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A career in landscaping can be an exciting path to take. It combines creative thinking with the outdoors aspect of a physical trade, offering mental stimulation while sidestepping the sedentary working environment.

It may not be the first job that springs to mind when researching creative trades, but it’s certainly not to be overlooked. To help you decide if a career as a landscaper is right for you, we run down some of the key benefits you could expect.

Apprentices are in demand

One of the best ways to get into landscaping is to start as an apprentice. A quick browse on any leading job site usually turns up numerous vacancies for new-starters, offering the opportunity to learn on the job, and earn money as you do so. Alternatively, you could apply for a work-based apprenticeship through City & Guilds, or look for training courses and qualifications in your local area.

Sociable working hours

With landscaping, you can expect sociable working hours that leave your evenings and weekends free. While certain trades, such as plumbers and electricians, may be required to attend emergency call-outs, a landscaper’s week usually fits in well with a daily routine. Although early starts may occasionally be required to make full use of the sunlight, you can expect a good work-life balance.

Health benefits of an active lifestyle

The NHS recommends that adults try to achieve 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week to stay healthy. The most common form of moderate activity listed is ‘brisk walking’ (although ‘pushing a lawnmower’ also makes the list). With an outdoors job such as landscaping which involves daily walking and lifting, you’re likely to hit the weekly recommendations before you know it. And the sunshine and fresh air won’t hurt either.

Various career prospects

There are many possible career paths for landscapers. As with many trades, you’ll be learning by doing, and the longer you work at it, the better you’ll get, both in terms of creative vision and efficient best working practices. As your skills and experience grows you may find yourself moving from apprentice, to project management, to even owning and running your own business.

Variety of work

Unlike a standard office role, you’ll find a wealth of variety from landscaping projects. With a set of skills at your disposal that include horticulture, fencing, paving, decking, and installing water features, no two jobs are likely to be the same. Additionally, you may start with domestic gardens, but landscaping can take you to business properties, country homes, and public spaces such as parks, urban spaces, or canal sides to name but a few. Of course this depends on the opportunities in your local area, your skill levels, and your desire to seek out new challenges, but if variety is something you enjoy, the potential is certainly there.

It’s a rewarding job

There’s nothing more satisfying than a job well done, and with landscaping you get to see a project through from inception to completion. Whether you’re leaving a family with a brand new garden, or debuting a revamped public park to the local community, the work you do is sure to have a positive effect. Everyone loves to be outdoors, and leaving customers with an outdoor space they can enjoy is just as rewarding as it sounds.

Posted in Landscaping, Landscaping Techniques, News