Empowering women in landscaping: Transforming the industry through leadership and culture

When I attended my first landscape association event back in 1993, I was sitting in a roundtable discussion as the only woman at the table. I remember trying to join the conversation, feeling like no one was really listening to what I had to say. I just wanted to contribute, and I remember thinking, “Well, this needs to change.”

For a long time, there has been a misconception that landscaping is a man’s world. It’s true this industry has been, and still is, predominantly male, especially in the field. But every day, more women are joining our ranks, not just in offices but on jobsites, leading crews, designing, estimating, managing and physically installing landscapes that shape our communities.

And let me say this clearly: The industry is better for it. Some of our best field workers are women, excelling in detail work and quality control, bringing patience, pride and a careful eye to the craft. Women bring a different perspective, and that perspective is needed as our industry grows and evolves.

Personally, I have often felt misunderstood for being “emotional” in a space where decisions are expected to be black and white, bottom-line-driven and fast-paced. Yet, I believe empathy is critical in how we lead, manage and grow our teams. We must remember that the internal client — our employees, crews and teams — is just as important as the external client who signs the checks. Feelings matter. Culture matters.

We need leaders who see the people behind the production numbers, who listen and who notice when a team member needs a conversation, a thank you, or a moment of understanding. This is not just a “woman thing”— it’s a human thing. But I have found that many women in landscaping are bringing these conversations forward, and it is changing our workplaces for the better.

Today, I see more women stepping into leadership roles in landscaping companies. We are not there yet, but we have come a long way. I believe having more women at every level will transform not just how our businesses operate, but how our teams feel about the work they do.

The truth is that people stay in workplaces because of culture, more so than paychecks, titles or perks. And women often see this, feel it, and say it in a way that others can hear. We understand that building healthy, engaged teams is the foundation for quality work and strong client relationships. We know that empathy, listening and caring about how people feel at work is not a distraction from the business — it is the business.

Women have changed the landscape of landscaping, and we will continue to do so. We are proving that this industry is not just for men, and that diverse teams are stronger, healthier and more profitable. We are proving that you can be tough and empathetic, results-driven and people-focused, all at the same time.

To the women entering this field now: You belong here. We need your perspective, your attention to detail, your empathy, your strength and your voice. To the men in the industry: Thank you to those who believe in creating room at the table and in the field for women. Keep doing it.

Because the more voices we have in landscaping, the more beautiful the landscape becomes — for all of us.