Starting a Landscaping Job? Here's Your New Hire Guide (With Real-Life Tips from 3 Seasons)
- 3 Seasons Lawn & Landscape Inc
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Whether you're joining the crew at 3 Seasons or starting fresh at another landscape company, this new hire guide will help you hit the ground running. Landscaping is more than just a job—it's a skill, a craft, and a team effort. And like any trade, showing up prepared and with the right mindset makes all the difference.
This guide is packed with real tips from the team here at 3 Seasons, but the basics apply anywhere you go in the industry. If you're new, take this as a cheat sheet to impress your foreman, earn your spot on the crew, and start your journey strong.
Landscaping New Hire Guide: What to Expect on Day One
At 3 Seasons, your first day includes a walk-through of the shop, meeting your crew, and getting geared up. Most companies will do some sort of orientation, but here’s what we give our new hires:
Safety glasses
Ear protection
Work gloves
A high-visibility vest (which must be worn anytime your orange 3 Seasons shirt isn’t clearly visible)
The vest rule is all about safety. If you're wearing a hoodie or jacket over your uniform, make sure that vest is on top so you're always visible.
What to Wear and Bring
Showing up prepared is key no matter where you work. Here's your new hire checklist:
Work boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes — No slides, or anything you’d wear to the beach.
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes — Landscaping is physical work. Dress for sweat and rain or sunshine.
Your ID — Some properties (especially commercial ones) may require it for entry. At 3 Seasons, we ask you to carry it daily.
Lunch and snacks — At 3 Seasons, every truck is stocked with water coolers and ice, but we don’t make regular store stops, so show up with everything you’ll need for the day.
A good attitude — You don't have to know everything, but be coachable and ready to work.
(Optional but awesome): Headphones and your favorite playlist — Music helps set your rhythm for mowing, trimming, or edging. Just keep one ear open for safety and crew communication.
Stay Cool, Stay Safe: Hydration Matters
No matter where you’re landscaping, heat is part of the job—especially in places like Florida. Hydration is your best friend out there.
Drink water constantly, not just at break time.
Keep your bottle filled—at 3 Seasons, every truck has ice and coolers for this exact reason.
Feeling off? Dizzy? Extra tired or foggy? Take shade and tell your crew leader immediately.
We’d much rather you tap out than fall out.Heat exhaustion is real—and preventable.
Clocking In and Tracking Time
Every company handles time differently, but here’s how we do it at 3 Seasons (and something similar may apply where you work):
Crew leaders clock in at 6:30 AM, crew members at 6:45 AM.
Use the time clock AND write your time on the sheet.
If you clock in early, you may not be paid for that extra time unless it's approved and signed off by management.
Clock out as soon as work is done—no hanging out, smoking, or scrolling while on the clock.
Tools, Training & Taking Care of Equipment
Most companies will have their own process for training on tools, but we believe strongly in helping new hires succeed.
At 3 Seasons, you’ll be using commercial-grade gear. You’ll be trained up, and we don’t expect you to be an expert on day one.
We go by this simple rule: If you can confidently use one tool well by the end of your first 40 hours, you’re on the right path. That shows us you’re ready to keep learning and growing.
Some of our equipment guidelines:
Use only the proper fuel—at 3 Seasons, that means mixed gas marked with a zip tie on the handle.
Don’t fuel up on asphalt or grass - we want them to know we have been there but not by leaving stains.
Tag broken or malfunctioning tools before you leave for the day. Use a white tag from the bench, describe the issue, and include the assigned crew—not just who used it.
Teamwork Makes the Green Work
Landscaping is a team effort. You’re only as strong as your crew. Be the kind of teammate who lifts others up:
Show up ready to work.
Ask questions, listen well, and take pride in the details.
Help keep the job moving.
Respect the properties we’re on and the tools you’re given.
Put simply: don’t be the anchor - the person others have to carry. Be the person they’re glad to have on their crew.
Drug-Free Means Drug-Free
Safety matters—everywhere.At 3 Seasons, we have a strict drug- and alcohol-free policy, and many landscape companies do the same. This includes marijuana—even if you have a medical card.
You're working around equipment, vehicles, and teammates who count on you. If you’re suspected of being under the influence, you can be sent home or terminated—no questions asked. It's not personal. It's about safety.
The Bottom Line
Starting a new job in landscaping is exciting. It’s physical, rewarding, and a real skill you can build on for years. Whether you're with 3 Seasons or another company, here’s the secret: show up with a good attitude, stay ready to learn, and respect the grind.
It might be hot. It might be tough. But you’ll go home knowing you did something real—and that’s something to be proud of.
Ready to Join the Crew?
If you’ve read this landscaping new-hire guide and still think landscaping sounds like your kind of work- we want to hear from you. At 3 Seasons, we’re always looking for dependable, motivated team members who want to grow in the green industry.
👉Visit our careers page to view all our open positions and Apply Today to start your journey with us.
댓글