Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Landscaper
What landscapers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a landscaper?
Load mowers and trimmers onto the trailer. From there, the day usually includes mow, edge and trim lawns, plant trees, shrubs and flowers, and spread mulch and install sod. Work is busiest from spring through fall; many crews do snow removal in winter.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a landscaper working full time.
- Load mowers and trimmers onto the trailer.
- Mow and edge a commercial property.
- Prune shrubs along the entrance.
- Spread mulch in planting beds.
- Lunch break in the truck.
- Plant a row of new trees at a home.
- Unload, clean and fuel equipment.
Where landscapers work
Landscapers work outdoors in heat, cold and rain, using power equipment and lifting heavy materials.
Hours and schedule
Work is busiest from spring through fall; many crews do snow removal in winter.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Mow, edge and trim lawns
- Plant trees, shrubs and flowers
- Spread mulch and install sod
- Prune shrubs and small trees
- Install and repair irrigation
- Build hardscapes like walls and paths
- Remove leaves and snow
Tools you’ll use every day
- Mowers and trimmers
- Leaf blowers
- Hand tools and pruners
- Skid steers
- Irrigation tools
- Trucks and trailers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Work outdoors
- No experience needed
- Huge, steady field
- Path to owning a business
What’s hard
- Heat, cold and weather
- Physically demanding
- Seasonal slowdowns
- Noise and equipment hazards
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love being outdoors
- I don’t mind hard work
- I want to start right away
- I like seeing results at the end of the day
- I like working on a crew
- I might start my own business
Not sure? Take the free Landscaper fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear eye and hearing protection
- Keep guards on mowers and trimmers
- Drink water and take breaks in heat
- Lift heavy materials with your legs or with help