Does landscaping pay well?

Question

I'm thinking of becoming a landscaper

Answer 1

Labors only make at or just above minimum wage.  Forman average 20 dollars per hour.  Designers get even more than that.  The best thing to do is to take classes on horticulture and landscape design and then start a business for yourself so you keep all of the profit you make on a landscape.  An average home costs upwards of 25,000 dollars to design and install.  There is a lot of money to be made if you do it yourself.

Answer 2

Define "well". How many months per year you could work and what you would do in the off season for income? Would you hire a crew?

If I was you, I'd go to work for an established business and learn the ropes.

Answer 3

Go to school for horticulture and landscape design.  You will be able to get a position with a landscape company designing and selling landscapes.  As you gain field experience, your designs will be even better.  If you were considering starting a company of your own, put it off until you have worked in the industry- you'll have more knowledge to run a successful business.

Answer 4

There are several areas of "Landscaping" you can get involved with. Each has their own set of tools and starter cost.

But I know several people in the landscaping business that easily makes 6 figures, and then I also know many upon many who only scrape by.

Maintenance - For mowing lawns, fertilizing and general labor-This is a lower paying, but money can be made in volume business.

Irrigation Installation - A good business, especially in repairs. Although with the reduction in new home starts this business is slowing.

Landscape design and installation - This is also a good business, but you should have a decent horticulture background. This business has also slowed a bit due to reduction in housing starts.

Specialty - Here is where money can be made. If you specialize in areas such as paver installation, back yard/patio kitchens, artificial turf/putting green installations, pond installations, rain garden installations, drainage installations, rain harvesting installations are just some special areas to look into. These are more skilled than normal, but with training and research you can make a pretty good living at it.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Basically , No.

Unless you're very good, have an excellent reputation and have a few good blokes paid poorly.

Answer 6

How much experience do you have?,is your area seasonal? -meaning? - Warm climates demand more care. Stay small, be personalized, do the extra things that others charge for, as your reputation will pay off in the long run. Do the research and know your competitor's. As with any business, be a pro. and be patient. You can make a fair wage,most of all it can be very rewarding watching the garden grow.

Good Luck

Terry G