A day in the life of a landscaper, from Matt of Stahlyscapes

For those considering a career in landscaping, understanding the daily routine and demands of the job is crucial. Matt Stahl, owner of Stahlyscapes, shares a glimpse into his typical workday, offering valuable insights for aspiring landscapers.

Morning

“After packing the truck the night before with tools, machinery and supplies, I wake up at 6am, pop on high vis uniform, ready to head out to site 7:30am,” Matt explains.

Upon arriving at the job site at 8am, the first task is to assess the area. “We walk around the job site and map out a plan. We review safety and schedule what needs to be done for the day,” he says. “This initial assessment is crucial for setting the day’s schedule and ensuring everything runs smoothly.”

“The work begins with using machinery and tools to clear the area, bringing the front yard or backyard to a bare slate,” he says. This involves tasks like operating excavators to remove old landscaping, using chainsaws to cut down unwanted trees, and employing leaf blowers to clear debris.

Once the area is prepped, Matt and his team start the construction phase. This can include building retaining walls, laying pavers for pathways, and installing irrigation systems. Precision is key here, as these structures form the backbone of the landscape design.

Break time

By 10:30am, it’s time for a “well-deserved break”. Matt emphasises the importance of taking time to relax and chat with the team, maintaining a steady pace to avoid burnout.

It’s very important to sit down, relax and have a chat. In landscaping it’s a marathon – you don’t need to go too hard because by 2pm you’ll be burnt out. Keep it at a steady pace and make sure you’re drinking enough water.
Matt Stahl

Afternoon

After the break, the team moves on to planting. This involves selecting the right plants for the soil and climate, digging holes, and carefully placing each plant to ensure it thrives. Matt often spends time educating clients about plant care, ensuring they know how to maintain their new garden.

Lunch is at 1pm, providing another opportunity to recharge. The afternoon is typically spent on finishing touches, such as mulching garden beds, installing final touches like garden lighting, and setting up water features. Each day has specific goals to keep the project on track, and Matt ensures the pace is manageable.

Wrapping up the day

The workday typically wraps up around 4-4:30pm. After returning home, Matt unloads the truck and prepares for the next day. While the standard workweek is Monday to Friday, occasional Saturdays are necessary during busy periods to stay on schedule.

“We have goals to get to each day to make the jobs on track. If I plan to have the job done in a week, I break it down into daily tasks to ensure we stay on schedule,” Matt explains.

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