Strong Women, Stronger Industry: The Growing Role of Women in Landscaping
The landscape industry is often perceived as male-dominated—full of muddy boots, heavy machinery, and rugged fieldwork. While that perception may still hold some truth, it’s far from the full story. Women have been steadily gaining ground in landscaping, from field operations to business ownership, from design to executive leadership. The landscape is, quite literally, changing—and women are a driving force behind it.
Several years ago, I had the privilege of joining Shanna Scordo on a podcast hosted by Jeffrey Scott: “Strong Women in Lawn & Landscaping.” That conversation was not only energizing, it was a candid reflection on what it means to be a woman in this industry—both the unique challenges we face and the opportunities we create. You can listen to that episode here.
As I reflect back on that discussion and fast-forward to today, the core message remains the same: women are not only thriving in landscaping, they’re helping shape the future of it.
Breaking the Mold
Let’s be honest—when people picture a landscaper, they don’t always imagine a woman. That default image is changing, but slowly. For many of us, our path into the industry wasn’t handed to us—it was carved out through grit, determination, and a strong sense of purpose.
In the podcast, Shanna and I shared how we each found our way into the green industry. For me, it started with a passion for plants and a drive to build something of my own. I founded Beautiful Blooms Landscape & Design with zero business experience—just a horticulture degree, a lot of drive, and the belief that I could figure it out. And I did. I wore every hat, made every mistake, and learned through trial by fire. Today, my company is thriving and scaling—with a focus on strategic growth and operational excellence.
Shanna’s story resonated just as deeply. As someone who rose through the ranks and eventually became a partner in her business, she talked about how essential it is to own your space and build your confidence. She didn’t wait for someone to give her a seat at the table—she built her own.
That’s a theme I see again and again with women in landscaping. We don’t need to prove that we belong—we already do. The real work is shifting perceptions and creating more opportunities for women to lead, mentor, and inspire the next generation.
Unique Challenges—And Strengths
Let’s not sugarcoat it: being a woman in a male-dominated field comes with its own set of challenges. Whether it’s being underestimated in a meeting, facing skepticism from a client, or managing the fine line between assertiveness and “too aggressive,” we’ve all encountered those moments where gender bias creeps in.
But here’s the flip side—women bring unique strengths to the table. Emotional intelligence, collaboration, detail-oriented thinking, and long-term relationship building are critical in our industry. Whether you’re managing a crew, nurturing client relationships, or planning long-term growth, those so-called “soft skills” are essential.
On the podcast, we talked about the power of strong leadership—not just being the boss, but truly leading people. That means setting expectations, coaching your team, and holding the line when necessary. It also means knowing how to read the room, adapt your communication style, and build a workplace where everyone feels valued. These are not gender-specific traits—but let’s be clear: women often excel at them.
Building Culture, Not Just Companies
One of the most rewarding parts of being a woman in this space is getting to influence company culture. It’s not just about building a profitable business—it’s about building a business people are proud to work for.
When women step into leadership roles in landscaping, they often bring a focus on culture, mentorship, and inclusion. We look at the full person, not just the productivity metrics. We care deeply about safety, career development, and work-life balance. And we’re not afraid to change the game.
At Beautiful Blooms, I’ve worked hard to build a company where people feel like they belong. We invest in training, mentorship, and leadership development. We talk openly about values and hold each other accountable to them. We celebrate wins and address issues head-on. And I know I’m not alone—many women-led companies in this industry are doing the same.
A Call to Action: Make Room at the Table
Here’s what I believe: the future of landscaping is more diverse, more inclusive, and more dynamic than ever before. But it won’t happen by accident. We have to intentionally make room at the table.
That means mentoring younger women in the industry. That means inviting female team members to shadow leadership meetings. That means calling out outdated assumptions and creating hiring practices that reflect a broader vision of success. And most of all, it means seeing each other—not as competitors, but as collaborators.
It’s also worth noting that women don’t need to do this alone. Many of the strongest male leaders I know are vocal advocates for women in the industry. They make room, offer support, and listen with humility. That kind of allyship matters.
Advice for the Next Generation
If you’re a woman considering a career in landscaping—or if you’re already here and wondering what’s next—here’s my advice:
- Own your story. Whether you’re fresh out of school or pivoting from another career, your path is valid. You don’t have to fit the mold. Create your own.
- Build your skills. Learn the numbers. Understand operations. Get your hands dirty. The more you know, the more confidence you’ll have—and the more influence you’ll wield.
- Ask for what you need. Whether it’s mentorship, leadership training, or a shot at a bigger role—speak up. You don’t have to wait to be chosen.
- Surround yourself with the right people. Join peer groups. Find mentors. Connect with other women in the industry. We rise faster when we rise together.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at that podcast episode, I’m proud of how far we’ve come—but I’m even more excited about what’s ahead. Women are not just participating in landscaping—we’re shaping it. We’re leading companies, growing teams, and redefining what leadership looks like.
The next time someone pictures a landscaper, I hope they see a woman. Strong. Strategic. Covered in dirt and loving every minute of it.
Want to listen to the full episode? Catch “Strong Women in Lawn & Landscaping” with Loriena Harrington and Shanna Scordo on the Jeffrey Scott podcast here.