Landscape Construction correspondence course | Landscape contractors online study.

Learn Methods Behind Basic Landscape Construction

Landscape construction is concerned with what it takes to build gardens and other landscapes. Since many types of construction in the landscape can be achieved in many different ways, this course serves as an introduction to some of the ways that different surfaces, enclosures and structures can be made.

Take all the guesswork out of landscape work

This course covers things like what different tools and equipment are required and how they are used, how to measure up sites and develop landscape plans, methods for improving on-site drainage, levelling and earthworks, materials used and principles underlying the construction of garden surfaces, basic garden structures and setting out irrigation.

Apply what you learn

Work as a landscape gardener or contractor
Start your own landscape business
See how gardens are constructed; from forming the levels to planting the plants.

Creating a new garden can be an extremely rewarding experience. Imagine if you could spend every day doing just that; and get paid for it at the same time. Good gardens start with good plans; but it doesn't matter how good the plan might be; if the construction is not of a high standard too. To become a good landscape builder requires a lot of different skills, and sound knowledge to underpin those skills. Top contractors are always in demand, and have been for hundreds of years.

Start with this course to get your fundamental understanding of how to properly build the landscape
Expand your skills through experience, applying what you learn, in your own garden, volunteering or at work.

Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

Tools and Machinery
- Manual Handling
- Materials used for Constructing Tools and Equipment; ferrous metals, non ferrous metals
- Safety with Electricity
- Engine Troubleshooting
- Machine Maintenance
- Types of Machines
- Chainsaws: safety, buying, using
- Brushcutters
- Earthmoving and Cultivating Equipment; rotary hoes, ploughs, cultivators, etc
- Workshop and Hand Tools; spanners, chisels, hacksaws etc
- Hand saws, Rakes, Spades, Shovels, Rollers, Wheelbarrows, Sprayers, etc
Landscape Plans and Setting out a Construction Site
- Reading Landscape Plans, Scale, etc
- Understanding and Using Triangulation
- Slope, Contouring, Grid Systems
Drainage in Landscape Construction
- Introduction to Drainage
- Testing Drainage
- Improving Drainage
- Improving Soil Water Infiltration
- Improving Drainage after construction; sand slitting, aerating, sub soiling
- Sub Surface Drains; types, layout, outlet, gradients, pipe spacing, etc
- Surface Drainage
- Soil Testing; testing nutrients, pH, toxins
Earthworks
- Levelling terminology
- Levelling Procedure
- Levelling a Sloping Site
- Earthmoving
- Earthmoving Machinery; Bobcat, Backhoe, Dozer
- Use an Experienced Driver
- Topsoil Considerations
- Earth Forming: creating Mounds
- Building Raised Garden Beds
- Earth Quantity Calculation
- Soil Degradation
- Erosion; water erosion, wind erosion, controlling erosion
- Soil Acidification Management
- Managing Soil Compaction
- Managing Chemical Residues
Surfaces, Paths, Paving and Turf
- Introduction
- Surfaces for Play Areas
- Concrete; concrete, cement, mortar, variations in treatment and use
- Loose Surfacing Materials: advantages and disadvantages
- Bark Surfaces, Crushed tiles, pebbles, etc
- Paths; concrete, asphalt, etc
- Paving; laying pavers, setting out circular paving, curved paving, edges to paving
- Lawns and Turf; shape, design, establishment
- Garden Edges
- Playing Field Construction
- Sand Based Technology
- Constructing Steps
Construction of Garden Structures I
- Buildings in a Garden; gazebos, verandahs, storage buildings, cubbies, etc
- Where to build a building
- Floors and Foundations for Buildings
- Walls; brick construction, coping, expansion joints, etc
- Fencing
- Retaining Walls
- Wooden Walls
- Construction with Rock or Masonry; dry walls, wet walls
- Home Playgrounds
- Using Timber in the Garden
- Differences between Softwood and Hardwood
Construction of Garden Structures II
- Compost Bins
- Traditional Features: gazebos, statues, gates, arches, sundials, bird baths, urns, tubs, pergolas, pleached alleys, etc
- Wooden Decks
- Constructing a Deck
- Greenhouse and Shadehouse; types, construction, installation
- Water Features; Waterproofing, keeping water clean
- Landscaping a pond
- Tennis Courts
- Spas
- Rockery Construction
- Artificial Rock Formation
- Mulching Rockeries
- Garden Furniture
- Lighting in the Garden
Irrigation Systems
- Planning an Irrigation System
- Types of Systems: sprinkler, drip, automatic, etc
- Using and Maintaining an Irrigation System
Establishing Hedges and Other Plants
- Factors affecting successful plant establishment
- Physical Plant Protection Methods
- Hedges; site preparation, plant selection, spacing, planting, pruning, hedge maintenance
Workplace Safety and Management of Landscape Construction Work
- Risk Management on a Landscape Construction Site
- The Risks
- Keeping a Work Site Safe
- Duty of Care
- Significance of Illness
- Protective Clothing
- Safety with Tools and Equipment
- Safety with electricity and different types of equipment
- Tool Maintenance

