What is Grounds Maintenance?

Types of Grounds Maintenance Workers

With the variation of grounds maintenance comes a range of workers – and there are many skills to acquire in this industry. But what types of grounds maintenance workers are there? 

The workers you’re more likely to recognise are groundskeepers; services from mowing grass to trimming hedges come under this job description. Mostly their role will cover anything that comes under “general” grounds maintenance and a big part of their position is keeping the area neat. Litter removal including the raking of dry leaves is important for any groundskeeper and plays a vital part in keeping outdoor areas tidy.

To make the area better or improve the appeal, you’ll find landscaping workers, these are the people you are most likely to hire to do your own garden as well as large-scale public areas. Whether you want trees and flowers planted or if you’d like to get a decking or some new slabs in your back garden, a landscaper is the first person you’ll call to get a trusted quote.

Arborists, commonly known as tree surgeons, take pride in disease-prevention and looking after the health of trees in the area, often in public spaces or national parks. Some workers will shape trees into aesthetic shapes, but the most common arborist will prioritise the health of the plants they look after. 

Pesticide handlers are important when it comes to grounds maintenance, with their ability to destroy pests, weeds and diseases. In this profession specific training and safety certifications are required as pesticide handlers work on all manners of outdoor spaces to ensure the safety of the general public.

Locations Which Require Grounds Maintenance

Highly populated areas and any natural outdoor space will require grounds maintenance; whether it’s due to wear and tear or merely keeping natural areas tidy. Sporting areas, public parks and popular high streets are just some of many areas that need to stay on top of their upkeep. 

Football pitches, golf courses and cricket pitches will always need maintenance, not just for the aesthetics, but for safety and equal opportunity too. An uneven ground or dips in the floor could be the difference between winning and losing – or even an injury. 

Paths and pavements, particularly those that are used by a high number of people like a high street, needs to be designed well and carefully maintained. Not only can a poorly maintained path look displeasing, but it can be a dangerous trip hazard. Often, you’ll find that pavements are particularly well-kept during the colder season to keep them safe from ice or snow. 

Schools and popular parks will also need constant care due to the large amount of ground covered; to keep on top of the maintenance of these areas, workers will cover a manner of areas. Most of the duties fulfilled by those who work in grounds maintenance will take place in popular parks, including the planting and care of trees, bushes and flowers. 

Grounds Maintenance Certifications and Training

Most duties carried about by grounds maintenance workers require little formal training – though pesticide handlers tend to need a license and depending on the product used, you may also be required by law to have a certificate of competence.

For other grounds maintenance workers, training programmes are offered by the Grounds Management Association. 

These can range from a simple course to a bespoke package depending on your requirements. 

Through the Grounds Management Association, two options would be: 

• An online Level 1 course: For £25, a 4–5-hour course with three modules will prepare someone to study the tasks involved in maintaining a surface. Once the course is completed, the association will recommend other options to take the next step.

• A bespoke course: If you want a course that suits you better, a bespoke option is available through the association. The cost will depend on the requirements of the course. 

Further training options are available through the Skills Training Centre for more industry-specific qualifications including Basic Tree Survey & Inspection – Lantra TISO1, Cable Avoidance Training and Sports Marking. 

For all of your Grounds Maintenance needs or to find out more information, contact PPVS.