In today’s booming landscaping industry, demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever. As more homeowners and commercial clients seek top-notch landscaping services, companies are feeling the pressure to expand their teams to keep up. But growing a landscaping crew in a competitive market isn’t as simple as posting a job ad and waiting for applicants. It requires a thoughtful approach, strategic recruiting, and a focus on retaining the talent you worked hard to find.
Whether you’re a small landscaping business ready to scale or an established company looking to expand, these hiring tips can help you build a strong, reliable team.
1. Define the Roles You Need—Clearly
Before you even think about hiring, take time to define the exact roles your landscaping business needs. Are you looking for general laborers, experienced landscape designers, irrigation specialists, or crew leaders? Each role requires a different skill set and level of experience.
Write detailed job descriptions that outline:
- Key responsibilities
- Required skills and certifications (e.g., pesticide applicator license)
- Physical requirements
- Expected hours and pay range
- Opportunities for advancement
Clear expectations from the start help attract candidates who are a good fit and discourage those who aren’t.
2. Offer Competitive Pay and Benefits
In a tight labor market, competitive wages are non-negotiable. Many landscaping businesses lose potential hires because they underestimate what workers are expecting in terms of pay.
Do your homework and find out what competitors in your area are offering. If you can’t offer the highest wages, consider adding benefits that improve quality of life for your employees:
- Health insurance options
- Paid time off
- Flexible schedules
- Performance bonuses
- Paid training and certifications
Even small perks like free work boots or meals on busy days can make your company stand out.
3. Create a Positive Work Culture
The landscaping industry can be physically demanding, which makes having a supportive and positive workplace culture even more important. Happy employees stick around longer, and they’re more likely to refer their friends or acquaintances to work for you.
Foster a sense of teamwork by:
- Holding regular crew meetings to get feedback and share wins
- Recognizing hard work with employee-of-the-month programs or shoutouts
- Offering career growth opportunities, like promoting from within
- Organizing occasional team-building events, like BBQs or outings
A company culture that values its people is often the best recruitment tool.
4. Utilize Landscaping Marketing Ideas for Hiring
Most business owners think marketing is just for attracting clients, but it can be just as effective for hiring talent. The same strategies you use to win customers can help you attract potential employees.
Here are a few landscaping marketing ideas you can use for recruitment:
- Share behind-the-scenes content on social media showing your team in action, happy clients, and completed projects. It builds trust and demonstrates a healthy work environment.
- Create “We’re Hiring” posts on your website, optimized for local SEO. People searching for landscaping jobs in your area are more likely to find you.
- Run targeted social media ads aimed at workers in related industries like construction or maintenance.
- Encourage your current employees to share job openings on their personal networks, possibly with referral bonuses.
Marketing your business as a great place to work can bring in applicants who are excited to join your team.
5. Streamline Your Hiring Process
Talented candidates won’t wait weeks to hear back about a job. If your hiring process is slow or disorganized, you risk losing good people to competitors.
Make the process fast and simple:
- Respond to applications within 48 hours.
- Schedule interviews promptly, offering flexibility for candidates’ schedules.
- After the interview, follow up quickly with next steps, whether that’s an offer or a polite decline.
Consider using online applications and scheduling tools to reduce paperwork and improve communication.
6. Partner with Local Schools and Trade Programs
Building relationships with local vocational schools, high schools, and trade programs is a long-term strategy that pays off. Many of these institutions offer landscaping, horticulture, or agriculture programs. Partner with them to:
- Offer internships or summer jobs
- Sponsor events or provide guest lectures
- Participate in job fairs
You’ll get early access to motivated students looking to start their landscaping careers.
7. Invest in Training and Career Development
One reason landscaping businesses struggle to keep staff is the lack of career advancement. People want to know there’s room to grow. Offer training programs that help your team build skills and advance into leadership roles.
Pay for certifications like irrigation specialist licenses, pesticide applicator licenses, or even business management courses for crew leaders. By investing in your employees’ futures, you create loyalty and keep your team engaged.
Final Thoughts
Hiring and retaining quality employees in the landscaping industry is a challenge—but one you can overcome with the right strategies. Focus on offering competitive pay, creating a great work culture, and using smart marketing tactics to attract talent. By streamlining your hiring process and investing in training, you can build a team that helps your landscaping business thrive in a competitive market.
If you’re already using landscaping marketing ideas to grow your client base, it’s time to apply those same principles to hiring. Your future crew is out there—you just need to make your business the one they want to join.