Shaping landscapes and our industry

Jarod Anderson didn’t follow the typical pathway into landscaping. After finishing high school, he enrolled at Otago University and completed a BCom in finance. It didn’t take long to realise the corporate world wasn’t for him.

“I finished my degree and realised I didn’t like finance,” he says. “Growing up, I was always hands-on and practical.”

At 16, he built a deck and water feature with help from his tradie father. After university, Jarod moved into residential building, spending four years on the tools before making a decisive shift.

“During my time as a builder, I developed a natural interest in outdoor spaces. My initial attraction to landscaping was how quickly you can create impact. Over time, I’ve realised how it sits at the intersection of construction, creativity and problem-solving.”

THINKING LONG TERM

In 2021, Jarod went out on his own with a ute, trailer and basic set of tools – fuelled by referrals from family and friends and the post-Covid boom.

“It was a learning curve, but I understood the power of word of mouth.”

Like many business owners, his hardest lessons were around communication.

“No matter how amazing the final product is, if you lapse on communication pre or mid-project, you’ll also lapse on client satisfaction. Early communication prevents 90% of problems.”

Today, Anderson Landscapes focuses on high-end residential projects – both new builds and large-scale renovations. Full landscape renewals have become a core part of the workload, as clients rethink how they use their homes. Pools, entertaining areas and outdoor kitchens are particularly popular.

The team now consists of four – Jarod, two full-time landscapers on the tools, and his partner Courtney managing administration.

“As the projects grew, I had no choice but to expand. Growth for the sake of growth doesn’t interest me. Sustainable growth with the right people does.”

That measured approach reflects his finance background, which he credits with giving him a strong grasp of pricing, back-costing and financial structure – areas many tradespeople find challenging.

HANDS ON APPROACH

Anderson Landscapes positions itself deliberately at the premium end of the residential market.

“I avoid projects where price is the only driver,” explains Jarod. “As landscapers, we know how things need to be implemented to last. If a client’s budget doesn’t allow for that approach, it isn’t the right time to proceed.”

Rather than running multiple fragmented crews, Jarod leads a tight team of three landscapers from project to project. That ensures direct responsibility for workmanship and clear lines of communication with designers and suppliers.

A standout example was his Richmond Hill project. What began as a simple pre-sale refresh evolved into a full-scale remodel spanning 18 months. The project grew organically – new paving, decking, a louvre system, retaining walls and a complete reimagining of the section.

“This ‘freestyle’ project really showcased our adaptability and on-site communication,” he says. “In the end, the clients decided to stay.”

Strong supplier relationships, including a long-standing partnership with Urban Paving, underpin that execution. Collaboration with local designers, concreters, blocklayers and plasterers is equally critical.

RAISING THE BAR

One of the defining moments in Jarod’s career came in 2024 when he entered – and won – Young Landscaper of the Year.

“It was a nice confidence boost and showed me that the standard I was aiming for was competitive nationally,” he says. “It reinforced that hard work and attention to detail are recognised in this industry.

“It also increased credibility with clients and peers. I definitely believe it’s helped win a tender or two.”

Something else that comes with winning the competition is Registered Master Landscapers membership – something Jarod places great value in.

“The biggest benefit for me is credibility and trust,” he says. “High-end residential landscaping is a luxury good. Clients need to know their investment is in safe, accountable hands.”

He believes that belonging to a regulated body reinforces standards, systems and professionalism. More broadly, he feels that landscaping is at a turning point.

“The residential construction industry is evolving rapidly. We’re seeing increasingly architectural homes and higher-spec builds. Landscaping has to be part of the conversation.”

Too often, he says, outdoor spaces are treated as an afterthought.

“In my view, the end goal is for architectural new builds to be designed around their landscaping, not the other way around. The home and outdoor environment should feel cohesive and intentional.”

For that shift to occur, strong industry representation is essential.

“If we want clients to invest properly in their outdoor spaces, they need confidence in process, contracts, warranties and workmanship. Industry bodies help create that framework.”

Over the next few years, Jarod plans to continue building a small, high-performing team focused on quality residential work and architectural projects.

“We want to be known for quality and integrity.”

Family remains a powerful motivator – the arrival of his first child in 2022 another defining milestone – as is a broader ambition of elevating the trade.

If the trajectory of his career so far is any indication, Jarod is not just building landscapes, he’s helping shape the industry’s future.

by louise