Landscaping Careers: The Pros and Cons for Tampa Bay Job Seekers

Florida is a gorgeous state to visit or call home. While its natural beauty, including its iconic beaches, provides an idyllic backdrop, it is the landscaping that truly elevates certain areas of the state, specifically the Tampa Bay region.

There is something special about crafting a paradise from a piece of property, and a career path in landscaping allows you to do exactly that. As one of the most prominent industries in Florida, landscaping services employ tens of thousands of individuals to the tune of multiple billions of dollars in wages.

In other words, there are plenty of opportunities to secure steady work and grow your career with a landscaping job. However, you should understand the pros and cons of a landscaping career before you dive in headfirst. Once you are positive a career path in landscaping is right for you, knowing how to determine a good employer from one that is lacking can set you up for long-term success.

The Pros and Cons of Landscaping Careers

Whether you have landscaping experience and want to take the next step in your career, you want to change your line of work and future trajectory, or you are a recent graduate looking for reliable employment, landscaping offers many tremendous benefits. 

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. Landscaping jobs in Tampa Bay come with their fair share of challenges, and being aware of these hurdles ahead of time can ensure that you are prepared for what lies ahead. 

That’s why we put our 25 years of landscaping experience to use in providing you with this guide to the pros and cons of landscaping careers: to help you determine with confidence whether the landscaping job advantages outweigh the difficulties you’re sure to face.

The Top Landscaping Job Advantages

Careers in landscaping have benefits that can be quite compelling to a variety of people. Whether you love outdoor work or seek stability, landscaping could be an excellent option for your preferences and skillset. While we can’t cover every possible advantage here (we recommend discussing your unique position with a landscaping expert), there are a handful of primary advantages that often encourage people to pursue a career path in landscaping.

• Physical activity. Many people would rather be active than sit in an office, and we’re right there with you. If you crave a job that demands physical activity, allows you to stretch your legs, and encourages you to touch grass (literally), then landscaping might be for you. While it can be strenuous, the physical activity provided by landscaping jobs gives you an opportunity to put your body to work, and that can be exceptionally rewarding.
• Outdoor work. Speaking of physical activity, most of your work will be done outdoors–initially, at least. If you are someone who loves being outside, enjoys the fresh air, and would rather soak in the sun than hide away in a cubicle, a career path in landscaping might just be perfect for you. What better place to enjoy the outdoors on the job than the Sunshine State?
• Entry-level accessibility. Because of the diverse positions available throughout the landscaping industry, there are numerous entry-level jobs to be filled. These entry points to a vibrant job field mean that you can get started as a newcomer and gain the work experience you need to grow your career as you progress. From high school graduates to first-time landscapers with a passion for the outdoors, your experience level is unlikely to be a determining factor when it comes to entry-level landscaping job opportunities.
• Hands-on experience. Learning by doing is a massive benefit of a landscaping job. Whether you have previous experience or not, the opportunity to learn on the job creates growth potential, translates into career longevity, and can set you up for future success. In addition to these practical benefits of hands-on experience, learning new skills and contributing to a team are rewarding in their own right.
• Growth potential. Landscaping job opportunities don’t stop with entry-level positions. For many people, especially those with ambition and consistency, these initial jobs establish a foundation on which they can build a career. Whether you take an interest in management, try your hand at landscape design, or become an irrigation expert, the opportunities to embrace a long-term career path in landscaping are numerous and realistic.

The Challenges of Landscaping Jobs in Tampa Bay

There’s a lot to love about landscaping jobs in Tampa Bay. For many people seeking careers in landscaping, the benefits will far outweigh the potential cons. Even so, it is important to know the challenges you may face while landscaping so that you are prepared for them in advance and can face them head-on when they arise.

Remember, you could encounter different difficulties than those mentioned here. However, the challenges below are the most common cons you’ll be exposed to when embarking on a career path in landscaping.

• Heat. There’s no way around it; Florida is hot. Even if you enjoy the heat and thrive in the summer climate that Tampa Bay is known for, long hours spent outside in the sun can add up. From fatigue to legitimate health concerns, understanding the risks of prolonged heat exposure as a Florida landscaper is essential. You should be prepared to deal with the discomfort, invest in any gear that will improve your life and protect your health, and consider discussing your career move with your doctor if you have any underlying conditions.
• Physical strain. Make no mistake, landscaping can be a physically taxing job. Normal activities include being outside for long periods of time and doing manual labor. Additionally, you may have to carry heavy loads at times, which can be extremely demanding. If you have underlying health concerns, physical limitations, or simply do not thrive in manual labor situations, a career path in landscaping may not be for you.
• Early hours. Landscapers get started early. Whether it’s beating the heat or meeting deadlines, you can expect to set your alarm for the wee hours of the morning and be on the job before the sun is fully up.
• Seasonal demands. Due in part to Florida’s unique climate, there are certain seasonal demands associated with landscaping jobs in Tampa Bay. These seasonal changes can affect your workload, so be prepared to adapt your schedule accordingly. Seasonal tasks like fertilizing, pruning, irrigation maintenance, and planting are all things to consider.

Why Landscaping Job Opportunities in Tampa Bay are Unique

The advantages of landscaping job opportunities are even more profound in Tampa Bay than they might be in other parts of the country. This is due, in large part, to the unique climate of the area, but it doesn’t stop there.

• Year-round work. Unlike many areas of the country that feature a dead period in landscaping work, landscaping jobs in Tampa Bay provide steady year-round opportunities to work and earn.
• Growth potential. Thanks to the high year-round demand for landscaping experts, you will have an excellent opportunity to increase your knowledge, hone your skills, and advance your career.
• Climate challenges. Tampa Bay is not an easy area to landscape. Between hurricane season, salt water, occasional droughts, and oppressive heat, you will have to develop a specialized knowledge and skillset to help plants thrive, irrigation systems operate smoothly, and landscapes reach their full potential.
• Diverse projects. In Tampa Bay, landscaping job opportunities can be many different shapes and sizes. From upscale residential properties to large-scale commercial projects, the diversity you’ll experience while on the job is sure to keep you engaged and motivated.
• Local demand. There is no shortage of landscaping work in Tampa Bay, meaning that you will stay busy and have ample opportunities to make a living, learn on the job, and expand your role and career.

Is Landscaping a Good Job Long-Term?

One of the top landscaping job advantages is the opportunity to create a long-term career, no matter where you start. As you move forward within your career, learn on the job, and develop relationships within the company and industry, you will be faced with choices that could turn an entry-level job into a lucrative long-term career.

A major factor in this opportunity for growth is the vast number of potential paths you can take. Landscaping companies are always looking for dedicated individuals to commit themselves to becoming experts in various fields, including irrigation, landscape design, crew leadership, commercial maintenance, and more.

Whether you develop an interest in a particular niche, discover you excel at certain tasks, or simply choose a direction and become the best you can be, the potential for a career path in landscaping is very real.

Landscaping Jobs in Tampa Bay: Choosing the Right Company

There’s no question that careers in landscaping can enjoy some significant benefits, but not all opportunities are created equal. If you have the ambition to pursue a career path in landscaping, you should choose a company that not only provides you with that opportunity but also invests in your potential.

Companies like Landcrafters, which has been providing Tampa Bay with exceptional landscaping for over 25 years, are known for valuing their employees and encouraging them to grow their jobs into long-term careers.

To learn more about working with a team of like-minded landscaping experts at Landcrafters, be sure to reach out to us. We’d be happy to answer your questions and set you on a path for success.