Landscaping & Grounds
Build and maintain the outdoor spaces that make properties valuable. Landscaping is one of the most reliably hiring trade families and one of the most accessible — most workers come up from helper roles with no prior credentials.
Three outdoor trades.
Landscapers handle the full mix of grass, hardscape, and plantings. Irrigation Technicians install and service sprinkler systems. Arborists climb and care for trees — premium pay for the climbing and chainsaw skills.
Landscaper
6 job-title variantsInstall and maintain residential and commercial grounds. Hardscape, plantings, mulching, mowing. Strong owner-operator path for two-person crews and small businesses.
Irrigation Technician
5 job-title variantsInstall, repair, and winterize irrigation systems for residential and commercial properties. ICA / IA certifications drive the senior pay tiers.
Arborist
6 job-title variantsClimb, prune, and remove trees safely. ISA Certified Arborist credential drives premium pay; commercial tree care pays well above general landscaping.
Apply across all three roles
ISA for arborists, IA for irrigation, and state landscape contractor licensing are the credentialing standards that drive senior pay.
ISA (International Society of Arboriculture)
Industry-standard credentialing body for arborists. ISA Certified Arborist is the entry credential; Tree Climber Specialist and Municipal Specialist are senior tracks.
ISA homepage →IA (Irrigation Association)
Certifying body for irrigation work. CIC (Certified Irrigation Contractor), CIT (Certified Irrigation Technician), and CLIA (Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor) are the main credentials.
IA homepage →State Landscape Contractor Licensing
VA DPOR, MD DLLR, NC LCLB all issue state landscape contractor licenses. Required for ownership and large commercial work; not required for entry-level roles.
TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association)
TCIA Accredited tree care companies hire ISA Certified Arborists. Industry credentialing for safety, training, and business practices.
TCIA homepage →Pesticide Applicator License
Each state requires a license to apply pesticides commercially. Required for full-service landscaping companies. Categories include ornamental, turf, and tree care.
Common pathways into Landscaping & Grounds
KinTrades welcomes workers across all three roles in this family — veterans transitioning out of service, students planning a career, and people returning to work after time away.
Veterans
Landscaping has fewer direct military crosswalks than other trade families, but Army 92Y Unit Supply, Navy EA (Engineering Aide), and Seabee construction-battalion ratings transfer well — the work is similar in scope to military grounds maintenance and base civil-engineering work.
The GI Bill covers ISA Certified Arborist exam fees and approved tree-care training programs.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Landscaping has the lowest entry barrier of any trade — most landscapers come in as crew members with no prior credentials. Many HS students work landscape crews seasonally and stay on full-time after graduation.
ISA Certified Arborist and CIT exams open to age 18+.
Pell-eligible CC programs cover horticulture and arboriculture.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Landscaping is among the most second-chance friendly trades on KinTrades.
Independent landscape contractors hire on demonstrated work ethic and physical readiness.
Arborist roles requiring CDLs run DOT-mandated background screening, but most landscape and irrigation work has no formal background check at entry level.
Second-chance hiringCommon questions about Landscaping & Grounds
What trades are in the Landscaping & Grounds family?
Landscaping & Grounds on KinTrades covers 3 roles: Arborist, Irrigation Technician, Landscaper. Each is a recognized skilled trade with its own apprenticeship pathway, certifications, and pay band.
How do you get started in Landscaping & Grounds?
Build and maintain the outdoor spaces that make properties valuable. Landscaping is one of the most reliably hiring trade families and one of the most accessible — most workers come up from helper roles with no prior credentials. Most workers come in via an apprenticeship — usually 2 to 5 years paid OJT plus classroom hours — or through a community-college pre-apprenticeship that feeds into one. Some employers also direct-hire helpers and train on-site.
Is Landscaping & Grounds a good fit for second-chance workers?
Landscaping is among the most second-chance friendly trades on KinTrades. Independent landscape contractors hire on demonstrated work ethic and physical readiness. Arborist roles requiring CDLs run DOT-mandated background screening, but most landscape and irrigation work has no formal background check at entry level.
Is Landscaping & Grounds a good career path for veterans or high school students?
Veterans: Landscaping has fewer direct military crosswalks than other trade families, but Army 92Y Unit Supply, Navy EA (Engineering Aide), and Seabee construction-battalion ratings transfer well — the work is similar in scope to military grounds maintenance and base civil-engineering work. The GI Bill covers ISA Certified Arborist exam fees and approved tree-care training programs. Students: Landscaping has the lowest entry barrier of any trade — most landscapers come in as crew members with no prior credentials. Many HS students work landscape crews seasonally and stay on full-time after graduation. ISA Certified Arborist and CIT exams open to age 18+. Pell-eligible CC programs cover horticulture and arboriculture.