Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Lawn Care Workers – 2025

Are you applying for a job as a lawn care worker? Here are 20 up-to-date interview questions with simple answers to help you showcase your skills and knowledge in this field. These questions cover a range of areas, including past experiences, decision-making, technical skills, and cultural fit, giving you a comprehensive preparation for your interview.

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time when you had to handle an unexpected and difficult situation while working on a client's lawn. How did you handle it?
Answer: Last summer, I was working on a client's lawn when it started raining heavily. The rain caused the lawn to become overly saturated, making it difficult to mow and leaving the client unhappy with the results. I apologized to the client and explained the situation, offering to come back the next day to complete the job once the rain had stopped. The client appreciated my honesty and flexibility, and I was able to successfully complete the job the following day.
2. Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer? How did you handle the situation?
Answer: I had a client who was very particular about their lawn and was not satisfied with the way I had been mowing it. I listened to their concerns and asked for specific instructions on how they wanted it done. I made sure to follow their instructions and even took before and after pictures to show the client. They were quite happy with the results and became a regular and satisfied customer.
3. Tell me about a situation where you had to work with a team to complete a lawn care project. How did you contribute?
Answer: I was part of a team working on a large lawn care project for a residential community. I was responsible for mowing and trimming the grass. I made sure to communicate effectively with my team and coordinate our efforts to complete the project on time. I also suggested a more efficient method for mowing the large lawn, which was well-received by the team and helped us finish the project ahead of schedule.
4. Share a time when you had to deal with an unhappy client who was dissatisfied with the quality of your work. How did you handle it?
Answer: I had a client who was not satisfied with the quality of the fertilization product I used on their lawn. After listening to their concerns, I offered to reapply the product for free and recommended a different type of fertilizer that would better suit their lawn's needs. The client appreciated my effort to rectify the situation, and the lawn showed significant improvement after reapplication.

Situational Questions

5. If you notice a potential issue with a lawn during your regular maintenance, what steps would you take to address it?
Answer: If I notice a potential issue with a lawn during regular maintenance, I would first assess the situation and determine the cause of the issue. Then, I would make a plan to address the issue, such as replacing a damaged sprinkler head or applying a specific treatment for a pest or disease. If the issue is out of my scope of expertise, I would communicate it to the client and recommend a specialized service or contractor.
6. What would you do if a lawn care equipment broke down while on a job?
Answer: I would first try to troubleshoot the issue and see if it can be fixed on the spot. If not, I would inform the client of the issue and let them know I need to bring in a backup equipment to complete the job. If the backup equipment is not available, I would reschedule the job for a later time while keeping the client updated and apologizing for the inconvenience.
7. How would you prioritize your tasks and manage your time efficiently when faced with multiple lawn care projects in one day?
Answer: I would first evaluate the time and resources required for each project and prioritize them based on the urgency and complexity of the task. I would also communicate with the clients and make sure I have a clear understanding of their expectations and timelines. I would then plan my route and schedule to efficiently complete the projects in a timely manner.
8. What would you do if you encounter a hazardous substance on a client's lawn?
Answer: If I encounter a hazardous substance on a client's lawn, I would first assess the situation and make sure to follow proper handling and disposal protocols. I would also inform the client and recommend bringing in a professional for specialized removal or treatment. In the meantime, I would make sure to avoid any contact with the substance and secure the area to prevent any potential harm to others.

Technical Questions

9. What are some common lawn diseases and how can they be treated?
Answer: Some common lawn diseases include brown patch, dollar spot, and powdery mildew. Brown patch can be treated by increasing air circulation and reducing watering schedule, while dollar spot can be treated with fungicides. Powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring proper soil drainage and allowing sufficient sunlight to reach the grass.
10. How often should a lawn be fertilized and what type of fertilizer should be used?
Answer: The frequency of fertilization depends on the type of grass and local climate conditions, but generally it is recommended to fertilize a lawn three to four times a year. The type of fertilizer used should also be determined by the soil's nutrient needs and the grass type.
11. How do you properly mow a lawn?
Answer: When mowing a lawn, it is important to first make sure the equipment is in good condition and the blades are sharp. Then, I would start by mowing along the edges, using a diagonal pattern to prevent ruts, and overlap each pass slightly. I would also make sure to not cut the grass too short, as it can cause stress and damage to the lawn.
12. How do you identify and treat turf weeds?
Answer: Weed identification can be done by closely examining the lawn and identifying characteristics such as color, leaf shape, and stem type. Once identified, weeds can be treated by herbicides or manual removal. For a more environmentally-friendly approach, manually removing the weeds and applying a mixture of vinegar and water can also be effective.

Cultural Fit Questions

13. What drew you to the lawn care industry?
Answer: I have always been passionate about working outdoors and creating and maintaining beautiful landscapes. I also enjoy using my knowledge and skills to make a difference in people's lives by providing them with a healthy and visually appealing outdoor space to enjoy.
14. How would you handle a difficult client who is not satisfied with your services?
Answer: I would first listen to their concerns and try to address them in a professional and respectful manner. I would also try to understand their expectations and find a compromise to resolve the issue. If necessary, I would involve a supervisor or manager to mediate the situation and find a suitable solution for both the client and the company.
15. How do you stay updated with the latest lawn care practices and techniques?
Answer: I regularly attend workshops and training sessions through industry organizations and stay updated with trade publications and online resources. I also seek feedback and advice from colleagues and mentors in the industry to improve my skills and stay up-to-date with best practices.
16. What motivates you to excel in your job as a lawn care worker?
Answer: I am motivated by the satisfaction of seeing the results of my hard work and the positive impact it has on the clients and their landscapes. I am also motivated by the continuous learning and opportunities for growth and advancement in the industry.