Main Disadvantages of Being A Landscaper.

Main Disadvantages Of Being A Landscaper

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There are many reasons not to get into a profession, and those disadvantages can stack up regardless of the job you’re considering. And if you’re looking into becoming a landscaper, it’s no different—there are definite disadvantages to working in this position. 

The main disadvantages of becoming a landscaper are that starting your own business can be difficult, and landscapers usually work long, rough hours, making it very hard on the body. Landscapers typically have several jobs at once working for demanding and impatient customers or having boring jobs, but even that can fluctuate to no jobs at all. Supplies can be rare and expensive, and frequently, people stereotype landscapers.

Why are these the most important disadvantages, and how can you combat them? What are some of the benefits of becoming a landscaper? Read on to find out more about what you could face as a landscaper—and even what you could benefit from.

Starting your own business can be extremely difficult

Main Disadvantages of Being A Landscaper.

Because of the popularity of the profession, it can be very hard to start your own business in a saturated market. It can be just as hard to find a job in one of those existing businesses, too—it’s very competitive. 

So how can you combat it? If you’re starting your own business, make sure you’re doing something that stands out. Do your research and figure out what many of the local businesses are providing, and find what niche you can serve that isn’t currently being served. That goes with trying to get hired, too—what unique skill can you bring to their table? Figure that out and you can make yourself valuable. 

Landscapers work long hours, usually in rough conditions 

Landscaping occurs most of the time outdoors. If you’re an outdoorsy person, that may be a benefit to you—but what happens when you’re trying to work in the rain in the cold, or even in the blazing heat? You can expect any of these conditions when working as a landscaper. You can also expect to be busy and work long hours to meet those deadlines, so working in the heat of the day is expected. Be prepared for long, grueling workdays in the middle of the highest heat of your region. 

How to fix this?  Make sure you’re prepared. Take the time to use sunscreen, stay hydrated, or keep out of bad weather when you can. 

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Landscaping can be hard on your body 

Because you’re working out in that heat and weather all day, doing a physical task, can put a strain on your body. And because you can expect long hours on top of that? You may find yourself hurting after a long day. There are also risks of injury—especially if you’re working with major power tools or pesticides. Safety precautions should be taken at all times. Make sure you wear safety equipment like gloves, safety glasses, and a hard hat if necessary. 

Landscapers typically balance several projects at once

Besides long hours, you can expect to have multiple projects all at once. This means the tools or personnel you need might be on a different job site altogether, which can put a strain on resources. You may find yourself unable to meet a deadline unless you come up with a new way to do a task—or you may be filling in those hours that another person could have worked. 

Landscapers may not have worked at times due to fluctuating projects

Main Disadvantages of Being A Landscaper.

You may have several projects at once, or you may have no projects at all. This depends on your timing and your customer base. You may find yourself out of work depending on the weather, so you can expect these fluctuations no matter your level of business. The only way to combat this is to try to have regular projects that you can come back to when the time is right. 

Work can be tedious if it is repetitive or doesn’t vary

The only thing worse than a hard job is a boring one. You may find yourself doing the same thing, day in and day out, and that can become boring. If you’re just cutting grass and trimming trees, it can take the fun and excitement out of the job, making it that much harder for you to do every day. 

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Customers can be demanding and very impatient 

In all service positions, you will find working with customers can be difficult and sometimes they can be downright mean. Landscaping is no different. Customers are always looking for ways to cut their corners, which means they’re going to want to pay you the minimum for your work. They can also expect you to do work that is outside of your purview, so expect those questions, too. Make sure you set hard boundaries with your customers and provide information on your website and to them about what you can and cannot do. 

Supplies may be hard to come by, and when you can, they can be expensive 

Having many jobs can be nice and keep your business busy, but it can mean you run out of supplies. Sometimes, that puts a strain on your business, because certain things may be harder to get at certain times of the year—and then when you do get it, the cost of it may be astronomically high depending on the demand. Whether it’s supplies or equipment, make sure you stay on top of knowing the costs and what to expect. 

Landscapers are stereotyped by many 

Many people—even customers—consider that landscapers have a lower intelligence than other professions due to their physicality and simplicity. This is listed as a disadvantage even though it isn’t true—many landscapers actually can pursue a degree in landscaping, and landscape architects are licensed professionals. But that stereotype still exists, and the best way to break it is by being good at your job. Know your supplies and your customers, learn the most you can about your industry, and simply do a great job. Breaking those stereotypes can be easy—just do a good job, and people will talk. 

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Advantages of Being a Landscaper

Don’t forget that with every disadvantage comes an advantage. While you may find that there are reasons not to become a landscaper, there are plenty of reasons to do so, including:

Main Disadvantages of Being A Landscaper.
  • High rate of pay. For this industry, you may expect lower pay, but that’s incorrect. It doesn’t matter whether you manage your own business or work for one, you’re going to get a decent salary in most cases. 
  • Minimal structured education. Many landscapers, if they’re doing basic work, don’t need structured education like a class or even a degree. The best sort of experience comes from on-the-job work. 
  • Variable work by season. Since landscapers don’t typically work in the winter months, you can expect to shift your focus during cold winters. Many landscapers will shift to snow removal, and that can also be a benefit, as there is plenty of money to be made. 
  • Outdoor work. If you’re into the outdoors, you can benefit by working there. It’s been proven that spending time outdoors actually can help decrease depression, so working every day can be beneficial for your health. 
  • Stability. Because it is a seasonal job, many may consider this a much more unstable position, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Everyone needs landscaping, and in the winter (if you’re in a region where it snows) everyone needs snow removal. You will always find that people need landscapers, which means not only that the job is stable, but there is room to grow. 
  • Ability to be flexible. While your work varies by season, it can also vary from day to day. You can be working on a porch one day and planting flowers for a business in the next. If you want something that is stable but has a lot of variety, being a landscaper is the job for you. 
  • A rewarding job. Not many jobs have an immediate visual component, but when you’re finished with a project, you can see it and experience it. And if you love being in the outdoors, this is another benefit that adds to your rewarding position—you can be in the sun all day and you’ll have something to show for it when you’re done. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does landscaping affect the environment?

There are many ways that landscaping affects the environment, including reducing soil erosion, preventing runoff, allowing wildlife to be protected, helping prevent heat islands in large cities, and helping promote better air quality. All of these can be achieved through the proper landscaping techniques. 

What are the advantages of landscaping your home?

Besides helping the environment, landscaping can help improve the look of your yard. It can add to your property value, increase your curb appeal and that first impression, and can make your lawn healthier. 

To learn more on how you can start your own landscaping business, check out my startup documents here.

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