Pugh's Earthworks Pugh's Earthworks is the premiere Certified Commercial Landscaping Company in the Mid-South Region. Our major markets include Memphis, Jackson TN, Nashville, Southaven MS, and Little Rock AR. We employ professional and certified landscape technicians. Certified and Professional Landscape Technicians Introduction Landscape technicians are professionals who are trained in landscaping and can be certified or non-certified. A certification has a higher level of education and training, while a professional landscaper is usually working on his/her own as a business owner rather than an employee. Both certified and professional landscape technicians have the experience necessary to provide you with quality work at an affordable price. Certified landscape technicians have passed a test to prove their knowledge, and they have a credential to show for it. This means that you can be more confident in the quality of service provided by certified technicians. Certified professionals follow best practices, so you can expect them to use products that are safe for your family or pets and don't cause any damage to plants or other parts of your property. The importance of a certified or professional landscape technician Certification is a way for you to show that you have the skills, education and experience needed to do your job well. Landscape technicians are required by law in some states to be certified or licensed. In addition to this, certification shows potential customers that you're qualified and able to perform your work safely and efficiently. Skills for landscape technicians Landscape technicians can be certified or professional. A certified technician has passed an exam and is allowed to use the CSLT designation on their business cards, letterhead, and other marketing materials. A professional landscape technician has not yet taken the exam but is working toward it by completing education requirements and working under the supervision of a certified landscape technician for five years or more. Professional certification involves taking both a written and practical test that covers plant identification; soils management; construction practices; maintenance techniques; design principles (including drafting); irrigation systems; fertilization methods; pest control methods; equipment use/operation safety procedures including safe storage of chemicals used in your work environment. The NALPTS offers a wide range of classes and certification programs in landscape management, design, maintenance, welding, and more. They are committed to providing the highest level of education and training possible while maintaining their reputation as an industry leader. Education for landscape technicians The education for a landscape technician varies from employer to employer. Some employers require that you have a degree in landscape technology or horticulture, while others will accept applicants with a certificate in landscaping. In some cases, an applicant may be hired with only on-the-job training and experience as their credentials. The requirements are determined by the company's needs as well as what type of tools and equipment they use on site. For example, if you are applying for an entry level position with little to no experience required then it is likely that your educational background is not going to [...]