Landscapers and groundskeepers plant and take care of flowers, lawns, shrubs, and trees.

Landscapers and groundskeepers water and mow lawns, trim plants, prune trees and shrubs, and rake leaves. They may plant trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowers and apply mulch, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Landscapers work on large properties, such as office buildings and shopping malls. They put in plants following plans drawn up by a landscape architect. Landscapers also work for residential customers. Landscapers may terrace hillsides, build retaining walls, and spread rocks. They may advise customers on proper plant and tree care and develop budgets.

Some landscapers are called lawn service workers. They specialize in maintaining lawns and shrubs. Others work for chemical lawn service firms. They inspect lawns for problems and apply chemicals. Some landscapers specialize in pruning trees. They use ladders to reach trees, or climb trees using climbing belts and hooks.

Groundskeepers do routine or special types of maintenance for a variety of facilities. These include:

• Athletic fields
• Golf courses
• Cemeteries
• University campuses
• Parks

Groundskeepers are often classified as either grounds managers or grounds maintenance personnel. Grounds managers have more knowledge of plants, landscape design, pest management, irrigation, and erosion control than maintenance personnel. They also have supervisory duties. Groundskeepers in parks and recreation facilities care for plants, maintain playgrounds and athletic fields, clean buildings, and pick up litter. In the winter groundskeepers may remove snow from driveways, roadways, walkways, and parking lots.

Landscapers and groundskeepers use, maintain, and repair a variety of tools, These include:

• Shovels
• Pruning saws
• Hedge trimmers
• Axes
• Rakes
• Saws
• Lawnmowers
• Snow blowers
• Electric clippers
• Chain saws