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

Manage equipment for landscape construction projects, including tools and machinery.
Determine earthworks for a landscape development.
Plan the construction of different landscape structures including buildings, fences, and walls.
Manage the installation of a simple irrigation system in gardens.
Determine construction techniques for different building or installing different garden features; including paving, water gardens, rockeries and furnishings.
Determine techniques for creating soft landscaping.
Manage work being undertaken on a landscape construction site.

What You Will Do

Compare the quality and cost of a range of different tools and machinery used in landscape construction.
Identify tools and machinery used in everyday work by landscape constractors.
Explain appropriate uses for different tools and machinery on a landscape construction site.
Prepare landscape plans for a number of landscape sites
Research and report on marking out boundaries in construction sites
Describe how to locate contours
Determine the fall of existing drains, and identify appropriate falls, spacing and depths of drains
Observe and report on earth moving equipment in operation
Survey a site and recommend earthworks necessary
Examine surfacing materials for paths, gardens, etc and determine the appropriate landscaping function of each.
Assess the construction of a range of different existing landscape features
Describe preparation of foundations for a specified garden structure, on a specific site.
Design a rockery at least 30 square metres in area
Contact a range of suppliers of landscape materials and compare the products available in your locality.
Identify materials needed to install an irrigation system on a site selected by you.
Prepare plans of irrigation systems
Research which species of plants are suitable for hedging in your locality
Outline how to effectively transplant an existing tree
Prepare a detailed risk assessment for a landscape construction site
Identify safe working practices for a landscape construction site
Determine a list of work tasks to be undertaken on a landscape construction site. Give a time frame for completion of the entire project

Landscape Construction work requires many different skills.

This course helps you understand what needs to be done, and how to do many things; but sometimes even professionals might need to employ a concreter, tiler, plumber, electrician, gardener, stone mason, earth moving contractor, or other expert to assist with some aspect of a job.

They’re likely to charge higher rates, but some aspects of a project will be far better served by taking the plunge and spending that money.

Concreting
Most landscape contractors will do a certain amount of concrete work themselves; but for larger or more complex jobs you need at least advice from an expert if:

heavy vehicles are going to drive over the concrete
it is being built on unstable ground (eg. A steep slope or land fill)
you want to include patterns or colour in the concrete
it is part of a more significant construction. eg. You are going to build walls on top of the concrete; it is a bridge over a stream or pond

Finding a reliable concreter is not always easy. Ask other people in industry (eg. a professional body) if they can recommend someone. When you find someone, ask if they can provide examples of their work.

Electricians

You can never be too safe when it comes to electricity. You will need an electrician when:

you want to install garden lights. Even if you plan to use a low voltage transformer, you may need an electrician to install extra power outside or fit switches that can be operated from inside the house.
you want power for the garden shed or gazebo
power is required to operate a fountain or pump in a garden pond
underwater lighting for ponds, spas, pools, etc
spotlights, sensor lights, etc.

Earth Moving
If you have heavy or hard soil, then a rotary hoe is the quick and easy way to loosen it up. Bobcats and modified tractors are used for removing or relocating rocks and tree roots. They also make short work of moving large quantities of soil and will be able to reshape the ground into terraces etc. much faster than you.

Paving
If doing a small paving area, get all the materials delivered at once. Then hire a machine that can move in the sand and pavers, as well as levelling the soil. This will save you much of the hard preparation work. All you will be left with is to finish off the job.

Plumber
If you are going to tap into the potable (drinkable) water supply, you will have to use a licensed plumber. This will be necessary when you are installing major irrigation works or wish to include an additional water tap in the garden.

Stone Mason or Brick Layer

Erecting a stone or brick wall is a skilled task. Any wall that is more than one metre in height (especially those used as retaining walls and those alongside footpaths) should be designed and built by a professional.

