Landscaping Training: The Best Courses and Schools for Landscaping Careers

The U.S. landscaping industry is booming, reaching a total valuation of over $153 billion in 2024. But growing landscaping companies are all facing the same issue: not enough skilled workers. 

For newer landscaping businesses, the real competitive edge isn’t more tools or bigger trucks. It’s a crew that knows what they’re doing. If you’re just starting your own landscaping business, building a trained workforce is one of the smartest early moves you can make.

That’s where landscaping training becomes essential. The right programs can improve safety, boost job quality, and help you win higher-paying contracts. 

This guide breaks down the most effective ways to train, certify, and upskill your team, whether hiring your first employee or building a scalable crew.

Why Landscaping Training Matters

If you’ve ever had to redo a job because of a sloppy edge cut or an irrigation line buried six inches too shallow, you already understand the cost of poor training. 

In a small landscaping business, one undertrained crew member can drag down the entire team, costing you time, reputation, and money.

That’s why landscaping training isn’t just a nice-to-have for growing companies. It’s a competitive advantage. 

When your team knows how to do things the right way, from planting to equipment safety, you’ll get fewer callbacks, complete jobs faster, and end up with happier clients. You also spend less time babysitting and more time growing your business.

Training also plays a direct role in retention. Workers who feel competent and supported are more likely to stick around, and that stability helps your business scale without constantly starting from scratch. 

On top of that, formal landscaping education can help reduce jobsite injuries, which means fewer insurance claims and less downtime.

In other words, investing in your crew’s education pays you back in every direction: quality, safety, loyalty, and growth.

Types of Landscaping Education

There are several pathways to educate and train someone in landscaping. Here, we break down the main types of landscaping education and explain how to choose between in-person, online, or on-the-job training.

Before hiring or training crew members, understand which landscaping licenses and certifications your business or team members might need based on your location.

Formal Programs (In-Person Courses and Degrees)

Traditional education includes community college programs, trade school diplomas, or university degrees in horticulture, landscape design, or turf management. These are typically in-person and provide structured curricula (often 1 to 4 years). 

Benefits include hands-on practice in labs/gardens, face-to-face mentorship, and often a credential, such as a certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree. 

Consider if you want a comprehensive education and can dedicate time to classes. Formal programs are great for learning plant science, design principles, and business basics in a structured way.

Online Courses and Certificates

Online landscaping training courses range from short skills courses to extensive certificate programs. These allow you to learn at your own pace, which works for busy professionals. 

Many reputable institutions and associations offer online landscaping education. 

The biggest advantages of online learning include flexibility (the ability to study from anywhere) and lower costs. Some also provide certificates or diplomas upon completion. 

Consider whether you need to balance training with a job or prefer learning via videos and interactive modules. Remember that hands-on practice will be your responsibility, since coursework is virtual.

On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships

Hands-on experience under the guidance of professionals is a time-honored way to learn landscaping. 

Apprenticeships in landscaping (sometimes formally registered with the Department of Labor) let you “earn while you learn.” You work for a landscape company and follow a structured training plan. 

Its most significant benefits are the real-world experience, mentorship from experienced crew leaders, and no hefty tuition costs. 

Apprenticeships work best when new hires quickly learn the technical vocabulary used on-site. A shared language boosts team communication and learning. If your crew includes newer workers, consider reviewing this landscaping terms glossary as part of your onboarding toolkit.

NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals) even offers a Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, which combines on-the-job learning with coursework. 

Consider apprenticeships if you thrive by learning through doing and want to get paid as you train. This path may be less formal, but it’s highly practical. 

Many landscaping businesses also implement internal training for new hires, pairing rookies with veteran crew members and conducting tailgate training sessions on job sites.

If you’re an aspiring landscaper, weigh these options by cost, time, and career goals.

Do you need a degree to advance (e.g., to become a landscape designer or manager)? Or would a quick certification or hands-on experience get you where you want faster? 

For employers, you can opt for a mix. Send crew leaders to formal landscaping safety training, have new laborers complete an in-house training checklist, and encourage promising employees to take online courses for additional skills. 

