Do you know the differences between a gardener and a groundsman? Perhaps you are looking to apply for a job as either of those. Or you want to be trained as a gardener or groundsman. And maybe you are looking to hire someone for your outside space. So although the two sometimes can be intertwined, there are also differences that can be found.
Find out here what the differences are between a gardener and a groundsman, and what you might be looking for!
Tasks Of A Gardener
When looking at a gardener, in general it can be said that a gardener is a more skilled worker in comparison to a groundsman.
A gardener will come with lots of knowledge and skills. Knowing about all the different types of plants, for example. A gardener will know exactly what flowers would grow the best in what location of your outside space.
They will have knowledge about plants, feeding and soil. So if things aren’t growing in your garden in the way you want them to, a gardener will be of great help.
They can help design and make landscaping plans. They will know exactly what will work whereas they will know about the changing seasons too. So hiring a gardener will be very beneficial if you are looking for a very skilled and knowledgeable person with regards to all things plants, flowers, and other outside things relating to the garden,
Tasks of A Groundsman
In general, in comparison to a gardener, a groundsman is someone who will do more of the heavy work in the outside space. And they might not have all the specific knowledge and skills a gardener possesses.
In general – and there are of course many exceptions! – a groundsman is more in charge of the maintenance and upkeep of the outside space. They will work the heavy machinery. Cut the lawns. Trim the hedges. Work with the leafblowers to clear up any leaves. Operate chainsaws for woodchopping. Fix any fencing that is broken. Paint any outdoor buildings.
Any labour maintenance tasks you can think of in an outside space will be done by groundsmen. Although it is important to emphasise again that this does not always have to be the case. Especially as groundsman becomes more experienced, they might take on more and more gardening tasks too. However, if they work in a large team of groundsmen and gardeners, duties tend to be more divided and groundsmen will be more in charge of upkeep and maintenance of the outside spaces.
Gardeners & Groundsmen Working Together
Often, especially when looking at larger outside spaces and estates, gardeners and groundsmen will be working together. They make a really good team if you have a large piece of land that needs to be managed. Tasks can be divided easily and each person’s different skills and knowledge can be used specifically for what needs to be done.
Having said that, oftentimes someone can be both a gardener and a groundsman. Lots of gardeners, for example, will do the work that groundsmen do to. And there a plenty of groundsmen available who do have the knowledge that most gardeners possess. So although in general, a difference can be found. In reality, the two jobs often blur into one.
Who Should You Hire?
When you are looking for someone to manage your outside space, try not to focus too much on whether this should be a gardener or groundsman specifically. Rather, make a very clear list of all the tasks that need doing. So that anyone who will be considering the job application can make sure that they match the skillset.
If there is lots of heavy machinery that needs to be used. Make sure to mention it in the job spec. Do you have a very large lawn that needs cutting very regularly? Do you have many trees that need to be maintained? Wood that needs chopping? Or would you like to have a fruit and vegetable patch in your garden? Anything that needs doing, or that you can think of, put it in the list of tasks.
This way you make sure you attract the right type of candidate for the job!
How can Polo & Tweed help?
Do you now know the differences between a gardener and a groundsman? Or are you not sure which one would be better suited for your household? And where to start with finding one? Polo & Tweed can help! Our highly experienced recruitment consultants are here to speak to you, to identify the issues, and see what can be done. We only have the best gardeners and groundsmen on our books who all come with many years of experience and many different skills. So we will be able to find the right people for you with ease. Why not contact us now to see how we can help!