How to Hire Landscapers: Building a Reliable Landscaping Team from the Ground Up

If you’ve ever tried to hire landscapers for your business, you know it’s not just about finding someone who can push a mower or trim a hedge. It’s about building a team that shows up, works hard, and takes pride in making outdoor spaces shine—rain or shine, blazing heat or brisk autumn wind. But with labor shortages and high turnover rates in the hourly workforce, especially for outdoor maintenance staff, getting the right crew together can feel like herding cats. So, what’s the secret sauce for recruiting and keeping great landscaping talent? Let’s dig in.

Understanding the Challenges of Hiring for Landscaping

Why Is It So Hard to Find Landscape Laborers?

Landscaping isn’t a cushy desk job—it’s physical, seasonal, and sometimes unpredictable. Many industries with hourly workers face similar struggles, but landscaping has its own quirks. The work is often weather-dependent, and the talent pool can be transient. According to studies on turnover in hospitality and related fields, high turnover is the norm, not the exception.

And let’s be honest: good landscapers are worth their weight in gold. They’re the folks who notice the details, care about the final product, and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. But how do you find landscape laborers who’ll stick around—and how do you convince them your business is the place to be?

The Real Cost of Turnover in Landscaping

Turnover isn’t just a headache—it’s expensive. Replacing an hourly worker can cost thousands in lost productivity, hiring, and training. And when you’re constantly scrambling to fill open spots, your team’s morale (and your client satisfaction) can take a hit. If you ask me, investing in retention is just smart business.

Recruiting and Hiring: Strategies That Work

Write Job Posts That Attract the Right People

First impressions count. A clear, engaging job post can help you attract better candidates from the get-go. Highlight the perks—steady hours, outdoor work, opportunities to learn new skills. If you offer benefits or flexible schedules, say so! Benefits matter more than you think for recruitment and retention, even in the landscaping world.

Don’t forget to call out what makes your team unique. Maybe you use eco-friendly practices, or maybe you celebrate a job well done with a Friday cookout. These little touches can set you apart from the competition.

Screen and Interview Efficiently—But Don’t Skip the Human Touch

Speed matters. The best candidates often get snapped up fast, so streamline your process. Tools like Workstream’s hiring automation can help you sort applicants, schedule interviews, and communicate quickly—all from your phone. But don’t let automation take over completely. A quick phone call or video chat can help you spot red flags or find a diamond in the rough.

• Ask about reliability and teamwork—landscaping is rarely a solo gig.
• Look for enthusiasm for outdoor work and a willingness to learn.
• Consider a trial shift to see how candidates handle real-world tasks.

For more tips, check out these creative job posting strategies and motivational interviewing techniques.

Recruiting Beyond Job Boards

Sometimes, the best landscapers aren’t scrolling job sites—they’re out working or chatting with friends. Tap into local networks, community groups, and even social media. Word of mouth is powerful, especially in tight-knit communities. For more on sourcing, see proactive recruiting tips and digital recruiting strategies.

Building a Strong Landscaping Team: Retention and Engagement

Onboarding and Training: Set the Right Tone from Day One

Onboarding isn’t just paperwork. It’s your chance to show new hires they’re valued. A solid onboarding process can reduce early turnover and get new team members up to speed fast. Digital tools like Workstream’s onboarding platform make it easier to handle forms, training modules, and reminders—all on mobile, so nobody’s left out in the field.

Want to go the extra mile? Use onboarding templates to ensure consistency, and consider pairing new hires with experienced team members for mentorship.

Retention: Keep Your Best People Around

Once you’ve built a solid landscaping team, keeping them happy is key. According to industry research, pay isn’t the only reason people leave. Recognition, growth opportunities, and a sense of belonging matter too. Try these ideas:

• Offer clear paths for advancement—can a lawn care worker become a crew lead?
• Provide regular feedback and celebrate wins, big or small.
• Invest in training for new skills, like irrigation or hardscaping.
• Keep communication open—use group texts or apps to keep everyone in the loop.

If you’re curious about what keeps hourly workers engaged, this Harvard Business Review article is a must-read.

Compliance and Recordkeeping: Don’t Let the Details Trip You Up

Landscaping businesses, like all employers, need to keep accurate records—hours, wages, and more. The U.S. Department of Labor has clear guidelines on what you need to track. Modern platforms like Workstream help automate compliance, so you can focus on the green stuff (literally and figuratively).

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Scheduling

Scheduling headaches are a leading cause of burnout and turnover. If you’re still using spreadsheets or sticky notes, it’s time for an upgrade. Smart scheduling tools can help you manage shifts, avoid overtime, and keep everyone happy—even when the weather throws you a curveball.

Don’t Ignore the Importance of Benefits

Even small perks—like paid time off or flexible hours—can make a big difference. Offering benefits can help you stand out and keep your team loyal, especially when the competition is fierce.

Don’t Forget to Celebrate Success

Landscaping is tough work. A little recognition goes a long way. Whether it’s a shoutout at a team meeting or a surprise pizza lunch, showing appreciation can boost morale and loyalty. And honestly, who doesn’t love free pizza?

Conclusion: Growing Your Landscaping Business with the Right Team

Hiring and retaining great landscapers isn’t rocket science, but it does take intention, the right tools, and a bit of heart. Focus on clear communication, efficient hiring, and genuine appreciation for your team’s hard work. If you’re ready to level up your process, Workstream’s all-in-one HR platform can help you hire lawn care workers, streamline onboarding, and keep your outdoor maintenance staff engaged—so you can spend less time on paperwork and more time watching your business grow.

Looking for more insights? Check out these resources:

• Restaurant hiring: What you need to know
• 5 Traits of committed employees
• 4 tips for calling out benefits in your job descriptions
• 8 Creative Tips to Make Your Job Posting Stand Out
• 5 Onboarding Templates For a Great New Hire Experience