Many successful companies blend all three modes. For example, hire from local trade schools, supplement with online safety courses, and provide ongoing on-the-job training.

Best Online Landscaping Training Programs

Online programs have made landscaping education more accessible than ever. Below are some of the best online training courses and platforms, including their focus, cost, length, and target audiences. 

NYIAD – Landscape Design Certification

This Landscape Design Certificate Program, offered by the New York Institute of Art & Design, is a comprehensive online certificate for landscape design basics and business skills. 

Professional landscapers teach the course, covering horticulture, design principles, and working with clients. 

It’s ideal for aspiring landscape designers or those who want a well-rounded landscape design education without a college degree. Students get one-on-one feedback from mentors and up to 18 months to complete the program.

• Length: Eight to 12 months (self-paced) 
• Cost: $999 to $1,299 (discounted if paid in full)

Penn Foster – Landscaping Technology Career Diploma

The Landscaping Technology Career Diploma is a popular online program focused on practical landscaping skills and starting a business. 

Coursework includes landscape and garden design, landscape construction, installation, and maintenance, and starting your landscaping business. 

It’s ideal for those looking to start an entry-level landscaping career or even run their own business. It’s known for its interactive materials (videos, simulations), which cater to different learning styles.

• Length: Six to 12 months (self-paced) 
• Cost: $839 to $1,039 (with flexible payment plans)

National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) – Landscape Technician Training 

The NALP offers the Landscape Technician Training course, which consists of three online modules (plant and hardscape installation, landscape maintenance, and irrigation) and a fundamentals course.

The course is also available in Spanish and can be taken individually at your own pace. It’s ideal for landscape company employees (or employers training their team) who want a solid foundation aligned with national industry standards.

• Length: Six to 10 hours 
• Cost: Contact the Training Team for course fees and registration.

OSU – Sustainable Landscape Design 

The Sustainable Landscape Design online course offered by Oregon State University is a short course that focuses on sustainable landscaping and garden design fundamentals. 

While not a full diploma, it’s a great introduction to eco-friendly design principles drawn from Master Gardener level material. 

It’s ideal for beginners or landscaping staff interested in sustainability and green gardening practices. The course is also useful as continuing education for seasoned pros who want to brush up on sustainable techniques.

• Length: 10 weeks
• Cost: $150

Udemy – Fundamentals of Garden Design

The Fundamentals of Garden Design course is a highly affordable, on-demand video course teaching garden and landscape design basics. 

It’s beginner-friendly and covers core design concepts, though it may have less plant/horticulture detail. This is ideal for aspiring designers or DIY landscapers who want a quick, budget-friendly primer. 

But keep in mind that Udemy courses offer certificates of completion but are not accredited. They’re best for personal skill-building.

• Length: Seven hours of on-demand instruction video
• Cost: Around $75 (often discounted on Udemy)

UCLA Extension – Landscape Architecture Certificate Program

The Landscape Architecture Certificate is a rigorous post-baccalaureate program for those aiming for landscape architect licensure. 

It’s accredited and comprehensive, but requires a prior bachelor’s degree to enroll. This program is ideal for those pursuing an advanced professional credential (e.g., becoming a licensed landscape architect or advanced designer). 

For most landscaping contractors or crew leaders, shorter vocational programs will suffice. But it’s good to know these advanced options exist.

• Length: Three years 
• Cost: Around $35,500  

When choosing an online landscaping course, consider the credential you’ll earn (certificate, diploma, or just knowledge), the depth of the curriculum, and the support offered (instructor feedback, career advice, etc.). 

Also, ensure any program you invest in is reputable. For longer programs, check for accreditation or industry recognition. The above options are well-reviewed and geared toward practical skills and career advancement.

Top U.S. In-Person Landscaping Schools and Trade Programs

For those preferring in-person training, the U.S. has excellent programs across the country, from vocational certificates to college degrees in landscaping and horticulture. 

Below is a regional breakdown of some top schools and programs for landscaping careers, along with program highlights.

Northeastern U.S.

Rutgers University (NJ) – Continuing Education in Landscaping

Rutgers, known for its strong turfgrass and horticulture programs, offers short-term landscape management and design certificate programs through its continuing education program. 

