What Does a Lawn Care Worker Do?
Find out what a lawn care worker does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a lawn care worker.
Lawn care workers are responsible for maintaining the appearance of residential and commercial properties. They commonly work with lawn mowers, weed whackers, blowers, and other equipment to cut grass, clear debris, and treat lawns with chemicals or fertilizer.
Lawn care workers may also be responsible for planting new grass seed or shrubs, as well as performing general landscaping duties such as pruning trees or bushes, removing snow from sidewalks, etc.
Lawn Care Worker Job Duties
Lawn care workers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Mowing lawns using gasoline powered mowers or riding mowers, weed eaters, trimmers, or other power equipment as needed
- Removing debris from yards such as leaves, branches, and other organic materials using rakes, blowers, or mowers
- Aerating and overseeding lawns to promote growth and eliminate bare spots
- Installing artificial turf and other synthetic grass products such as mats and rolls
- Maintaining landscapes by planting new trees or shrubs, watering, weeding, pruning, or applying chemicals
- Strimming and topping trees to maintain their shape and size
- Trimming hedges and shrubs using hand tools such as shears and clippers
- Clearing debris from driveways, sidewalks, and other hardscapes using rakes, brooms, blowers, and other tools
- Maintaining community parks by performing tasks such as mowing grass, trimming trees, removing graffiti, and repairing playground equipment
Lawn Care Worker Salary & Outlook
Lawn care worker salaries vary depending on their level of experience, the company size and geographic location. Some lawn care workers are members of labor unions that negotiate wages on their behalf.
- Median Annual Salary: $38,490 ($18.5/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $59,000 ($28.37/hour)
The employment of lawn care workers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.
Demand for landscaping services will increase as more people choose to landscape their yards and gardens. In addition, demand for lawn care services will continue to grow as homeowners seek to maintain the appearance of their properties in a cost-effective manner.
Related: Lawn Care Worker Interview Questions and Answers
Lawn Care Worker Job Requirements
A lawn care worker typically needs to have the following qualifications:
Education: Entry-level lawn care workers need a minimum of a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some employers prefer a minimum of a two-year associate degree in horticulture or landscape management. These programs teach students about plant biology, soil science, landscape design, irrigation and pest management.
Training & Experience: Most employers will provide on-the-job training for new lawn care workers. This training will teach you how to use lawn care equipment, how to properly care for lawns and how to follow safety procedures. You may also receive instruction on how to properly handle chemicals and fertilizers.
Certifications & Licenses: Some employers may require employees to pass an industry-specific certification to show their general understanding of the field.
Lawn Care Worker Skills
Lawn care workers need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication skills: Communication skills are necessary for interacting with customers, supervisors and other lawn care workers. You may also use these skills to communicate with customers over the phone or in person regarding lawn care services.
Physical stamina: Lawn care workers often walk, kneel and crouch for long periods of time while performing their duties. They may also lift and carry heavy tools and equipment. Physical stamina is important for lawn care workers to complete their work duties safely and efficiently.
Attention to detail: Attention to detail is a necessary skill for lawn care workers, as it allows them to perform their job accurately. This can include everything from mowing the lawn in the correct pattern to watering the correct number of plants. Attention to detail can also help lawn care workers notice when something is wrong with a lawn, such as a patch of dead grass, so they can address the problem.
Problem-solving skills: Problem-solving skills are important for lawn care workers because they may encounter challenges while working. For example, a lawn care worker may notice that a lawn is not growing as fast as it should. They may need to find a solution to this problem, such as changing the type of fertilizer they use.
Teamwork skills: Working with others is an important part of the lawn care industry. You may work with a team of other lawn care workers or with a team of landscapers. Regardless of the type of team you work with, it’s important to be able to work well with others. This can include being able to communicate effectively, share responsibilities and work together to solve problems.
Lawn Care Worker Work Environment
Lawn care workers typically work outdoors, exposed to the elements. They may work for long hours during the spring and summer when the demand for their services is highest. They may work early mornings or late evenings to avoid the heat of the day. Some lawn care workers may be exposed to hazardous materials, such as pesticides and herbicides, which they use to treat lawns. They must take precautions to avoid coming into contact with these materials and to protect themselves from heat exhaustion.
Lawn Care Worker Trends
Here are three trends influencing how lawn care workers work. Lawn care workers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
Lawn Care Professionals Will Need to Be More Technical
As lawn care becomes more technical, lawn care professionals will need to be more skilled in order to keep up with the latest trends.
Lawn care is no longer just about mowing and trimming; now it involves a wide range of services, such as fertilizing, aerating, and pest control. In order to provide these services, lawn care professionals will need to be well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques.
More Focus on Green Technology
The trend of focusing on green technology is growing rapidly in the lawn care industry. This is due to the increasing popularity of environmentally friendly products and services that help homeowners reduce their carbon footprint.
As more and more people become interested in green technology, lawn care professionals will need to learn how to install and maintain these products. They will also need to be able to educate customers on the benefits of using these products.
Better Communication Between Lawn Care Professionals and Homeowners
The trend of better communication between lawn care professionals and homeowners is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are looking for ways to save money on their landscaping needs.
This trend is leading to an increased demand for lawn care professionals who are able to communicate effectively with clients and understand their needs. As a result, lawn care professionals will need to be able to not only provide excellent service but also to be able to sell their services in a way that appeals to potential customers.
How to Become a Lawn Care Worker
A lawn care worker can have a number of different career paths. They could become a landscaper, a horticulturist, or even a botanist. They could also become a landscape designer, a nursery manager, or a tree surgeon. No matter what direction they choose, it’s important for lawn care workers to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in landscaping and gardening. This can be done by reading magazines and attending workshops and conferences.
Advancement Prospects
Most lawn care workers start out as entry-level employees. With experience, they may be promoted to supervisor or manager positions. Some may open their own lawn care businesses.
Lawn Care Worker Job Description Example
At [CompanyX], we take pride in the appearance of our grounds. We’re looking for a lawn care worker to help us maintain the beauty of our property. The ideal candidate will have experience in lawn care, landscaping, and gardening. He or she will be responsible for mowing, trimming, and edging the lawn; watering and fertilizing the grass; and planting and caring for flowers and other plants. The lawn care worker will also be responsible for cleaning up leaves and debris, and for general upkeep of the grounds.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Mow, edge, and fertilize lawns using a variety of power equipment
- Plant trees, shrubs, flowers, and other greenery
- Spread topsoil, mulch, and other materials
- Trim hedges, bushes, and trees
- Remove dead leaves, branches, and debris
- Water plants and grass regularly
- Apply pesticides and herbicides as needed
- Repair irrigation systems
- Rake leaves and clear debris
- Snow removal in winter months
- Assist with landscaping projects
- Other duties as assigned
Required Skills and Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
- Ability to operate lawn care equipment, including mowers, trimmers, etc.
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Flexible availability, including weekends
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or higher in horticulture or related field
- 1-2 years professional lawn care experience
- Knowledge of plant identification and care
- Experience with irrigation systems
- Commercial pesticide applicator’s license