landscape foreman

landscaping crew leader

irrigation technician

skilled laborer

grounds crew

Bland Landscaping

I interviewed for a horticulture position but was pushed into a spray tech role after being asked about my applicator license. When I requested the median salary for spray techs in the Charlotte area, I was offered far below that amount. I tried to negotiate, but the HR rep literally laughed at me on the phone — that was my first red flag.

Despite being placed on salary, I was still required to clock in. I stuck to an 8-hour workday at first, but managers quickly took issue. I was told I spent too much time in my truck, even though I completed every task assigned to me. The equipment was outdated (early 2000s at best) and made working efficiently nearly impossible. On top of that, they had multiple managers watching me on job sites to see if I was sitting in my truck. If I hadn’t been finishing my work, I could understand the concern — but I was. When it’s 98° outside, taking a few minutes to hydrate isn’t “slacking,” it’s basic survival. For reference, my truck was from the mid-90s with no AC, so those breaks weren’t even real relief.

Once I realized I was being spied on instead of trusted, I knew it was time to leave. I’m too experienced to be babysat, and anyone who expects independence or trust here will be disappointed. Management is unapproachable, communication is poor, and if you don’t speak fluent Spanish, the labor crews will resent you. There is zero room for growth, and the overall culture is toxic.

Do not waste your time here. This company undervalues its employees, micromanages every move, and offers no real career path.

A typical day at work would be the managers not on the same page . Lying to employees about pay and sharing other employees business to others in the company.

I learned not to believe any word from them because it’s always twisted. If you work there or want to don’t ask for a raise or review if you are black they won’t advance you in any position at the East Charlotte branch . 

Management was absolutely terrible! They argue in front of employees. They barely ever answer calls for emergency . They lock the bathroom . They don’t give uniforms at all if any .  I was there 15 months and not once did I have a uniform . But management is always spiffy with new shirts , hats. And you name but not employees. They will belittle you and make you feel as if you aren’t worth working for them. 

The work culture is all over the place. A lot of drug use and drinking. They put trucks together that have full experience then some with none . They never know who will be working with you. They switch pay periods without any explanation .

The hardest part for me was being their first EVERY morning before management clean , empty trash , and sweep every morning which NEVER was noticed . 

The most enjoyable part of the day would be going home so I could be stress free . 

Management in the Charlotte Area was only there to push or punish you.  It is an extremely clique centered company.  You are not promoted or given raises or other incentive based on how much you learn, how well you perform your job, punctuality, attendance or how long you've been there.  If you are not a joiner/sycophant, do not work for Bland.  The company recently merged with another company and is well positioned financially.  A few months ago they got the HOA maintenance contract for a very large community in Wilmington.  This was, supposedly, their grand entrance into the coastal area.  I left a month ago, but even in Charlotte, we heard rumors Bland was going to lose the account; perhaps mid-year.  I don't know that for certain.  I have been in Landscaping for several years and used to live close to Wilmington, where I got started in Landscape.  The SE Coastal Area is the most lucrative, competitive and difficult area in the state in terms of Landscaping, espescially the bugs and fungus.  They have everything bad that is possible to have. I am moving back to that area for Landscaping....not for Bland....STEER CLEAR ,

You work long and hard with below average wages.  A customer is lucky if they get everything they pay for, skip services a lot.  No real advancement.  Equipment always breaking down. Outside of immediate supervisor, you never see management. A lot of employee turnover, so there is no consistency on the sites.  The company does not perform all contracted services if they are short on employees and still charges the customers full price. This happened a lot with spray technicians, so many jobs were not treated when they were supposed. Branch Manager will have crews come in early to save hours, even if the jobs are looking bad. Upper management really doesn't know what is going on at the branch level or they just don't care and are more concerned with the bottom line.

What is the best part of working at the company?
You have your own projects you over see

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Spring there such a demand in work and its encourage not to vacations doing spring and fall it was frowned upon 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Everyone feels stressed. People talk bad about one another or talk behind your back. Suggestions are often look down upon.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Come in look whats assign design price the send out proposal sometimes 3 depending on the size of the project.

The day started at 5:45 every morning, where the trucks and workers would stage up and head out to the job sites. My day consisted using an edger or blower around the property. I learned how to properly maintain landscape and use equipment safely. My management was harsh, but effective, which no doubt led them to being the successful business they are now. my co-workers were from all walks of life and we bonded over being in the same boat. The hardest part was waking up at 4:00am with a 30 min. commute and a 10 hour work day. However the most enjoyable part was being outside in the sun.

Most of the people who worked here used the bus or others to get to work and most were written up or fired because they couldn't get there before 6am. The managers would call out often and if you tried to call out for any reason, be it your house burned down, your child died, etc. you would be written up. They would tell you one thing and then turn around and say they didn't tell you that. If you made them look bad by actually working, they would try to sabotage you any way they can. It's a normal job besides that. Just get used to management not caring about you and setting you up for failure.

As far as landscaping goes this is NOT a landscaping company that i would recommend. This is a big company with a smoke and mirrors trick of pretending to care about employees and work quality but ive seen and heard otherwise first hand.  They like stacking cash instead of doing the job the right way. Every employee under management is considered just a number and replaceable no matter your experience and work quality. 
There are far better landscaping companies to work for.  So do yourself a favor and find somewhere else if your interested in landscaping 

My time at Bland Landscaping was a great experience. I was assigned many different tasks to complete on my own and was pressured to do my best possible work. After completing many large projects and installments by myself, I felt I had gained some new and valuable skills to apply elsewhere in my professional career. All in all, i can say that if you are looking for a fun yet challenging work experience, you should apply for a position at this farm.

Bland Landscaping was where I kicked off my career in Horticulture.  The opportunities for training and advancement really make the foreman position a great stepping stone job for a variety of career paths.  As a landscaping company they were the most structured and well organized I have seen.  They have a strong emphasis on safety and also on giving back to the community.  Two thumbs up!

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Landscape foreman 1 salary reported	$700 per week
Landscaping crew leader 7 salaries reported	$18.00 per hour
Irrigation technician 11 salaries reported	$22.05 per hour
Skilled laborer 1 salary reported	$12.25 per hour
Grounds crew 3 salaries reported	$900 per week

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