Gardener vs. landscaper: What are their key differences?

Every homeowner with a lawn or garden knows that once you upgrade your outdoor space, you’ll be adding more value to your property. And you’ll make it into a great place for you and your family to enjoy. You’ll just need to hire the right landscaping or gardening service. To some, there’s no difference between a gardener vs. landscaper. If you’re not sure which one to hire, you’ve come to the right place.

What is a gardener?

Gardener tending young tomato seedlings in a greenhouse garden bed (Source: iStock)

What do gardeners do? Gardeners specialize in cultivating plants in gardens or other outdoor areas. They’re responsible for plant care and maintenance, including seeding, watering, fertilizing, pruning, weeding, and pest control. Their expertise extends to understanding different plant species and how to make them thrive locally.

A seasoned gardener may work in private gardens, public parks, botanical gardens, or commercial landscapes, and their skills contribute to the overall design, aesthetics, and health of the greenery in these spaces. They often have a deep passion for nature, dedicating themselves to creating and preserving beautiful, thriving gardens.

What is a landscaper?

Landscaper handling rolled turf during a sod installation project (Source: iStock)

What do landscapers do? Landscapers specialize in the design, planning, and execution of outdoor spaces, aiming to create visually appealing, functional, and harmonious environments. They often collaborate with clients to understand the intended use of the space and create customized designs that enhance the area’s beauty and functionality.

You might be wondering, “What does landscaping include?” Well, landscaping work is on a larger scale than gardening, as it focuses on the entire outdoor area rather than individual plants. A good landscaper can transform outdoor spaces into well-designed, usable, and aesthetically pleasing settings. 

They integrate various elements, such as hardscapes (pathways, walls, and patios), water features, decorative gravel, and lighting, and even install irrigation systems. Landscape architects and designers also perform outdoor construction and maintenance work.

Landscaper vs. gardener: Which is better for your needs?

It’s pretty common for people to confuse landscaping vs gardening. Both gardeners and landscapers have some knowledge of plants and soil and can work in a garden, plant flowers, and identify pests. Whether you should choose a gardener or a landscaper depends on your specific needs or goals for your outdoor space. 

Both professionals offer valuable services, but their expertise and focus differ. In many cases, hiring a gardener plus a landscaper might be beneficial. For instance, you could start by consulting a landscaper to design and install the layout and features of your outdoor space. Once the design is in place, a gardener can be enlisted to ensure the ongoing health and beauty of the plants within that design.

Side-by-side view of a gardener planting shrubs and a landscaper laying sod (Source: iStock)

In terms of project scope

The choice between a gardener vs. a landscaper should align with the scale or complexity of your outdoor project.

Gardener:

• Small-scale projects: Gardeners can complete tasks that maintain or enhance the health and appearance of existing plants, flowers, and shrubs in relatively small spaces or beds. Their projects include, but are not limited to, planting trees, flowers, and vegetables. Gardeners excel at providing specialized care for individual plants and ensuring they thrive.
  
  

• Routine maintenance: Gardeners generally perform tasks such as pruning, weeding, watering, and fertilizing to keep your garden looking its best.

Landscaper:

• Medium to large-scale projects: Landscapes can handle the design and transformation of your entire outdoor space, including layout planning, hardscaping, plant selection, and aesthetic considerations. 
  
  

• New landscape creation: If you’re starting from scratch or wish to overhaul your outdoor area, a landscaper can conceptualize and execute a tailored design that aligns with your vision and requirements.
  
  

• Functional enhancements: When your project involves adding features like pathways, retaining walls, patios, decks, fences, irrigation systems, outdoor kitchens, and lighting, a landscaper is invaluable.

In terms of tool and material range

Hands using a trowel to plant leafy seedlings in fresh garden soil (Source: iStock)

Gardeners typically use handheld tools, such as pruners, shears, rakes, shovels, watering cans, hedge trimmers, high-pressure hoses, and power sprayers. They mainly work with soil, compost, mulch, fertilizers, and pesticides.

In contrast, landscapers use a lot more tools than your typical gardener. Depending on the job at hand, they can operate heavy equipment, including excavators, compactors, and tillers, as well as various construction tools for hardscape installations. They also use equipment to grade, dig, and shape the landscape according to the design plan.

Flagstone pieces arranged during the construction of an outdoor garden path (Source: iStock)

Landscapers work with a wider variety of materials to create cohesive outdoor environments. These include stone, brick, wood, concrete, and gravel for pathways, patios, walls, and other structural elements. However, landscapers will often rely on seasoned gardeners, who are best positioned to choose good trees, shrubs, and flowers and help them flourish.

In terms of training and skill level

Gardeners acquire training through horticulture courses, workshops, and hands-on experience. Their formal education might include certificates or diplomas in horticulture. Meanwhile, landscapers often undergo training in landscape construction, architecture, horticulture, and related fields. They may hold degrees or certifications in landscape design, providing a solid foundation in both aesthetics and functionality.

If you’re trying to choose between a landscaper vs. gardener based on their skill, you may need to think twice. It’s not as simple as putting one against the other, like garden design vs. landscape design. 

If you’re mainly concerned with plant care, a gardener’s specialized horticultural knowledge is key. A landscaper’s expertise in design principles and spatial arrangement is invaluable for projects that require comprehensive layout planning and the integration of outdoor features.

In terms of service cost 

The average cost to hire a gardener is between $10 to $118. Gardener job prices can vary depending on your location and garden size. Residential and public gardens can also be priced differently. For more complex spaces, garden designers can cost much more, at $225.

However, landscaping services are generally more expensive. Minor projects could cost you only $50 to $100 per hour. But the average cost to maintain a small yard could be $300 to $800. For larger installations, intricate landscaping designs, and top-tier pest management, landscapers might charge $1,000 to $16,000.

In terms of availability

A gardener’s flexible schedule might suit your needs better if your project involves ongoing maintenance and care. For larger projects that require design, planning, and installation, a landscaper’s project-based availability is more appropriate. Landscapers and gardeners are typically involved with both residential and commercial properties. It’s imperative to plan well to ensure you can secure their services within your preferred timeline. 

Note that the availability of both gardeners and landscapers depends on their current client load, the time of year, and the nature of your project. Talk to your gardener or landscaper about your expectations to ensure that whoever you choose can meet your needs.

Achieve your dream garden with Airtasker

Outdoor patio area with garden furniture, container plants, and established landscaping (Source: iStock)

If you’ve finally chosen between a gardener and a landscaper, post a task to transform your outdoor space. On the platform, you can connect with skilled gardeners and landscapers ready to bring your vision to life. Whether you need meticulous plant care, a complete landscape transformation, or a mentor to start your gardening journey, Airtasker offers a convenient way to find professionals who match your needs and budget.