# Tasks & work activities — horticulture worker

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 37-3011.00 (Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws.
- **[Core]** Mow or edge lawns, using power mowers or edgers.
- **[Core]** Care for established lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding, grubbing, removing thatch, or trimming or edging around flower beds, walks, or walls.
- **[Core]** Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes.
- **[Core]** Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws.
- **[Core]** Gather and remove litter.
- **[Core]** Mix and spray or spread fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs, or trees, using hand or automatic sprayers or spreaders.
- **[Core]** Water lawns, trees, or plants, using portable sprinkler systems, hoses, or watering cans.
- **[Core]** Trim or pick flowers and clean flower beds.
- **[Core]** Rake, mulch, and compost leaves.
- **[Core]** Follow planned landscaping designs to determine where to lay sod, sow grass, or plant flowers or foliage.
- **[Core]** Plant seeds, bulbs, foliage, flowering plants, grass, ground covers, trees, or shrubs, and apply mulch for protection, using gardening tools.
- **[Core]** Decorate gardens with stones or plants.
- **[Core]** Attach wires from planted trees to support stakes.
- **[Supplemental]** Shovel snow from walks, driveways, or parking lots, and spread salt in those areas.
- **[Supplemental]** Maintain or repair tools, equipment, or structures, such as buildings, greenhouses, fences, or benches, using hand or power tools.
- **[Supplemental]** Provide proper upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters, burial sites, or other grounds features.
- **[Supplemental]** Maintain irrigation systems, including winterizing the systems and starting them up in spring.
- **[Supplemental]** Care for natural turf fields, making sure the underlying soil has the required composition to allow proper drainage and to support the grasses.
- **[Supplemental]** Use irrigation methods to adjust the amount of water consumption and to prevent waste.
- **[Supplemental]** Haul or spread topsoil, or spread straw over seeded soil to hold soil in place.
- **[Supplemental]** Advise customers on plant selection or care.
- **[Supplemental]** Care for artificial turf fields, periodically removing the turf and replacing cushioning pads or vacuuming and disinfecting the turf after use to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- **[Supplemental]** Plan or cultivate lawns or gardens.
- **[Supplemental]** Install rock gardens, ponds, decks, drainage systems, irrigation systems, retaining walls, fences, planters, or playground equipment.
- **[Supplemental]** Build forms and mix and pour cement to form garden borders.

## Detailed work activities

- Build construction forms or molds.
- Clean facilities or sites.
- Cultivate lawns, turf, or gardens.
- Decorate indoor or outdoor spaces.
- Dispose of trash or waste materials.
- Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.
- Evaluate reports or designs to determine work needs.
- Inspect buildings or grounds to determine condition.
- Install equipment to protect or support trees.
- Install fencing or other barriers.
- Install masonry materials.
- Irrigate lawns, trees, or plants.
- Maintain equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
- Operate grounds maintenance equipment.
- Plant greenery to improve landscape appearance.
- Prepare chemicals for work application.
- Provide information about landscaping services or costs.
- Remove debris from work sites.
- Remove snow.
- Treat greenery or surfaces with protective substances.
- Trim trees or other vegetation.