It’s great for working professionals in New Jersey and New York looking to upgrade their skills (e.g., courses in landscape design, plant identification, turf management). 

Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst (MA)

Offers an Associate of Science in Landscape Contracting and other two-year programs. 

It emphasizes hands-on learning in landscape construction, maintenance, and business. Graduates are highly employable with contractors in the region.

• Length: Two years full-time
• Cost: Standard community college tuition (approx. $6,000 to $10,000/year for in-state)

School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden

This intense two-year program in NYC trains students in horticulture and landscape techniques. It’s ideal for those seeking a career in public gardens, high-end landscaping, or nursery management. 

The School of Professional Horticulture program is very hands-on and respected in the industry (especially in the Northeast).

• Length: Two years full-time (includes classroom and public garden rotations) 
• Cost: Roughly $15,000/year (with some scholarship opportunities)

Southern U.S.

North Carolina State University Agricultural Institute (NC)

NC State’s two-year Horticultural Science Management is highly regarded and combines horticulture science with practical landscape construction labs. 

NC State also offers a bachelor’s degree in four concentrations in horticulture (Agroecology, Plant Breeding & Biotechnology, Production Systems and Entrepreneurship, and Landscape Design). 

Many NC State students go straight into landscape contracting jobs or start their own business after graduation. 

• Length: Two years 
• Cost: About $6,000/year (in-state)

Gwinnett Technical College (GA)

Gwinnett Tech’s Environmental Horticulture program blends classroom instruction with practical training to get you career-ready.

This degree opens doors to various horticulture careers, from landscaping and floral design to greenhouse operations, nursery production, golf course maintenance, crop cultivation, and interiorscaping.

It offers practical training in landscape maintenance, installation, and irrigation, and is excellent for entry-level workers in the Southeast. 

• Length: One year (diploma) or shorter for certificates
• Cost: Community college rates/a few hundred dollars per credit

Texas A&M University 

Texas A&M University’s four-year bachelor’s degree program in horticulture sciences offers options to focus on landscape management or design. It provides depth in plant science, pest management, and business management. 

This program is ideal for those aiming for supervisory roles or to work in landscape design/build firms in the South. (Texas A&M also partners with extension programs for continuing education short courses across Texas.)

• Length: Four years
• Cost: Standard university tuition (approximately $12,000/year in-state) 

Midwestern U.S.

Michigan State University, Institute of Agricultural Technology (MI)

The Institute of Agricultural Technology offers a Landscape Management certificate (approximately 1.5 to two years) and an Associate’s degree through partnership programs. 

It focuses on hands-on training in landscaping, nursery operations, and turf, including an internship. MSU’s program is well-known and feeds talent into many Midwest landscape companies.

• Length: Approximately 18 months 
• Cost: Around $4,000/year (in-state certificate program) 

Ohio State University ATI 

The Agricultural Technical Institute (Wooster, OH) has an Associate of Applied Science in Landscape Horticulture. It covers landscape design, construction, and turfgrass with a practical approach. 

Students often compete in landscape skills competitions and are ready for immediate employment or to continue into a bachelor’s program.

• Length: Two years 
• Cost: Approximately $7,000/year (in-state)

Milwaukee Area Technical College 

This Landscape Horticulture Program offers practical training in areas like landscape maintenance and arboriculture, with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience.

Students can earn a Landscape Horticulture Technician credential while progressing toward their degree. They also have the chance to participate in national events, such as the Student Landscape Competition hosted by the NALP and the Tree Care Industry Association Student Career Days.

The curriculum covers key topics including sustainable horticultural practices, tree and plant health, plant selection and installation, equipment operation, and landscape design and implementation. 

• Length: Two-year associate degree or one-year technical diploma
• Cost: Approximately $4,500/year 

Western U.S.

South Seattle College (WA) 

South Seattle College offers a Landscape Horticulture Program with a one-year certificate and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. 

The program gives students a solid foundation in horticultural science during their first year, followed by more hands-on, project-based learning in the second year.

Students can expect a strong focus on environmental landscaping and plant care suited to the Pacific Northwest climate. There are plenty of hands-on projects in the campus gardens as well.

