Mental Health in Landscaping: Protecting Yourself and Your Team
If there’s one thing I’ve learned coaching landscaping business owners, it’s this: you can have the best kit, the best clients, and the best designs — but if you or your team are running on empty mentally, none of it will last.
Landscaping attracts passionate, hardworking people. We take pride in creating something tangible and beautiful. But behind the scenes, too many are burning out. Long days, physical strain, unpredictable weather, tight deadlines, cashflow pressure — it all adds up.
Mental health is no longer a “nice to have” conversation — it’s a business essential. A team that’s mentally strong works better, stays longer, and makes fewer mistakes. And as a leader, your wellbeing sets the tone for everyone else.
Why We Don’t Talk About It (But Should)
In the trades, there’s still a “tough it out” culture — push through, get the job done, don’t show weakness. But that comes at a cost: stress, anxiety, and exhaustion build up until something breaks.
Rates of burnout and depression in landscaping and construction are higher than average. This isn’t just a personal issue — it’s a business one. Staff turnover, sick days, and low morale hit your profit hard.
Spotting the Signs Early
You don’t need to be a psychologist to see when someone’s struggling:
Mood or behaviour changes
More mistakes or accidents on site
Withdrawing from the team
Frequent absences or lateness
Drop in productivity or enthusiasm
And yes — sometimes the person struggling is you.
My Role as a Mental Health First Aider
Thanks to the industry charity Perennial (www.perennial.org.uk), I was able to complete my Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training — and this September, just like a regular first aid certificate, I’ll be renewing it.
Why? Because mental health care should be treated with the same seriousness as physical safety. Having a Mental Health First Aider in your business means there’s someone who can spot the signs early, offer initial support, and guide people to professional help if needed.
You wouldn’t ignore a bleeding hand — so why ignore a bleeding mind?
Four Practical Steps You Can Take
Lead by example. Take breaks, finish on time where possible, and talk openly about managing stress.
Normalise conversations. A simple “How are you doing?” — and really listening — can make a difference.
Manage workload realistically. Know your capacity and protect it. Saying no is sometimes the smartest business decision.
Provide resources. Keep helplines and online tools accessible, even if they’re not used right away.
The Payoff for Your Business
Protecting mental health isn’t just about preventing problems — it’s about creating a thriving team. When people feel valued, supported, and heard, they deliver better work, take pride in the business, and stick around.
Your greatest asset isn’t your tools or trucks — it’s your people. Look after them, and they’ll look after your clients, your reputation, and your bottom line.
If you want help building a healthier, more sustainable landscaping business — for you and your team — let’s talk.