Yes, you read that right. There’s still a need for landscapers despite the ongoing pandemic. Many landscapers are now turning to an online landscaping job to remain safe and continue working at present, similar to other architects.
Being a virtual landscaper isn’t a contradictory statement as one may think, as there’s more to their jobs than trimming hedges and making topiaries. Landscape designers and architects are responsible for designing attractive and functional parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces.
It’s one of the in-demand online jobs today. Other duties and responsibilities of virtual landscapers include:
- Drawing base plans with the aid of photos and blueprints.
- Trace printed base plans from a surveyor, adding garden beds, lawns, and paved areas specified by the design.
- Convert the designer’s sketches, marked-up PDFs, notes, and callouts to a design drawing.
- Prepare graphic representations of plans using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software.
- Rework and modify designs based on the client’s feedback.
The salary range for an entry-level full-time online landscaping job ranges from Php 25,000 to Php 28,000. This can increase to Php 60,000 for an experienced online landscaper.
If you want to nab an opportunity in this field, here are 7 essential skills to become a sought-after online landscaper.
Creativity
One of the main reasons to hire a landscaper is to enhance the aesthetic of a house. It doesn’t only make the property pleasing to live on. It also increases its fair market value. Some even go as far as a 20% increase in value with the right combination of trees, plants, fixtures, and lighting.
You need to use your creativity to beautify a home with its landscape. Think of ways that your clients can use the new garden as well. Should there be a patio space? Or perhaps a family area?
Is there an awkward space or wild plants and trees that can be turned into a masterpiece? Maybe create a tree house with it.
Wear your thinking caps and let your creativity take your client’s space to new heights, both literally and financially.
Hardscaping
Knowing what plants to use is just half the battle. You should also be adept in hardscaping. A combination of man-made features like stone steps, a veranda, or a patio can complement the greeneries alongside it.
By combining nature and man-made elements, you can blend a living space that can be conducive for lifelong memories to come.
Lawn Maintenance
After you have laid the plan for the landscape, your job is not yet done. Your clients should be able to maintain it. So you have to think about lawn maintenance.
How can they maintain the landscape? Are there automated solutions like timed sprinklers and such?
Suggest to your client their soil and irrigation management and pest control achieve a long-lasting look at their beautified garden.
Negotiating Skills
Sometimes, there’s a disconnect between what the client’s want and what their budget allows. Your negotiating skills will come in handy when you need to strike a bargain. Negotiate with your suppliers to get better prices for your projects.
If worse comes to worst, you can suggest other materials and designs be used that can have a similar feel to what they want.
Keep Up to Date With the Latest Tools for Your Job
As a virtual landscaper, you may realize that some of the tools you’re more familiar with may not be as efficient in your online job. Fortunately, there are many virtual design tools available for you that can help in your work. Tools such as Sketch Free, Gardena’s My Garden, and DreamPlan Home Design lets you construct virtual, 3-d sketches of outdoor spaces.
With these tools, online drafting is now easier. Now you can design accurate and complete plans for your clients without needing your pen and tracing paper. But downloading and having these software tools is one thing; knowing how to use them to their full potential is another.
Fortunately, there are plenty of Youtube tutorials available for you to view if you need any help. These tutorials contain the things you need to know about your design tool and how to use it. Watching these save you time on learning them by yourself.
Communication Skills
Communication is challenging online. The dynamics are different. And when planning for landscape projects, it might be hard to instruct the details on what to do.
So you should hone your communication skills to work smoothly with a team despite working online.
Adaptability
There will be new innovations in the field of landscaping. It might be new tools and new designs. Heck, it might even be newfound species of plants trending in modern households. Are you adaptable to what the people want?
You should be able to be up-to-date to adapt to what the customer wants. Follow blogs, thought leaders, or groups that will keep you updated with the latest happenings in your career. In this way, you can be sure to be relevant in your field in the long run.
Conclusion
Although it takes some getting used to, an online landscaping job can be the perfect alternative to traditional working, during and even after the pandemic. This work setup saves you both the stress of commuting and gives you more time with your family.
So if you’re considering working on this kind of online job, the tips in this article will help you. Sure, they’re just soft skills, but without them, your knowledge and work skills will do you no good. Balancing both will allow you to work at your best and avoid unnecessary stress.
