Gardener Vs. Landscaper: What's The Difference And Who Should You Hire?

Gardeners and landscapers may sometimes perform the same tasks: weeding, mulching, and planting. But these two occupations and their functions are actually very different. If you need some help with your yard and are considering hiring either a gardener or a landscaper, how do you know which one to choose? There are some guidelines to help you understand the difference between these two professionals, and which is more appropriate to hire for your needs.

Before determining whether you need to hire a landscaper or a gardener, there are some other things to consider. What is your budget? This will include materials and labor, as well as other potential costs such as consultation fees. Some professionals will do a free consult before starting work on your project. What is the scope of your project? A large project may mean more labor is needed, and possibly large equipment. What is your timeline? Some seasons are very busy for gardeners and landscapers and you may need to schedule well in advance. Is this a one-time job or do you want ongoing services or maintenance?

If you want ongoing services, you'll want to find someone reliable and competent. You can ask for references from other clients, or check out websites or social media pages to see if there are reviews of the professional you're considering. If a job is beyond their abilities, they may recommend another professional like a landscape architect, contractor, or arborist.

"Landscaper" is a term that can mean a number of different things. Some landscapers mainly do lawn care and maintenance, while others perform design and installation services. Maintenance services may include lawn mowing, shrub and tree pruning, mulching, installing irrigation systems, weed trimming, and hardscaping. Some landscapers may also do planting or weeding, or end-of-season leaf cleanup. Landscaping professionals that do lawn care often focus on that alone, and schedule a number of clients over the season. Most landscapers use power tools and may use a number of gas-powered tools to work on your yard, including mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers. 

A landscaper will usually provide an estimate of costs before beginning work. They may hire other professionals to help with tasks such as tree or stump removal or masonry. Landscapers may also design, install, or maintain non-plant features such as decks, water features, walkways, and driveways. They will usually advertise special skills as part of their available services.

The pros of hiring a landscaper can vary based on what kind of work they do. Most landscapers are efficient with lawn care and maintenance tasks and will work in any weather conditions. The con of hiring landscapers is that sometimes they won't have the horticultural knowledge needed for certain tasks such as planting, pruning, or weeding, so before hiring them to do specific things, make sure they have the appropriate experience. 

A gardener is someone whose main concern is plants. They're interested in horticulture and often have a passion for flowers and other perennials. They're usually familiar with specific tasks necessary for effective gardening, such as weed identification, soil preparation, fertilizing, deadheading, and dividing perennials. Some gardeners may have horticultural training and years of expertise, while others may be self-taught and still learning. Gardeners are a good choice for long-term maintenance, as they have familiarity with the rhythms and tasks of the growing season and the life cycles of perennials.

Many gardeners are also designers. They often have expert knowledge of plants in a way that incorporates color palettes, bloom times, and general shapes and textures in your garden plan. They can also design containers with annuals. A gardener can often advise on the best varieties of plants for your growing conditions. Gardeners are also knowledgeable about soil culture and can provide tips to improve your garden's soil conditions.

If your yard has a lot of plants, or you want to add more plants, a gardener is probably a good choice. In addition to doing basic care and maintenance, gardeners can provide information on what plants to choose, where to plant them, how to care for them, and any potential problems they may have. Gardeners can also give advice on identifying, controlling, or eradicating invasive weeds, especially if you prefer non-toxic solutions.