Course Description
The Horticulture/Landscape Construction program offered by SST will prepare students in all phases of horticulture, landscape/hardscape design and installation, hydraulic equipment operations, nursery operations, and sports turf management. With an emphasis on residential and commercial installation, students will learn the proper use of hand and power tools, skid loaders/excavators, construction materials, measuring and estimating, blueprint and plan reading, and job site safety. Topics of study include Plant Identification, Plant & Soil Science, Landscape Installation and Management, Greenhouse/Nursery Production, Arboriculture and Floriculture. Students may receive industry recognized certifications offered by Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals (MCLP), Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MCH), Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), Massachusetts Arborist Association (MCA), and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Licenses include Massachusetts State 2A Excavators and Massachusetts State Pesticide (Applicators).
Freshman
Horticulture/Landscape Construction I In this first year, the freshmen class will be introduced to all career pathways associated within the industry. Students will develop work ethic/professional skills along with proper shop safety procedures (OSHA 10 Certification) and tool/equipment use including but not limited to hand/power tools, 2- stroke engines, and 4-stroke engines. Students will be introduced to the basic skills associated with landscape design, landscape construction, equipment operation, arboriculture, sports turf management, floral/interior landscapes, and greenhouse production. All will automatically be enrolled in the South Shore Tech FFA Chapter with the opportunity to compete in competition their sophomore year.
Skills: Proper Safety Practices | Proper Tool/Equipment Use | Fuel Basics | Abor Knots/Climbing | Basic Pruning | Floral Centerpieces | Hardscape/Masonry Patterns | Turf Varieties and Proper Cutting | Irrigation Repair | Tree/Shrub Installation | Bed Maintenance | Seed Sowing
Sophomores
Horticulture/Landscape Construction II In this second year, the sophomore class will build their knowledge towards all career pathways associated within the industry. Students will transition the basic skills they learned their freshmen year into secondary skills associated with landscape design, landscape construction, equipment operation, arboriculture, sports turf management, floral/interior landscapes, and greenhouse production. All will have the opportunity to compete in the FFA State Competition this year. Students will also have the opportunity to compete in the SkillsUSA masonry/teamworks competition.
Skills: Heavy Equipment Obstacles | Small Engine Maintenance | Floral Holiday Arrangements | CAD Landscape Design I | Concrete/Paver Flatwork | Segmented Walls | Irrigation/Landscape Lighting | Turf Installation | Turf Aeration/Dethatching | Sports Turf Diagrams/Athletic Spraying | Fertilization Practices | Greenhouse Propagation I | Soil Science | Botany
Juniors
Horticulture/Landscape Construction III In this third year, the junior class will develop a more in depth knowledge towards all career paths associated within the industry. Students will transition the secondary skills they learned their sophomore year into advanced skills associated with landscape design, landscape construction, equipment operation, arboriculture, sports turf management, floral/interior landscapes, and greenhouse production. All are encouraged to participate in the FFA State Competition in March, and the Co-op program (paid internship) starting in February. Students will still have the opportunity to compete in SkillsUSA masonry/teamworks competition.
Skills: Advanced Heavy Equipment Operations | Laser Grading | CAD Landscape Design/Estimation | Natural Stone Flat Work | Natural/Veneer Walls | Outdoor Living Environments | Complete Turf Renovation | Advanced Sports Turf | Greenhouse Propagation II | Hydroponics | Business and Entrepreneurship | Plant Health Care
Seniors
Horticulture/Landscape Construction IV In this final year, the senior class are all encouraged to participate in the Co-op program (paid internship) starting at the beginning of the school year. Students will apply the knowledge they gained the last three years directly into the workforce, and will also gain valuable instruction from outside employers. Students who are not eligible, or decide not to participate in Co-op, will continue to work on projects around the school campus and communities within the district. During related instruction, students will be prepared for the Massachusetts State 2A Excavators License and the Massachusetts State Pesticide (Applicators) License. Students may choose to take either test when they turn 18 years of age.
Skills: MA 2A Excavators License Prep | MA Pesticide (Applicators) License Prep | Co-op Program | Community Projects
Certifications
| OSHA 10 Hour |
| Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals (MCLP) |
| Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MCH) |
| Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) |
| Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) |
| Massachusetts Arborist Association (MCA) |
| International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) |
College Pathways
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst |
| Stockbridge School of Agriculture |
| University of New Hampshire |
| Pennsylvania State University |
| Delaware Valley University |
Career Pathways
| Landscape Construction Project Manager |
| Sports Turf Specialist |
| Irrigation Technician |
| Business Owner |
| Horticulturist |
| Floral Designer |
| Greenhouse Manager |
| Heavy Equipment Operator (Local 4 Operating Engineer) |
Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst will award 3 free credits to any graduate of the South Shore Technical High School Horticulture program who is accepted to a Stockbridge bachelor degree program.
About the Industry
The industry of Horticulture and Landscape Construction goes far beyond "lawn mowing". There is an increase in career opportunities for occupations that support the growing interest in the quality of our natural environment. Look around you... the world is enhanced by beautifully managed grounds, gardens, majestic trees, and natural settings. However nature needs quite a bit of help to manage and/or create such beautiful settings and serene environments. Specialized areas such as landscape architecture, landscape planning, forestry, agriculture, plant sciences, conservation, and natural resources are in high demand. Many of these careers often work directly with federal/state/local governments, extension programs, research facilities, and colleges and universities.
Work Environment
Typically in the landscape construction and arboriculture industries, companies are often on the road working on job sites where they have access to equipment such as skid steer loaders/mini excavators, bulldozers, drum chippers, and bucket trucks. In the ornamental horticulture world, employees typically work in a retail/wholesale flower shop settings or greenhouse production/management facilities where they have access to equipment such as plant materials/products, hand tools, machinery and plant treatments.
How to become a...
In the horticulture and landscape construction industries it is not necessary to have a bachelor’s degree. In some management positions, a bachelor's degree would be preferred. Candidates for Horticulture and landscape construction positions should have a portfolio that demonstrates their work experience, leadership skills, work ethic, and creativity.