Main Content
Stop working too hard for too little. Learn strategies to improve your landscaping company and maximize profits from a 25-year veteran in this one-day class!
NEW COURSE!
This course was just added to our landscape program area. Be one of the first to take it and learn how to run a successful landscaping business!
Jump to: Register | Course Details | Overview | Instructor | Reviews | CE Credits | Policies | Contact Us | Related Courses | Join Email List
Register Now
Pay with Credit Card:
Pay with Check, PO, or Money Order:
Course Details
Course Name: Basics of the Landscaping Business
Course Code: AL0324CA26
Date: February 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (Check in time: 8:30 am)
Location: Bioresource Engineering Laboratory (formerly ECC), 18 Ag Extension Way, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Directions & Map)
Format: Classroom course
Registration Fee: $210
Registration Closes: February 6, 2026
Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Course Overview
Are you working hard in the landscaping business but not making enough money? For 25 years Alex Burke has owned and operated Burke Environmental, a thriving landscaping business in New Jersey. In this one-day class, Alex will tell you what worked for him—and what did not work. He’ll teach you what he knows about overhead, estimating, staffing, growth, scaling, and marketing.
Learn from someone who’s been there and done it and is still doing it today.
Questions are welcome!
Who Should Attend?
Individuals who currently own or aspire to own a landscape business or are involved in the business operations of a landscape company can benefit from this training, including:
- CEOs and Company Presidents
- Field Managers
- Foremen
- Landscape Business Owners
- Landscape Designers
- Production Managers
- Project Managers
- Supervisors
Meet Your Instructor
Alex Burke, Burke Environmental
Alex is a third generation horticulturalist. When he was in high school he started his first business, Burke Lawn Services, mainly doing lawn maintenance. While still in high school, Alex became one of the youngest people ever to get his pesticide license from the State of New Jersey. After high school, Alex went on to Rutgers University, Cook College, where he received a degree in Environmental Planning and Design, with a concentration on seashore environments. After Alex graduated in 2000, he incorporated his business under a new name, Burke Environmental. Burke Environmental was founded as a landscape design, installation, maintenance company with a focus on Jersey Shore properties.
As Burke Environmental grew, so did the services it began to offer. Alex got his irrigation license and became certified in concrete pavers and retaining wall construction. In 2008, Alex began co-teaching the installation of concrete pavers course for Rutgers University. Alex now teaches several continuing education courses for Rutgers and guest lectures for the Department of Landscape Architecture. He is also a certified instructor for the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI). ICPI helps set the national standards for concrete pavers and is viewed as a nationally recognized certification. Alex is one of less than 75 ICPI instructors in all of North America.
Continuing Education Credits
There are no credits offered for the Basics of the Landscaping Business course (5.5 contact hours).
Meals
No breakfast will be provided. Lunch will be available for pre-registered attendees only.
NOTE: If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please alert us at least two (2) weeks in advance of the course start date so that we can make reasonable accommodations. We cannot guarantee accommodations for special requests made after that time.
Course Requirements and Policies
COVID-19 Policies for Face-to-Face Classes
Please visit our policies page for the latest information.
Pre-registration/Walk-Ins
Pre-registration is required. We’re sorry, but we cannot guarantee a seat, materials, or meals for walk-in registrants.
Location Changes
Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.
Campus Parking Policy
All visitors must register their vehicles ONLINE to park on campus. Please follow the guidelines below. Failure to comply with these policies may result in a citation.
- A link to register your vehicle will be provided in your course confirmation email. Please be sure to complete this important step prior to traveling to campus.
- When you park on campus, be sure that your license plate is unobstructed and visible from the driving aisle.
- All Rutgers faculty/staff/students must use their regular Rutgers permit and park in the nearest lot assigned for their permit type.
Email Requirement
A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.
- If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
- If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
- Your full name
- The shared email address that needs to be changed
- Your unique email address
- A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions
Cancellations and Substitutions
A $35 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.
Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions about Basics of the Landscaping Business, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu
Administrative Assistant: Damiana Parada
848-932-7107
damiana.parada@rutgers.edu
For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.
