Description
Apply and monitor lawn care treatments, including fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, using spreaders and sprayers on residential and commercial turf. Diagnose turf issues, perform services such as aeration and overseeding, and maintain equipment; usually requires specific training and state applicator certification.
- • Fill and mix backpack, hose-end, or ride-on sprayers and spreaders with water, fertilizers, and control products per label rates.
- • Apply liquid and granular herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers uniformly across turf, accounting for wind, temperature, and moisture.
- • Calibrate sprayers and spreaders; select nozzles and settings based on lawn size, slope, and target pests.
- • Operate hoses, wands, nozzles, and hose-reel or ride-on equipment to treat lawns, edges, and spot infestations.
- • Start and operate turf equipment such as backpack sprayers, ride-on units, aerators, and slit seeders.
- • Perform core aeration, overseeding, and topdressing according to turf type and site conditions.
- • Clean, maintain, and perform basic service on spreaders, sprayers, pumps, and service vehicles.
- • Measure lawn areas, calculate application rates, and document treatments and product usage.
- • Identify turf weeds, insects, and diseases; recommend and implement appropriate treatment plans.
- • Communicate with customers about services, safety precautions, and post-treatment care; follow PPE and regulatory requirements.
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Agriculture
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
