Landscaping Invoice Template

What Does a Landscaper Do?

A landscaper may offer limited or full-service lawn care management. This may include, but is not limited to: lawn mowing, raking, edging, gardening, mulching, cutting bushes and hedges, and any other requests related to the grounds of the property. Other Responsibilities – In the northern regions of the USA, some landscapers provide fall and winter care for the lawn and preparing for spring. In addition, the landscaper may also provide snow removal services during the winter months. In order to cut the best deal, try to get as many services to package at a wholesale price.

Landscaper Certifications

A landscaper seeking to improve their knowledge and exhibit credentials of lawn care know-how may use one (1) of the following associations to seek an official certification.

National Association of Landscape Professionals

A nationally recognized organization promoting professional practices of lawn care management. This is important for lawn care specialists with responsibilities over high-end clients such as golf courses, luxury real estate, and other related property. The association offers two (2) certifications:

1. Lawn Care Manager: Certification provided by the University of Georgia. 120 hours and costs between $319 to $379 (online course).
2. Lawn Care Technician: Study materials on your own and take the online test when ready. Cost for the test is $400 ($300 for members).

Irrigation Association

Nationally recognized organization related to the proper irrigation of lawns mostly related to golf courses. The association offers six (6) certifications:

1. Irrigation Designer: Recommended at least 2-3 years of experience. No study materials. Four (4) hour exam, 150 questions, $495 exam fee ($250 for members).
2. Irrigation Technician: Recommended 1,000 hours to study. Three (3) hour exam, 100 questions, and $300 fee ($175 for members).
3. Landscaper Irrigation Auditor: Recommended one (1) year of experience. Three (3) hour exam, 125 questions, and $495 fee ($250 for members)
4. Golf Irrigation Auditor: Recommended one (1) year experience. Three (3) hour exam, 125 questions, and $495 fee ($250 for members).
5. Irrigation Contractor: Recommended three (3) years of experience. Three and a half (3.5) hour exam, 150 questions, $495 fee ($250 for members).
6. Irrigation Designer: Recommended three (3) years of experience. Four (4) hour exam, 150 questions, and $495 fee ($250 for members).
7. Landscape Water Manager: Recommended three (3) years of experience. Four (4) hour exam, 150 questions, and $495 fee ($250 for members).

Residential vs. Commercial

Whether the property is residential or commercial, the landscaper will perform their duties making the most of the property. The main difference being a residential landscaper tends to put more time and care in making the property beautiful whereas a commercial property may just get the “bare necessities” for it to look presentable.

Residential Landscaper

• Property is serviced 4-14 days.
• For smaller properties (1-3 acres)
• Offer extensive to minimal services, most often times extensive.
• Contract not required.
• Payments made per job.
• Personal relationship with the landscaper.

Commercial Landscaper

• Property is serviced every 4-7 days.
• For larger properties (3+ acres).
• Offer extensive to minimal services, most often times minimal.
• Contract commonly required.
• Payments made on a recurring basis (.e.g weekly, monthly, etc.).
• No personal relationship with the landscaper. If a property manager is in charge, the landscaping may be hired as a subcontractor.

Landscaper Salary & Hourly Rate ($/hr)

Salary: $35,240 (source: BLS) Hourly Rate: $16.94 (source: BLS)