Your crew does more than maintain landscapes. They shape how your business is seen in the community. Still, many owners face the same challenge: attracting and keeping good employees is harder than ever.
Why Recruiting Is More Challenging Today
When U.S. Lawns began in 1986, entry-level wages were much lower. Landscaping jobs paid more than many alternatives, which helped attract workers willing to handle physical outdoor work. Today, similar wages can be earned in less demanding roles like retail or office jobs.
Even so, landscaping remains a rewarding industry. Working outdoors, creating beautiful spaces, and improving commercial properties brings real pride and purpose. The key is finding people who value that work.
Think Recruiting, Not Just Hiring
Hiring fills an immediate need. Recruiting is ongoing. A strong recruiting mindset means you are always looking for great people, even when you are fully staffed. This approach gives you a larger talent pool and reduces the pressure to settle for the wrong hire. Recruiting costs money, but turnover costs far more.
Promote Open Positions Everywhere
People can’t apply if they don’t know you’re hiring. Go beyond traditional job boards. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Post on Craigslist, industry forums, and local websites. Share openings through community groups, churches, colleges, and business organizations. Make sure your U.S. Lawns local web page reflects current hiring needs.
Turn Your Team Into Recruiters
Most people find jobs through personal connections. Your current employees can be your strongest recruiting tool. When employees enjoy their work environment, they talk about it. Good employees often recommend others who share their values and work ethic.
Be Clear About Your Values
Strong recruiting starts with honesty. Be upfront about what your company stands for and what you expect. Not everyone will agree with your values, and that’s okay. The right people will be drawn to your vision and are more likely to stay long term because they believe in the mission.
Focus on Hiring Right the First Time
Instead of planning for termination, focus on better hiring decisions. Placing the right person in the right role prevents future issues. U.S. Lawns Home Office uses personality profiling to better understand candidates and avoid poor role matches. Whatever tools you use, take the time to be confident before making an offer. A bad hire costs far more than a careful hiring process.
Offer Benefits That Matter
Being a great place to work often comes down to benefits and incentives. Some U.S. Lawns owners offer health insurance, even for seasonal workers. Others use performance-based incentives tied to monthly goals. While these may seem small from an owner’s perspective, they make a real difference to employees and help attract higher-quality candidates.
Final Takeaway
Building a strong team requires intention. By recruiting consistently, supporting your employees, and offering a positive workplace culture, you create a crew that delivers great service and represents your brand with pride.