outdoor spaces while also being functional for their owners.

Example: “I think that maintaining an open line of communication with clients is one of the most important things landscape managers can do to ensure they’re creating beautiful, functional spaces. I always make sure to meet with my clients at least once every two weeks to discuss any changes or updates they want to make to their space. This helps me stay on top of their needs and ensures that we’re making progress toward their goals.”

How often should you prune trees or shrubs that are used in landscape design?

Landscape managers need to know how often they should prune plants and trees that are used in their designs. This question helps employers understand your knowledge of the industry and whether you can effectively manage a team of landscape designers. In your answer, try to explain why it’s important to prune certain plants at specific times.

Example: “I believe that proper pruning is essential for maintaining healthy plants. I recommend pruning shrubs or trees once every two years during the spring or summer months when they’re actively growing. Pruning too much can cause damage to the plant, but if done correctly, it can help maintain its health and appearance.”

There is a plant that you love to work with, but it isn’t a good choice for the area where it is planted. What do you do?

This question is a great way to see how you handle conflict. Landscapers often have to make tough decisions about what plants are best for certain areas and which ones they should avoid. Your answer should show that you can be decisive, but also consider the needs of your clients.

Example: “I would first ask my client why they chose this plant in the first place. If it’s because they love the look of it, I would try to find another option that looks similar. However, if it’s because of its hardiness or other practical reasons, then I would explain to them why it isn’t a good choice and offer an alternative.”