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Landscaping - A Green & Sustainable Career

By Cindy Sha from Steam Mop Reviews.

Becoming a landscape designer or starting a landscaping business is one of the many green and sustainable jobs available. However, this is not only a job; you can turn this into an extremely profitable business. If you are creative, have a green thumb and are willing to learn about plants, this just could be a possible career path.

In fact, Landscaping is one of the fastest growing jobs according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is a huge demand for these types of businesses which is rapidly growing at a higher rate than other job types.

Low Barrier To Entry

Most businesses and jobs have relatively high barriers to entry especially when it comes to the potential for significant monetary gain. However, landscaping is one of the few areas, where this "rule" simply doesn't apply. You don't need a degree, years of experience or even a lot of start up capital.

The only education that is needed is a good knowledge of plants which can be self-taught. In addition to this, you may also want to learn about color combinations and what plants best complement each other. By reading through a few landscaping books (bought at your local bookstore no less), you will have all the ideas you need to start experimenting on your own landscaping projects.

It is not recommended that you go directly from book knowledge to offering your services. You can do a few experiments in your own yard, take some pictures and create a portfolio. Then, you can move on to perhaps your neighbor's yards or your friends and family. You can offer your services for free or at a minimal price initially to build up your portfolio.

Once you've done a few projects, have some great photos for your portfolio and have acquired confidence in your ability, you're just about ready to become a landscaper!

Landscaping Business

Now that you've acquired the essential skills, you can advertise your services through the Classified ads, radio, on Facebook and other social networking venues. By offering a rate slightly below the standard, you are sure to get jobs a lot faster. However, once you've established yourself and have built a good reputation, there is no ceiling on your income.

Since this is a highly physical business, you may want to consider hiring one or two helpers. This will come in especially handy when you're moving blocks and uprooting concrete! Here is where your one man show transforms into a business. You don't need to hire highly trained landscapers, but gardeners that only need to follow your instructions.

By doing so, not only are you creating employment but actually teaching others the trade and paying it forward.

Additional Ideas

In addition to the actual landscaping there is another way you can monetize your business that is extremely eco-friendly.

If you think about it, what is the number one raw material you deal with? That's right - plants, shrubs, flowers, weeds, trees etc. Every day at your job, you will have to not only use these materials, but also get rid of those that are not needed.

Instead of dumping them, you can save these "green wastes" and use them to create compost. Since you will have the materials needed to make compost regularly, you can designate an area where you can consistently create compost.

Not only can you use this "black gold" back into your business to feed the plants, but you can even sell it as an additional side business. By networking with farmers and other landscapers, you are sure to have a constant stream of customers that will pay a good price for this nutrient rich plant food.

This idea is not just good for your pocket, but also the environment. Instead of using fertilizers which are chocked full of chemicals, you can use and promote the use of compost which is 100% natural.

Summary

Landscaping is an ideal profession for those that are creative, love the earth and enjoy having a deep connection to the planet. You can definitely have a job or career you love without having to sacrifice your monetary needs. All you need to do is take the first step ;)

Resources

*eBook of Hardy Ornamental Flowering Trees and Shrubs
*Makita UC4030A Commercial Grade 16-Inch 15 Amp Electric Chain Saw With Tool-Less Blade And Chain Adjustments
*ARS Arborist 13-Inch Curved Super Turbocut Saw #SA-UV32
*The Arborist

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