What to expect from landscaper of the year

Entries are now open for Young Landscaper of the Year, offering a career-defining opportunity for rising talent. Hosted alongside the Landscape Legacy Awards, which honour those who have helped shape the profession, the benefits of taking part extend well beyond the day itself. Thinking of entering yourself or one of your team? Below we highlight what contestants can expect.

Designed to challenge and develop emerging professionals, Young Landscaper of the Year (YLOY) has evolved into far more than a one-day competition. It is a comprehensive assessment of the skills required in modern landscaping – from hands-on capability through to communication and commercial awareness.

A PROVING GROUND FOR FUTURE LEADERS

RML Board member Hayden Stark, director of Xteriorscapes, is involved in judging and the pre-event interview process. Conducted online, the interview explores each entrant’s background, ambitions and understanding of the industry.

Hayden advises entrants to take time to understand both their own journey and the wider landscape of the profession.

“You and your career ambitions, the business you work for and the trends shaping the industry are all important,” he says. “It’s worth considering your approach to collaboration and relationship management, because that’s a big part of being successful in landscaping.”

WHAT THE COMPETITION INVOLVES

YLOY is open to landscapers across all disciplines – whether your background is in design, horticulture, garden maintenance, construction or a combination of all four. The competition is structured so that no single discipline has an unfair advantage: some stations are relevant to every entrant and the remainder are equally divided into those that draw on hard and soft landscape knowledge.

Finalists are tested across a wide range of stations that reflect real-world landscaping scenarios, combining practical tasks with technical knowledge and interpersonal skills.

Key areas include plant identification, turf establishment, hard and soft landscaping, irrigation, paving, machinery operation and project estimating – alongside a sustainability-focused garden design challenge and a client communication component.

PREPARE TO SUCCEED

While the competition is demanding, strong preparation can make a significant difference. A solid grasp of fundamentals is essential – accurate measuring, careful plant placement and sound construction techniques underpin many of the tasks.

Equally important is the ability to think critically, explain decisions and demonstrate an understanding of best practice. Safety is another key focus, particularly in machinery and equipment handling. Judges are looking for consistent, professional behaviour as much as technical output.

Sustainability is woven through the competition, not confined to a single station. From plant selection and water management through to material choices and site efficiency, entrants who can demonstrate environmental awareness across their work will stand out.

Finally, communication plays a major role. Whether in interviews or on the competition floor, the ability to clearly express ideas and engage with others can set finalists apart.

RECOGNISING INDUSTRY LEGACY

Alongside YLOY, the RML Legacy Awards provide an important counterpoint, celebrating those who are nearing the end of their career and have made a lasting impact on the industry.

These awards acknowledge individuals and businesses whose contribution spans years – often decades – through leadership, mentorship and commitment to quality. They serve as a reminder that the industry is built on the experience and dedication of those who have come before.

BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE

By pairing the two initiatives, RML highlights the full career pathway within landscaping – from early potential to enduring influence.

Young Landscaper of the Year strengthens the talent pipeline, raising standards and encouraging excellence. The Legacy Awards reinforce the values that sustain the profession over time.

REASONS TO ENTER

For young landscapers, entering can be a turning point. Beyond the competition itself, the process builds confidence, sharpens skills and opens doors within the industry.

Preparation alone encourages entrants to reflect on their career path, develop their knowledge and think more broadly about their role within a business.

Register here