Groundskeeping
Groundskeepingis the activity of tending an area of land for aesthetic or functional purposes, typically in an institutional setting. It includes mowing grass, trimming hedges, pulling weeds, planting flowers, etc. TheU.S. Department of Laborestimated that more than 900,000 workers are employed in thelandscape maintenanceand groundskeeping services industry in the United States in 2006. Of these over 300,000 workers weregreenskeepersforgolf courses,schools, resorts, and public parks.[1]
Occupation
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Agroundskeeperis a person who maintains landscaping, gardens or sporting venues (and their vegetation where appropriate) for appearance and functionality. InBritainthe wordgroundsman(occasionallygroundswomanif appropriate) orpark-keeperis used much more commonly.[2][3]The Football Associationconfers a Groundsman of the Year award.[4][5]InAustralia,the wordcuratoris often used for a person undertaking this job, especially those involvingcricket pitches.[citation needed]At university campuses, groundskeepers are often calledhorticulturists.The equivalent on a golf course is agreenskeeper.[citation needed]
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated in May 2015 that statistical group 37-3011 "Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers" numbered 895,600 with a median annual wage of $25,030.[6]The BLS describes the functions of this group as "Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units".
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A groundskeeper's job requires a wide range of knowledge of horticulture, pest control, and weed abatement. As many institutions (especially schools) are moving away from the use of chemical pesticides and towardintegrated pest managementthe experience, knowledge and scholastic requirements of top groundskeepers are increasing. While groundskeepers usually follow a site plan created by alandscape architect,there can be many opportunities for creativity in detailed design and presentation.
Equipment
[edit]Groundskeeping equipmentcomprisetoolsandvehiclesused in groundskeeping, including:
- mowers
- lawn mowers
- tractors
- string trimmers
- snow blowers
- snow plows
- edgers
- rotary brushes
- rakes
- leaf blowers
- shovels
- trowels
- sprinklers
- garden tools
- watering cansor truck mounted watering system
- line markers
Environmental impact
[edit]Pollution from predominantly2-strokegas-powered groundskeeping equipment is a source ofair pollution.[7]US emission standardsspecifically limit emissions from small engines, which results in their continual improvement. Electric models produce no emissions at the point of use, but may shift pollution to power plants.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health."Fact Sheet: Fatal Injuries Among Landscape Services Workers".DHHS Publication 2008-144. October 2008. Accessed 10-22-2008.
- ^groundskeeperinOxford Dictionaries Online:"North American term for groundsman."
- ^park-keeperinOxford Dictionaries Online:"The caretaker of a park."
- ^"Groundsman of the Year",The Football Association,retrieved 2021-06-17.
- ^William Ralston,"'The Silicon Valley of turf': how the UK's pursuit of the perfect pitch changed football",The Guardian,2021-06-15.
- ^"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2015".bls.gov. 2015-05-01.Retrieved2016-04-12.
- ^Lawn Equipment | Improving Air Quality in Your Community | US EPAArchived2009-04-28 at theWayback Machine
