Business Management

There are lots of things to consider if you’re about to start a landscaping business. Find all the information you need and more at Penn State Extension. Information includes tips on how to manage operations in the green industry, license and certification requirements, and courses in residential landscape design.

Landscaping Business Management

Landscaping is an exciting and rewarding Green Industry career. Penn State Extension has an extensive guide to help you get started. Running your own landscaping business is a continual learning curve, but there are always green industry professionals willing to share their knowledge and expertise at Green Industry Conferences.

There are rules and regulations to understand. For example, your business would need to comply with Pennsylvania pesticide laws. Your green industry business may need a registered technician if you plan to be making pesticide applications to land you do not own or lease.

Something else you need to think about is understanding how to inspect trees for hazards. You may need to contact a certified arborist to examine the tree. When you first start your landscaping business, estimating and bidding for landscape installations is a fundamental skill to learn. If you’re going to manage a community forest, a community tree inventory is crucial.

Landscaping Employee Training

An extensive range of employee training is available if you plan to have a team of professionals to help you in your green industry business. It’s possible to increase working tree and shrub knowledge and professional arborist skills by completing a four-day arborist short course.

Both beginner and seasonal employees can get training in reading landscape plans. Pruning skills are also essential for people working in a landscape business. Pruning can take place at ground level, but it may require special tree climbing skills. If you have to work at a height, safety is paramount. Personal protective equipment has to be used correctly.

If you create healthy soil for the plants in a landscape you’re helping them to grow well and be healthy. Even new lawn will grow better if it has good soil to grow from. Other essential factors include planting correctly, mulching, and watering efficiently. When plants in a landscape become damaged or diseased, being able to recognize the cause means you can find an appropriate remedy.

In this section, find resources and information on landscaping business management, employee training, and more.