landscapemanagement

Landscape management is the planning, design collaboration, maintenance, and operation of outdoor spaces to meet objectives such as aesthetics, safety, environmental stewardship, and functional use. It covers sites including parks, campuses, residential grounds, and commercial landscapes, and integrates horticulture, turf care, irrigation and drainage, soil health, and built infrastructure.

Core activities include plant maintenance (pruning, fertilization, pest and disease management), turf management (mowing, aeration, overseeding, fertilization, weed control), and irrigation system management (system design, scheduling, repair, and water budgeting). Soil management encompasses soil testing, amendments, mulching, and drainage improvements. Landscape infrastructure maintenance covers paths, lighting, fencing, drainage features, and other built elements that support use and safety.

Sustainability and best practices guide many programs, emphasizing water conservation, drought-tolerant and native plantings, integrated pest management, reduced chemical inputs, composting, and mulching. Biodiversity, pollinator-friendly species, and the reuse of organic waste are common objectives. Seasonal tasks, risk assessments, and proactive planning help align activities with climate, soil conditions, and site use.

Planning and operations rely on management plans, maintenance schedules, and asset management to optimize budgets, safety, and regulatory compliance. Performance is evaluated through indicators such as plant health, turf quality, irrigation efficiency, waste management, and incident reporting. Compliance with local codes, accessibility standards, and safety regulations is routinely addressed.

Professionals in landscape management come from horticulture, agronomy, or landscape architecture backgrounds. Certification and licensing—such as pesticide applicator licenses, arborist credentials, and professional society endorsements—support standardized practices and ongoing education.