• Length: One year for certificate
• Cost: Community college tuition (approximately $4,000/year) 

Merritt College (Oakland, CA) 

Merritt College’s Landscape Horticulture Program is known for its extensive plant nursery and design/build practice. It prepares students for landscape construction, garden design, or arboriculture careers in California’s Bay Area, with many graduates starting their own landscape businesses.

• Length: One year for certificate or two years for an Associate’s 
• Cost: Approximately $46/credit for California residents 

Front Range Community College (CO) 

The Horticulture and Landscape Technologies program teaches creating sustainable, cost-effective green spaces. It includes specialties like irrigation design and greenhouse management. Colorado’s booming landscape industry (both residential and commercial) eagerly hires graduates with this technical background.

• Length: Two-year A.A.S. degree
• Cost: Approximately $4,000 to $5,000/year in-state

Building Internal Training Systems

Even if you hire graduates from schools, they’ll need to learn your company’s methods and safety protocols. Here’s how to build an effective on-the-job training system for your landscaping crew:

Set Up a Training Schedule

Establish a regular schedule for training sessions. For instance, schedule brief “tailgate talks” every week or a more in-depth workshop once a month. 

Some top companies hold training 52 weeks a year without fail, integrating it into their routine so that it becomes part of the culture.

Consistency is key, and the same systems you use for job scheduling can also help you standardize weekly training sessions. Look for lawn care scheduling software that makes it easy to manage both jobs and crew development side by side.

Create a Curriculum for Skills 

Identify the core skills every crew member needs (mowing techniques, plant pruning, equipment maintenance, irrigation troubleshooting, etc.) and build a curriculum. 

Start with the basics for new hires and add advanced topics for experienced staff. For example, new crew members might start with training on proper tool use and plant identification, then progress to reading landscape plans or operating specialized machinery. 

Training also includes tool use. Make sure your crew is trained on the essential landscaping tools they’ll use daily, from edgers to irrigation controllers.

Utilize Senior Crew as Trainers

Pair up less experienced workers with veterans who can mentor them. Establish a “lead landscaper” or supervisor role responsible for coaching others in the field. This empowers senior employees and ensures knowledge transfer of company best practices. 

You can rotate topics among different experts on your team. For example, your irrigation specialist teaches a session on sprinkler system start-up and winterization, and your mechanic covers mower blade sharpening.

Incorporate Landscape Safety Training and Refreshers

Make landscaping safety training a continual part of your program. Conduct regular refreshers on things like proper lifting, using personal protective equipment, safe driving between job sites, and equipment operation. 

Encourage crew members to report near-misses or hazards and discuss them in safety meetings so everyone learns from potential incidents.

Track Progress and Reward Achievement

Keep records of who has been trained on what skills. You can use simple spreadsheets or upgrade to structured landscaping templates to track completed skills, certifications, and progress milestones across your team.

Celebrate and reward milestones. For example, when an employee completes all training modules or earns a certification, acknowledge it at a team meeting or offer a small bonus or raise to motivate everyone to participate fully. 

Also, consider making specific training a prerequisite for promotions (e.g., to become a crew leader, one must complete advanced training in leadership, job planning, and safety).

A well-trained crew is a huge asset. But to grow your business, you must also turn great team performance into more visibility and sales. These landscaping marketing ideas will help your company stand out in a crowded market.

Final Thoughts 

Effective landscaping training sharpens skills, drives safety, quality, and business growth. 

Whether upskilling new hires or investing in your crew’s long-term development, the right mix of landscaping education and on-the-job experience pays off in higher productivity, fewer jobsite issues, and a stronger reputation.

Focus on three essentials:

• Choose proven training certifications and programs. 
• Use the format that fits—online, in-person, or hands-on—and combine them when possible.
• Make landscaping safety training a cornerstone of your culture.

Once your team is trained, managing them efficiently keeps that training impactful. 

Workyard gives you the tools to schedule crews, track hours, and control labor costs, all while keeping your trained workforce productive and accountable. It’s a landscaping app that’s purpose-built for managing field crews.

Start your free trial today and see how Workyard helps turn skilled teams into high-performing crews.