How to become a Landscaper

Landscaping is one of the most popular professions in Australia, as it offers individuals a chance to be creative and get outdoors. With many Australians owning their own home with gardens to maintain, there is plenty of demand for landscapers. If you’re looking to become a landscaper in Australia, there are certain steps that will help make your business a success. Here’s what you need to know about becoming a landscaper in Australia.

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‍Step 1: Get some hands-on experience

One of the benefits of starting a business in landscaping is that you don’t need a degree to become a landscaper. If you have the right experience and a passion for gardening, you can easily get started. Having said that, most people who work as professional landscapers have some sort of formal education or certification, as it can give you a solid foundation of knowledge to work from. A degree in horticulture or landscape design will teach you about plant science, soil science, landscape design principles, and more. If you're interested in pursuing a career in landscaping, consider studying at one of Australia's leading horticultural schools, such as the University of Melbourne or the University of Sydney.

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‍Step 2: Complete a landscaping apprenticeship

Once you have your degree, it's time to get some experience working in the industry. There are a few different ways to go about this. You could look for an apprenticeship or internship with a landscaping company or work as a gardener for the local council. Whatever path you decide to go down, the main thing you want at this stage is first-hand experience in a professional environment. If you are that way inclined, some landscapers also choose to pursue higher degrees such as horticulture, landscape design, or landscape architecture. Doing further study can make it easier to win over clients when you start your own business, or help you network with other landscapers that could end up working for you.

Step 3: Join an industry body and get certified

Once you have completed your education and obtained some experience, it’s time to join an industry organisation and get additional certifications. The two main certifications available for landscapers are Certified Horticulturist (CH) and Registered Landscape Architect (RLA). The two main professional organisations for landscapers in Australia are Landscaping Australia (LAA) or the Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH). Both organisations have events that are a way to network with other landscapers and stay up to speed on the latest industry news and trends.  Membership fees are very reasonable, and they both offer many member benefits.

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‍Step 4: Register your business and sort out your banking

Now that you are all set, it’s time to register your business and start earning some income. You can register for an ABN in minutes online, and if you expect to earn over $75,000 a year, you’ll need to register for GST. Once your ABN is set up, you can then open a business bank account. With Thriday, you can open a business bank account* and Visa Debit card* completely online. You’ll just need two forms of ID. Once you start earning income into your account, Thriday will then take care of all your bookkeeping, accounting and tax online. You can also tap into Thriday’s tax experts, who can review your books and BAS online if you would like that extra piece of mind.

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Step 5: Stay on top of industry news and trends

In order to be successful as a landscaper, it's important to always be across what is happening in the industry, including new trends, techniques, and tools. If you are passionate about the industry, and enjoy writing, you may decide to contribute to landscaping blogs, podcasts and publications. This is a great way to share your experiences, and to also promote your business.

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Landscaping is a great way to run your own business and stay in control of your destiny. With good work/life balance, flexible working hours, and the ability to work outdoors, it can be a fun and active profession to specialise in. By obtaining the necessary education and gaining valuable experience through internships or working with experienced professionals, individuals interested in becoming a landscaper can start their journey towards success at any time. With determination and perseverance, there is no limit to what aspiring landscape professionals can achieve.

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