Student Spotlight: Mason Hills

Nursery & Landscape Notes is introducing you to the next generation of green industry professionals by featuring current and recent college students with plans to pursue careers in the field.

Student Profile

Name: Mason Hills Hometown: Willow Spring, NC College: North Carolina State University

Graduation dates: May 8, 2022 Major/Area of Study: Horticulture Sciences

Horticulture-Related Places You Have Worked/

Interned: Landgreen Landscaping (my landscaping business)

How did you discover horticulture?

I realized my passion for horticulture during my freshman year of high school while taking an introduction to agriculture class. Along with taking every horticulture class I could fit into my schedule, I also joined Future Farmers of America and truly enjoyed learning about the industry and its history. With the skills I acquired during high school and the knowledge I gained from my grandpa, I decided to start my own company and pursue my passions.

Gearing up at the NCLC competition

What were your most valuable experiences, either in school or from other exposure to the industry, and why?

Many of my most valuable experiences took place during the process of starting and running my own landscape business. I learned the skills needed to manage a business, such as how to communicate with people effectively and manage all the paperwork involved. Attending North Carolina State University gave me valuable experiences as well, mainly in terms of access to experts in the horticulture field. While in college, I participated in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition and placed first nationally for truck and trailer operations. NC State placed third overall nationally across all events.

What were your favorite college classes, and why?

My favorite college class was landscape maintenance. We would meet with industry professionals each week and even get to visit their job sites. We had opportunities to develop and implement projects in the real world, enabling us to gain a better understanding of the process.

What are your plans after graduation?

My future plans include growing my current landscape business, both in the areas of lawn maintenance and landscape installation. Currently, the majority of my

customers are located in the FuquayVarina area, but I would like to grow my customer base to include Raleigh and Cary.

What advice would you give to a student interested in the field?

Come in with an open mind and be ready to meet new people with a great deal of knowledge to share. That includes fellow students, professors and professionals in all areas of horticulture. Not only will you learn new information, but you’ll also make great connections and hopefully develop some solid relationships along the way.

Mason at graduation with his professors from NC State Mason and his best friend, Michael McCarthy, after winning first place for Truck and Trailer Operations during the NCLC competition

Fun question: What is your favorite plant, and why?

Although I love all plants, the FlameThrower RedBud is my current favorite. The foliage colors are absolutely stunning, boasting red, green and yellow all on the same branch. In the spring, the branches turn a beautiful pink, with edible flowers that make it stand out from any other tree. I may be a little biased, since the tree it was developed here at NC State.