The Field

Landscape Contracting graduates will find opportunities in landscape design, landscape contracting, landscape production and sales, and landscape equipment sales.

Delhi has a student chapter of the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and competes in the national ALCA career days.

The Instructional Program

This program stresses design and installation of landscapes. It also assists students in gaining knowledge for maintaining both small and large landscape sites.

Students expand their experiences during a required summer internship. With placement assistance from their advisor, internships are arranged in a variety of settings. Opportunities have included internships with landscape contracting firms, garden centers, arboretums, etc.

Transfer Options

Students interested in transferring to a baccalaureate program in landscape architecture may prepare for this by appropriate course selection in consultation with their advisor in the Golf, Plant Science, and Recreation program.

Landscape Contracting Technology

A.A.S. Degree

SUNY Curriculum Code: 0638

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 68-70 credit hours

Admission Requirements: Applicants must have a high school diploma and have completed Mathematics Course A and one year of biology (preferably Regents level or equivalent).

*Note: A one-week field trip to Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay, New York, is also required as a component of the basic curriculum.

Suggested Electives

Students may choose to tailor their curriculum options with the intention of transferring to a Landscape Architecture program. These students, in consultation with their advisors, should follow these guidelines.

Landscape Architecture

Transfer Options

Program Objectives

A graduate of the Landscape Contracting Technology A.A.S. program should be able to:

1. Understand and apply the theory and principles of landscape design for both residential and commercial sites. 
2. Read and create construction documents, prepare materials estimates and bids, and demonstrate familiarity with specialized landscape features.
3. Select, establish, and maintain ornamental trees and shrubs.
4. Properly identify, select, establish, and maintain major turf grasses used in landscapes. 
5. Understand the role of pesticides and associated chemicals in modern horticulture, including their proper use and safe application.
6. Describe, demonstrate, and apply the theory and techniques of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) used in the landscape.
7. Understand the nature and cause of diseases and insect pests common to ornamental plants, identify them, and demonstrate knowledge of the methods used to control them. 
8. Prepare analysis, design, and presentation drawings to communicate design intent to a client. 
9. Exhibit a working knowledge of surveying and drafting techniques as they relate to site development. 
10. Demonstrate knowledge and application of the construction techniques, principles, and materials used for decks, fences, walks, patios, and retaining walls. 
11. Identify native and ornamental woody plants in the Northeast, and discuss their use in landscape design. 
12. Demonstrate familiarity with less commonly used woody plants and be able to identify them through the use of the Internet and other computer-related resources.  
13. Demonstrate an understanding of soil technology: its formation, composition, classification, and physical and chemical characteristics, and how to test soil and use the results to implement corrective soil practices.
14. Understand the basic principles of the growth, maintenance, and propagation of exterior and interior plants.
15. Understand the principles of operation for small engines used in landscaping equipment, and demonstrate the ability to select, safely operate, test, adjust, and maintain them.
16. Display a thorough understanding of the landscape contracting industry acquired through a 180-hour summer internship.
17. Display an understanding of the fundamentals of botany. 
18. Recognize and respond to emergencies by making appropriate decisions regarding first-aid care.