Is it legal to work as a landscaper without a degree?

Question

I am thinking about starting a landscaping business next summer. While reading info on starting a landscaping business, I came across a site that said most states require you to be a licensed landscape architect in order for you to be a landscaper. I live in Tennesssee, and I was wondering what laws apply here in that regard. I searched for a while online, and I can't find anything.

Thanks a lot,
Me

Answer 1

You can start a landscaping company without a degree. No way possible that they can make you have a degree. People start companies all the time and od not even have a GED. Go start the company, you will not have any problems. GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

You can work as a landscaper if you comply with the laws covering any business. In Florida all you need is a business license.

If you call yourself a contractor your state may require some course work and a test.

The only time you need a degree is to become a Landscape Architect, they are licensed by most states and have an education and testing requirements.

Don't call yourself a Landscape Architect and you will not have a problem.

Answer 3

I live in Massachusetts and any person with a truck a barrel a lawnmower and a rake can call themselves a landscaper.
It is unfortunate, because we have some of the finest Landscape Architect Design Schools here both State and Private.
What is necessary how ever, in order to apply and Weed&Feed product, or fungicide,pesticide etc. You must be a licenced pesticide applicator!

Answer 4

Well, it kind of depends on what level of landscaping you're planning on doing.

Per the Tenessee code title 62, Chapter 2,

It is unlawful for any person other than a registered architect or
engineer to prepare plans and specifications for any building or structure other
than the following:
(1) Structures classified as ‘‘business,’’ ‘‘factory-industrial,’’ ‘‘hazardous,’’
‘‘mercantile,’’ ‘‘residential’’ and ‘‘storage’’ occupancies, as such occupancies are
defined in the 1985 edition of the Standard Building Code, which are:
(A) Less than three (3) stories in height; and
(B) Less than five thousand square feet (5,000 sq. ft.) in total gross area;
(2) One-family and two-family dwellings and domestic outbuildings appurtenant
thereto; or
(3) Farm buildings not designed or intended for human occupancy.
(c) Nothing in this section shall prevent any awarding authority, public or
private, from requiring the services of a registered architect, engineer or
landscape architect for any project.

So if you plan on working on single-family dwellings exclusively, you can work as a landscaper without a license or accredidation, as long as you understand that a general contractor or other hiring entity may still REQUIRE a license to work on their project. And if you're going to be doing general groundskeeping or basic landscaping or maintenance (pruning, planting trees or shrubs, new lawns), anybody can do that -- it's mostly in the design area that you run into legal matters.

Answer 5

The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors is affiliated with our Regulatory Boards Division. At this time, very limited information about the board is available on the Internet, however, we plan to expand the site during the remainder of 1997 which will include information about licensing laws.
The Department of Commerce and Insurance.
If you need to contact the Contractors Board directly, they can be contacted at the following number: 615-741-5630 or at the following address:
Tennessee Licensing Contractors Board
1st Floor Davy Crockett Tower
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, Tennessee 37243

Answer 6

You may need a business license & you should get insurance but there are no education requirements to become a licensed landscaper.

I live near Chattanooga Tennessee and my best friend has a landscape business.

Answer 7

I would get a permit on every job you do, if its over 250 bucks, (owners responsibility), and I dont think you would need a "degree" for that.

They may want you to be a "lisenced Contractor" which amounts to takeing a test from the City that you are working in...

Check with the Municipality or County that you wish to work in...

I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 8

It can be very difficult to get a paralegal job without at least a certificate or associates degree in paralegal studies. There are a lot of online paralegal schools that you can get your degree from. Just make sure that the school you attend is ABA approved.

Answer 9

no you do not need to have a degree, to work in landscaping...

only if you are doing irrigation service or repair you will need to register with the state.

landscaping does not need a licence

Answer 10

You may need a license but that does not mean you have to have a degree.