HPLs perform many activities in association with landscaping, including, but not limited to, the following: 1. Installing lawns and plants 2. Maintaining, cutting, pruning lawns and plants 3. Installing irrigation systems 4. Installing retaining walls 5. Installing brick pavers 6. Installing and maintaining fencing of all types 7. Installing and maintaining playgrounds

General Construction training is designed to prepare apprentices to enter the workforce and be safe and productive from the outset. Topics covered in this training include craft orientation; OSHA 10 hour outreach safety training; hand and power tool identification and use; construction math; material handling; scaffold user; and introduction to green residential construction.

Training presents the proper methods of installing a lawn and a wide array of turf grasses, groundcovers, and lawn treatments. The program offers detailed procedures for lawn installation including lawn repair methods such as reseeding, installing sod, and plugging a lawn. Lawn maintenance is also discussed, including mowing, watering, aerating, de-thatching, and prevention and control of weeds and diseases.

The training introduces the process of pruning everything from ornamental trees and bushes to common shrubs and discusses the timing and techniques that results in successful pruning for healthy growth. Pruning training also gives specific methods for pruning hundreds of species from the cold climates to the tropics and covers plant types from ornamental bushes, evergreens, ornamental vines, and edible fruit and nut trees to houseplants. Upon completion of the training, apprentices will know about pruning: why you need to prune, when to do it and what tools are required.

Training includes information on how to select, install, and maintain the right system(s) for the landscaping needs and discusses how to plan watering zones appropriate to the climate and landscape varieties. Through instructor facilitated and extensive hands-on training, the Home Performance Laborer becomes familiar with the processes needed to assemble and install a new drip, trickle, or sprinkler system for lawns, shrubs or gardens.

This training provides the apprentice with all the information needed to integrate popular hardscape design into the overall home landscape. Included are processes for building retaining walls, flagstone and tile patios, and brick, mortar, and concrete walks and patios.