How to Be a Good Groundskeeper

Keep yourself in good physical shape. Being a groundskeeper requires constant lifting of large loads, bending, walking and standing for most of the day. A groundskeeper in bad physical shape will not last long on the job. If you maintain your health and stamina, you should be able to perform your duties day in and day out without feeling exhausted after work.

Get to know the grounds. Familiarize yourself with every nook and cranny in the area for which you are responsible. Take time to note patches of weeds that recur and need to be constantly monitored. Be aware of any monuments or significant features of the land that need special care.

Aerate the property at least twice a year to ensure that the earth gets air and water. If your property is primarily grass-covered, reseed the lawn once a year.

Prune hedges frequently and mow the grass often, depending on what the property is used for. If it is a baseball diamond or sports field, it should be mowed frequently. Try to maintain a grass length of 2.5 to 3 inches.

Weed areas around trees and spread mulch. In addition to making the land look nice, it will provide a healthy environment for the trees to grow.

Take care of the property year-round, even in the off-season for your property's particular use. Shovel snow in winter and keep public benches clear to keep wood from rotting or cracking.