The Edge March/April/May 2026

î COVER STORY

eliminates the need for many entry-level white-collar jobs, younger generations are turning to the trades for more job security, but the reality is more nuanced. “The advantage of our profession is that you get to be close to nature in a field that still fundamentally relies on work that can only be done by human hands,”Jones says. “We look forward to working with NALP to change the hearts and minds of the younger generation, encouraging them to consider a career path in landscaping.” LaSage says he has noted a slight uptick in younger applicants this last quarter. “This hasn’t been something that we have seen just yet in younger generations, however, I do anticipate having more con versations about this in the future,” Reitano says. “I think what we might see is that trend continuing, and AI has the potential to elevate a lot of the roles that we usually see in the landscaping industry. So, to me, it’s not really a question of job security as much as job quality.” Landscape companies are finding that more often younger candidates are attracted to the industry because of the impact they can make, rather than a desire to avoid AI. Elliott says many young people want to be a part of something greater than themselves and not just collect a paycheck. “They want to work in jobs that allow them to be outside and improve the envi ronment,”Delano says. “There’s a growing recognition among younger workers that they want to do environmentally impactful work, and landscaping provides that opportunity. We’ve had a lot of interest from the younger generation who view landscaping as a path to help improve their communities — they want to be more hands-on with nature and environ mentalism.” Delano says the degree types of their younger job applicants have changed as well as traditional landscaping programs shrink, the majority of their applicants now have environmental studies or business degrees. “These tend to be individuals who love the outdoors and being in nature and want a career that allows them to live those values and hobbies,”Delano says. WHAT RESONATES WITH CANDIDATES? Some of the features that attract individuals to landscape companies include strong cultures, growth opportunities, competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, work-life balance and a forward-thinking outlook.

problem-solving ability and attention to detail — our work requires people who take pride in quality.” Reitano says problem-solving is a nec essary skill because they need people who are able to find the best solutions for the specific challenges that they will undoubt edly encounter. Elliott says flexibility and the ability to approach strangers are two skills she pri oritizes with the retail side of her business. She says the willingness to approach peo ple is something the younger generations have struggled with. “We can sense when a person has that within them, and we just need to tease it out of them,” Elliott says. “It does require extra training. It does require more handholding in the beginning, but it’s our responsibility as employers to train the next generation because they really had a disadvantage by not having the socializa tion they needed for several years. We’re doing what we can to hire what we see in a personality.” Beyond soft skills, comfort with tech nology is becoming more of a baseline expectation. Milanes says while the indus try continues to adopt new technologies, employees need to be more comfortable using these tools. “That said, we don’t expect everyone to become tech experts,”Milanes says. “What we look for is openness: a willingness to learn, adapt, and use the tools that help us work safer, faster, and more efficiently. If someone brings that mindset, we can teach the rest.” Jones says Mariani ensures their associ ates are continuously learning via training offered through the Mariani University Program and their various internal roundta bles, leveraging different perspectives and knowledge sharing. “Administrative-type tasks are becoming a larger part of the account and opera tions manager roles, and as such, they’re spending a larger portion of their day on the computer,”Delano says. “Having a good grasp of basic computer skills is becom ing non-negotiable. We’ve also increased the number of computer and phone applications we utilize, so again, a good understanding of how to effectively and efficiently use technology is vital.” Delano says as AI continues to become more ubiquitous, a willingness to embrace AI usage will also be important. IS AI DRIVING THE YOUNGER GENERATION TO THE INDUSTRY? There has been speculation that, as AI

school background, a trade program, or have learned through years in the field.” Delano says they’ve found a college education is helpful for their account man agers as they have the communication skills necessary to to deal with their clients professionally. One common element that land scape companies are prioritizing in their candidates is strong soft skills, as they are recognizing technical skills can be taught. “The number one thing we’re looking for is character,” Bosch says. “We’re looking for candidates who want to learn the business and grow with us. We do not require previ ous experience. If you have a great attitude and a solid work ethic, we will develop that candidate for success.” Reitano says the willingness and ability to learn is the number one skill set required by their hiring managers. “As a company that prides itself on employee development, the job-specific skills will always be something that we can and will teach a new hire,”Reitano says. “However, the willingness to learn these skills is a pre-requisite.” Delano says they’ve also had success training people without a horticulture background. “If they’re eager to learn, possess good customer service and organizational skills, and generally have a passion for the out doors or nature, they’ll typically do great,” Delano says. Jones says some of the traits they look for in new talent include a willingness to collaborate, adaptability, curiosity and a focus on quality. Milanes says they also value people skills such as self-awareness, good judgment, and the ability to work well with others. “For our field positions, we prioritize reliability, strong work ethic, and the ability to work well in a team,”Delano says. “Technical skills can be taught, but attitude and dependability cannot. We also value

Photo: Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center

24 The Edge // March/April/May 2026