Landscape maintenance can often be a low priority when running a business. If you lease a space, you are fortunate in that it becomes the property owner’s responsibility, not yours. But what if you are the owner of the building? What are your responsibilities then?
Landscaping is a necessary maintenance expense that encompasses more than just pretty flowers. For example, storm water drainage is a safety issue, not an aesthetic one. But do not dismiss aesthetics as frivolous. They are important too.
Let’s look at 5 areas where we see the most common errors in commercial landscaping:
Disregarding the Importance of Your Entrance
This is a very common mistake, especially with industrial space. First impressions matter. When your visitors arrive or simply drive by, if the area around your building doesn’t look cared for, the natural progression of thought is that the interior, and the business itself is shoddy too (or potentially in financial trouble). It’s the same in personal real estate: if someone’s yard is messy and not cared for, you assume that work ethic extends to how they care for the rest of the house, or that they are unable to afford to keep up the property. Make use of a professionally landscaped front entrance and show your guests that your successful company values what it does, appreciates its visitors, and delivers quality at all turns.
Neglecting Safety and Environmental Needs
Do not forget about the background maintenance. This part is less glamorous and eye- catching than the beautiful flowers by the front door, but is of even more importance, because it involves safety and security and potential impact to the environment. For example, storm water drainage. If you don’t direct the storm water where you want it, it may end up in your building or your parking lot. What about lighting? Safety after dark is crucial for your employees and visitors, as well as for keeping intruders out. This simple commercial landscaping tip can be the difference maker between you and your competition.
Ignoring Employee Amenities
One of the secrets of a successful business is employee satisfaction. Providing a comfortable spot outside to eat, take a walk, do some work, meet a client, make a phone call or just take a break goes a long way toward that. A patio with seating and some shade is a great start. Add some beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees to contribute to the overall atmosphere of the property as well as this particular area, and your employees are sure to thank you.
Neglecting Irrigation
It is foolish to forego an irrigation system. Rain doesn’t always show up when we want, and without water, grass and plants die. You and your employees have far more productive things to do than manually water your property, so an irrigation system is a wise investment for the maintenance of your landscape and health of your plants. For an irrigation system to operate proficiently, periodic maintenance is a necessity. Otherwise, leaks can go undetected, resulting in large amounts of money being spent on wasted water as well as possible damage to your system, your plants, and/or your building. Even if you’re paying for expensive commercial landscaping services, if you don’t have an irrigation system, you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature.
Never Changing the Landscape
People get bored looking at the same old thing. Inexpensive annuals help create seasonal variety in the landscape at a relatively small cost. Choosing perennials that blossom at different times and making use of attractive containers in your landscape will also keep the scene visually interesting.
Failing to recognize and address important landscape components for your place of business can be costly. Commercial landscaping errors on your property can cost revenue, reputation and retention of employees. That’s why professional landscape management and certified landscape lighting companies can be extremely valuable. Their expertise means you don’t have to try to manage something that is out of your wheelhouse, saving you time and potentially money, because doing it wrong can be expensive.
Still not convinced? Read this short blog about the Advantages of Commercial Landscaping.
Located in Summerfield, NC Southern Exposure Landscape Management specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of residential and commercial projects throughout the Greensboro Triad Area (High Point, Jamestown, Burlington, Reidsville, Oak Ridge, Brown Summit, Summerfield). We are the premier Greensboro mulch installer. With over 20 years in business, Southern Exposure has the experience and knowledge to create beautiful garden features and flower beds in the landscape. Southern Exposure is the leading landscape management firm in Greensboro, NC. With attention to detail and a solid knowledge of design, Southern Lights, (a division of Southern Exposure) has installed hundreds of outdoor landscape lighting systems and carries more certifications than anyone in the state of NC and beyond. See why our clients choose us. Contact us today by web (online form) or phone (336.451.4969)
