Why Hire a CNLP?

When you're investing in landscaping and enhancing the beauty of your home, you want to work with someone who has the training and expertise to help make your yard and garden more beautiful and worry-free. That's what you'll find when you use a Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional.

Q: What is a Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional?

A: The Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional Program is an intensive, ongoing educational program designed to increase the skills of garden and landscape employees. The program was designed by members of the nursery and landscape industry with assistance from Cornell University.

CNLPs are trained in a wide range of subjects, including plant pests and diseases, weeds and weed control, soils, fertilizer, pruning, and much more. Because of this intense training, you can be confident that the CNLP is there to help you with specialized skills that can make your yard a garden paradise without the worry, leaving you more time to enjoy it!

Q: Can anyone be a Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional?

A: No. Only those who are graduates of a recognized two-year or four-year college with a degree in the horticulture field, or those who have completed four years of experience in the industry, are eligible to apply for certification. To receive that certification, they must pass a rigorous examination. In addition, CNLPs are constantly being retrained and tested in order to keep their certification.

The CNLP  program is administered by the New York State Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc.

Q: What does this mean to me when I visit a garden center or consult a landscape firm?

A: It means that when you consult with a CNLP, you're getting advice from a true professional. The CNLP isn't a person who may have worked in the cosmetics department of the store last week and transferred to the garden department this week. Certified Nursery & Landscape Professionals are committed to the industry through the rigorous training the CNLP Program provides.

Q: How do I find a CNLP?

A: Ask your garden center or landscape firm if they employ Certified Nursery & Landscape Professionals, or call the New York State Nursery & Landscape Association at 518.694.4430. There are hundreds of CNLPs throughout New York state.

So when doing business with a garden center or landscaper, ask to speak with a Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional. He or she be happy to help! Visit the CNLP Program section of our website for additional information on this prestigious designation.

For the landscape project you would like to do yourself, Cornell University's horticulture program has resources available online to assist you whether you are a first-time gardener or a full-time professional. While these resources cannot replace the expertise of a local professional, they are certainly a great place to start!