What Does a Landscape Manager Do?

Landscape managers are responsible for the design and maintenance of outdoor spaces. They work with a variety of plants, trees, grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation to create beautiful and functional spaces that people can enjoy.

Landscape managers may also be responsible for overseeing the construction of new features or structures in these areas. This might include things like building retaining walls, installing irrigation systems, or creating new beds for planting.

Landscape Manager Job Duties

Landscape managers typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Managing the development of plans for new construction projects such as roads or residential subdivisions
• Planning, designing, and implementing landscaping projects, such as designing gardens, installing irrigation systems, or creating lawn mowing schedules
• Coordinating with architects, engineers, contractors, government agencies, and other consultants as needed
• Estimating costs for labor and materials needed for projects, and estimating the time required to complete projects
• Establishing and maintaining plants, trees, shrubs, and other vegetation in accordance with environmental regulations
• Ensuring that the grounds are safe by identifying any potential hazards and taking appropriate measures to eliminate them
• Developing plans for new construction projects such as roads or residential subdivisions
• Maintaining inventory of supplies, equipment, and machinery needed for work activities
• Performing tasks related to the design and construction of facilities such as parks or recreational areas

Landscape Manager Salary & Outlook

Landscape managers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and type of company for which they work. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $56,500 ($27.16/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $86,500 ($41.59/hour)

The employment of landscape managers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Demand for landscaping services will increase as more people move to cities and towns and seek to make their surroundings more attractive. In addition, demand for landscape managers will continue to come from real estate developers and builders who plan and design commercial and residential developments.

Related: 17 Landscape Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Landscape Manager Job Requirements

A landscape manager typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Landscape managers typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some landscape managers choose to pursue a two-year associate degree in landscape management or horticulture. These programs teach students about landscape design, installation, maintenance and management. They also teach students about landscape plants, soils, irrigation and fertilizers.

Training & Experience: Landscape managers typically receive on-the-job training in their first few months of employment. This training helps them learn the specific processes and procedures of the company. It also allows them to become familiar with the property and the needs of the landscape.

Certifications & Licenses: Some states require landscape managers to obtain a license to work in the field. The requirements vary from state to state, so you will need to review the requirements for the state in which you plan to work.

Landscape Manager Skills

Landscape managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication skills: Landscape managers communicate with many people on a daily basis, including clients, contractors, suppliers and other landscape managers. Effective communication skills can help you convey information clearly and build relationships with others. You can use your communication skills to send emails, make phone calls and write reports.

Technical knowledge: Landscape managers use technical knowledge to understand the processes and procedures for completing various tasks. They use their technical skills to research and develop plans for projects, including estimating costs, ordering materials and completing the work to the client’s satisfaction. They also use technical skills to identify and solve problems, including identifying plant and animal health issues, repairing equipment and resolving customer complaints.

Leadership skills: Landscape managers often work in teams and lead their teams to success. Effective leadership skills can help you motivate your team, delegate tasks and encourage collaboration. You can also use leadership skills to train new landscape managers and help them develop their own leadership skills.

Problem-solving skills: Landscape managers often work with a team of other professionals, such as architects, engineers and contractors. They may also work with clients to develop a plan for a project. Having strong problem-solving skills can help you work through challenges and find solutions that work for everyone involved.

Time management: Landscape managers often have multiple projects they’re working on at the same time. Having strong time-management skills can help them prioritize their work and ensure they’re meeting deadlines. They may also use time management to ensure they’re completing all the necessary steps to complete a project.

Landscape Manager Work Environment

Landscape managers work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, and they may be exposed to hazardous materials, such as pesticides. They also work around heavy equipment, such as tractors, mowers, and other power-driven machinery. Most landscape managers work full time, and their workweek may include evenings and weekends. They may work overtime during the peak season, which generally runs from April through October. Some landscape managers may be on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies, such as severe weather conditions or equipment breakdowns.

Landscape Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how landscape managers work. Landscape managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growing Demand for Green Infrastructure

The demand for green infrastructure is growing as more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of living in a environmentally-friendly community. This trend is leading to an increased demand for landscape managers who can design and maintain these types of spaces.

Landscape managers can capitalize on this trend by becoming certified in green infrastructure design. This will allow them to compete for jobs with other professionals who are also interested in this field. In addition, they should keep up-to-date on the latest trends in sustainability so that they can provide valuable advice to their clients.

More Focus on Sustainability

As businesses become more concerned about the environment, they are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the world. One way they are doing this is by focusing on sustainability.

This trend is having a major impact on the landscape management industry, as businesses are now looking for professionals who have experience working with sustainable landscaping practices. Landscape managers who are able to adapt to this trend will be in high demand in the years to come.

A Greater Emphasis on Customer Experience

Customer experience has become increasingly important in recent years, as customers are more likely to base their opinions on reviews and word of mouth than ever before. As a result, landscape managers need to focus on creating a positive customer experience by providing quality service and maintaining beautiful landscapes.

In order to be successful in this new landscape, landscape managers need to be able to understand what customers want and how to meet their needs. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with customers and create a relationship based on trust.

How to Become a Landscape Manager

A landscape manager career can be a great way to combine your love of nature with your passion for design. As a landscape manager, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from small residential gardens to large commercial developments.

To become a landscape manager, you’ll need to have a strong background in horticulture and landscaping. You should also have experience working on projects of varying sizes and complexity. Additionally, it’s important to have strong communication skills so that you can effectively communicate with clients and other team members.

Advancement Prospects

Landscape managers typically start out as entry-level employees, such as groundskeepers or landscapers. With experience, they may advance to positions such as supervisor, lead groundskeeper, or lead landscaper. Some landscape managers may eventually become self-employed.

Landscape Manager Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we take pride in the appearance of our grounds and the safety of our visitors. We’re looking for an experienced landscape manager to join our team and help us maintain our high standards. The ideal candidate will have experience managing a landscape crew, as well as knowledge of horticulture, irrigation, and pesticide application. He or she will be responsible for the upkeep of the grounds, including mowing, edging, trimming, planting, watering, and fertilizing. Additionally, the landscape manager will be responsible for the safety of the crew, and will be expected to maintain a clean and orderly work area.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain the health and appearance of all landscaped areas on the property, including but not limited to mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, fertilizing, watering, and herbicide/pesticide applications
• Oversee irrigation system maintenance and repairs
• Plant annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs as needed
• Design and implement new landscape projects as requested
• Manage a team of landscaping staff, assigning tasks and responsibilities as needed
• Train new employees in proper safety procedures and company policies
• Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as needed
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports for upper management
• Develop and adhere to budgets for all landscaping projects
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality standards are met
• Respond to customer inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner
• Address any issues with equipment or vehicles in a timely manner

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, or related field
• 10+ years professional experience in landscaping, horticulture, or related field
• Proven management experience, with a strong focus on team development
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets
• Working knowledge of landscape design software, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Photoshop

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, or related field
• 15+ years professional experience in landscaping, horticulture, or related field
• Extensive knowledge of plant species and their care
• Experience developing and implementing sustainable landscape practices
• LEED certification