Plant Knowledge
Being able to construct the non living components of a landscape is essential; but this is only half of the job, when it comes to building a garden. The other half is what is called "soft landscaping". Soft landscaping is planting and establishing the plants.
To do this well, the soil must be appropriate, the plants need to be kept from getting too dry, or wet (in most cases). They may also need protection from extreme weather and pests, until they get established.

Comment from a Tutor in this Course
“This extremely practical course works as the perfect guide to direct the student through tool selection and use, understanding plans, and preparing a site, to the actual construction of landscape features. It’s compelling study for those with a bent towards construction or those working as landscape gardeners.” - Gavin Cole B.Sc., Psych.Cert., Cert.Garden Design, former Operations Manager for "The Chelsea Gardener" , a highly regarded London Landscaping firm.

PATHWAYS TO A FUTURE IN LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION
There are many different pathways people follow to become a landscape contractor.

Some start out as a gardener or labourer, and working alongside someone else are given jobs in garden construction. They learn on the job; but often they come to the realisation that there are serious gaps in their knowledge. That is where this course can be valuable, to help fill those gaps.
Others may be trained or experienced working in an associated trade, such as carpentry or masonry. This may lead them to using their skills to help construct features in gardens. Some of the best landscapers have started out this way; and through study and experience, moved from building parts of a landscape to building entire landscapes.
Many people begin as a home gardener; developing a passion that grows into a desire to develop a career. Passion and experience are essential and will go a long way toward starting such a career; but without some study as well, the potential for success will never be as great.
Of course some will begin their career with a course; and for a career in landscape contracting, this is an excellent place to start.

Opportunities After Your Studies

This course is of great value to people wishing to work in landscaping. It will not lead to a construction license but should provide basic skills needed to undertake small scale landscaping projects which do not require council approval.

It is likely to benefit people who wish to add basic construction to their landscaping and gardening skills. It could serve as a platform for further study or be taken in conjunction with other modules to enhance your learning experience.

This course is developed for anyone working in, or wishing to work in:

Landscape construction
Landscape design
Garden maintenance
Garden restoration or conservation
Landscape materials supply
Construction industries

It could also add to the skillset of people wanting to start a landscape business, or be of value to people wishing to renovate their own home garden.

What Next?

ENROL or Use our FREE Course Advice Service to Connect with a Tutor

Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason, is fellow of the CIH.

ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.

Member Nursery and Garden Industry Association.

Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

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What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

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We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.

Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.

How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.

What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.

Take a look at their testimonials here.

What if I change my mind?

Our terms and conditions of enrolment are here.

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).

If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.

Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Jacinda Cole (Horticulturist)

B.Sc., Cert.Garden Design. Landscape Designer, Operations Manager, Consultant, Garden Writer.
She was operations manager for a highly reputable British Landscape firm (The Chelsea Gardener) before starting up her own landscaping firm. She spent three years working in our Gold Coast office, as a tutor and writer for Your Backyard (gardening magazine) which we produced monthly for a Sydney punlisher between 1999 and 2003. Since then, Jacinda has contributed regularly to many magazines, co authored several gardening books and is currently one of the "garden experts" writing regularly for the "green living" magazine "Home Grown".

John Mason (Horticulturist)

Parks Manager, Nurseryman, Landscape Designer, Garden Writer and Consultant.
Over 40 years experience; working in Victoria, Queensland and the UK.
He is one of the most widely published garden writers in the world.

Martin Powdrill

25 years working in Telecommunications, IT, Organisational Development, and Energy Conservation & Efficiency, prior to setting up his own Permaculture consulting business. Martin has a Bsc (Hons) Applied Science (Resources Option), MSc Computer Studies, Permaculture Design Certificate.
Martin volunteers with many local environmental and community groups, and facilitates discussions on climate change, peak oil, and transition towns. Martin has an allotment, and is currently enrolled in the Scottish Mountain Bike Leader Award programme.
Martin’s goal as a catalyst for sustainable change brings together his strengths and experience in his environmental, project management, and business backgrounds.

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Our Students Say

In my role within a large Aged Care Facility a great deal of my employment is spent in the area of Turf management and garden care/refurbishment. With ACS I was able to study at my own pace allowing me to put into practise and thoroughly research the subject matter broadening my knowledge and study experience further. I enjoyed the way in which the subject matter was presented as it allowed you to study each subject further, allowing for greater depth, clarity and knowledge.
Overall there are not many areas in which the course subject matter will not turn out to be invaluable, everything is covered to allow you to become successful within your own business or place of employment. A big thank you to Gavin Cole [tutor] and all at ACS. It was a pleasure to study with ACS, look forward to further study.

- Craig Ledbury