The major career facets within the landscape industry include landscape design, construction and maintenance.
Career Paths
Landscape design typically involves artistic composition, and horticultural expertise with an emphasis on site specific details. Classic artistic composition components or aesthetic of landscape design include balance, unity and proportion. A primary example of horticultural expertise would be sustainable plant selection. Site specific details would include integration of key functional components or ecosystem services.
Landscape construction is the connection between landscape design and maintenance. Landscape construction projects can be very lucrative, and require a license in the state of Oregon. Major aspects of landscape construction include installation of drainage, irrigation, and plants. Landscape construction also includes installation of hardscapes like paths and patios, and wood structures like fences and arbors.
After landscapes are installed they must be maintained. The largest portion of the landscape industry work force is responsible for residential and commercial landscape maintenance. Sustainable landscape plant maintenance in the urban environment includes the management of lawns, trees and shrubs, perennials and annuals. A pesticide applicatots license is required to apply pest management productions.