Landscape Technician

Overview

Landscape technicians build and maintain residential, commercial and public landscapes. This career path is well-suited for those who love to work outdoors, work with their hands and use their creativity. 

Work in the landscape horticulture field requires strong knowledge and skills in planting and caring for trees and plants, and the ability to assess, modify and maintain site conditions to ensure projects follow plans. 

In this program’s landscaping courses, you:

• Learn how to select plants based on cultural requirements, characteristics and environment.
• Get hands-on experience installing, maintaining and transplanting plants and trees according to project plans.
• Learn how to install hardscaping elements like landscape structures, steps, walkways and retaining walls.
• Use tools and equipment, including operating and maintaining landscaping-related machinery.
• Develop skills and experience practicing industry safety standards and best practices.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
  • Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Is this program right for you?

• You’re comfortable with physical activity, working on your feet and lifting heavy materials.
• You enjoy working outdoors and are adaptable to a range of weather conditions and seasons.
• You’re interested in the proper care of plants, trees and shrubs.
• You’re comfortable working with power tools such as mowers and chainsaws.
• You’re detail oriented.
• You’re good at problem solving and troubleshooting issues.
• You enjoy teamwork, collaboration and working on your own.
• You value customer service and client satisfaction.

September 2026

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2025-26 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Landscape Technician

Career options

• Graduates are prepared to work in several areas in the sector, including:
  • Landscaping and grounds maintenance
  • Horticulture
  • Parks and gardens maintenance
  • Golf course maintenance
  • Arboriculture (care of trees)

Future study options

• Graduates may register as an apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency once employed. Apprenticeship is an optional but beneficial journey that combines on-the-job learning with technical training.
• Red Seal endorsement – Individuals who complete an apprenticeship program are eligible to write their inter-provincial exam. A Red Seal allows certified tradespersons to practice the trade in any province or territory in Canada, where the trade is designated.
  • Learn more about the Landscape Horticulturalist trade