Once a garden is planted, grass takes root, and trees begin to grow in your front yard, other things start to happen which are dangerous to your wonderfully landscaped lawn. Those plants, grasses, and trees can become diseased, they can get overgrown, turn into regular rest stops for pests, and eventually disappear, crowded out by weeds.
Lawn care specialists work for lawn care agencies. They work alone or in teams, providing all sorts of services to private residences, governments, hospitals, corporate buildings. Virtually where ever there is a lawn, there will be lawn care specialists. These individuals mow grass, seed lawns, apply fertilizer and pest control, and trim hedges and trees. They consult with clients on proper maintenance practices, and often return for follow up visits to ensure the treatments' success.
Some lawn care specialists work with pesticides, fungicides, and other chemicals to prevent disease and insects from damaging a landscaped environment. Other lawn care specialists work with environmental methods, in an effort to preserve the ecological environment of the lawn and its surroundings.
Lawn care specialists need to be a self-motivated and independent workers. They are able to follow orders, as well as supervise other workers. Lawn care specialists have an interest in nature, and they have a vast knowledge of how to care for plants, trees, and lawns. To work in this position lawn care specialists must be responsible, hardworking, and enjoy spending time outdoors.
Typical Tasks
Meet with clients to discuss problems
Mow grass, trim hedges and tree branches
Apply pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides
Prevent disease and pest invasion using environmentally-friendly techniques
Give client lawn and garden care tips
Perform routine checkups when required
A lawn care specialist will spend much of each day outside, treating lawns, gardens, and trees for insects and disease. They may use environmentally-friendly products or chemicals. They may spend some of each day reporting on duties to supervisor, documenting procedures. They will also perform routine checkups, to ensure the treatments are working effectively.
Workplaces, Employers and Industries
Lawn care specialists work for lawn care companies, governments, landscape architecture firms, or as independent contractors to corporations, private homes, or office buildings. Lawn care specialists spend most of each day outside, working alone or alongside other lawn care specialists.
Long Term Career Potential
Lawn care specialists who work for lawn care agencies can advance to supervisory positions, or they can always move on to open their own company, find work in nurseries, or return to school and train to be a landscape architect or technician. They can also write books and publish articles for amateur gardeners.
Educational Paths
Lawn care specialists do need some training. Some college courses in landscaping, environmental studies, horticulture, and forestry are useful, as is experience working as a grounds maintenance laborer. Some areas also offer apprenticeship programs in horticulture. A license may be required if the lawn care specialist is interested in applying chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, and pesticides. Lawn care specialists also need to continually educate themselves about the new technologies available. It is a good idea to contact a local lawn care agency, and speak with the specialists about training opportunities in your area.
