Commercial landscaping can positively affect the property value of your building.
It is more than an aesthetic venture, as it increases buyers’ appeal and makes the environment pleasant for building occupants.
There are different styles of commercial landscaping designs, each with their benefits and unique aesthetic benefits.
To reap the rewards of commercial landscaping, you must understand the key elements that drive the long-term boost it gives your property value.
In this guide, we will discuss these elements and how they affect your property. Here is what you need to know.
Design Planning and Analysis
The first important element of commercial landscaping that improves property value is planning.
Proper site analysis and planning should be done to ensure that the landscaping suits the needs of the property while providing aesthetic improvements.
This process involves evaluating drainage, soil quality, climate, and vegetation to understand the possibilities and limitations of landscaping options.
Goals and preferences should be discussed with stakeholders to align the landscaping function and aesthetic with the property.
Sketch initial design layouts and pick potential plants that align with your landscaping vision.
Hardscaping
Your hardscape is the structural elements that form around your landscape.
In a commercial setting, these will inform how parking, outdoor seating, and other external activities are coordinated.
Pathways, patios, retaining walls, and seating areas are core elements of your hardscaping, and when done right, will influence the value of your property.
These features provide the framework and functionality that define the spaces for parking, social interaction, and walking.
High-quality and durable materials should be used during construction to reduce maintenance costs, ensure safety, and increase the longevity of your hardscape.
Your hardscape design should also consider accessibility and drainage to mitigate long-term problems.
Softscaping
Softscaping deals with the trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants that will be used in your landscape.
It is important that you pick plants that can last all year and do not need much attention.
This is important for environmental sustainability and reduces the amount spent on maintenance.
Choose complementary plants with similar care needs for your landscape as this ensures uniform treatment and makes them easier to manage.
This improves the growth and simplifies maintenance which ensures that they are healthy and vibrant.
You can add occasional seasonal plants to improve colour and enhance curb appeal all year round.
Drainage and Irrigation
The right irrigation system can help to manage water resources and keep your plants nourished all year round.
Drop irrigation systems are efficient because they conserve water and harvest rain water to keep your plants healthy.
Drainage is also another important aspect of commercial landscape that you should consider during planning.
It prevents water logging and erosion of the soil while preventing damage to plants and hardscape structures.
Your irrigation and drainage systems should be intertwined to ensure that they benefit from each other.
Well-designed systems reduce operational costs and increase plant longevity.
Commercial Lighting
Lighting is important for commercial landscaping, as it enhances the aesthetics while providing functional security.
The addition of lights solves two problems while saving costs.
Lighting should be placed strategically to highlight architecture and water features while creating an inviting nighttime ambience.
Lighting improves visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and security personnel.
This reduces accidents and allows security teams to efficiently patrol the property.
The beautification of the outdoor space at night improves curb appeal and contributes to the value increase of your commercial property.
Energy-efficient LED lighting is preferred as it ensures that your energy bills remain low and it is great for sustainability.
Functional Outdoor Areas
Outdoor areas increase the usability of your landscape which makes your property more valuable.
Benches, picnic tables, and other sheltered areas should be added to your landscaping.
These spaces add functionality and encourage employee breaks, community gatherings, events, and improve occupant retention.
They should be included during the planning phase and should take traffic flows into consideration and be in line with the overall design.
The spaces should complement your landscaping idea and should blend seamlessly with your hardscaping and plant choices.
Planning and Maintenance
Designing and implementing your commercial landscape is one half of the equation while maintenance is the other half.
Proper maintenance is important to preserve the health of your landscape.
The appearance of your plants, cleanliness of pathways, and sparkle of statues are all determined by the level of maintenance.
A detailed maintenance plan should be created and it should include seasonal care, fertilization, pruning, hardscape cleaning, and irrigation system checks.
This plan will help with efficient maintenance and should be followed strictly to get the best results.
Following a strict maintenance schedule will prolong the life of your landscape, prevent expensive repairs, and sustain curb appeal.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety
Regulatory compliance is one of the most key elements of commercial landscaping.
Commercial property must adhere to zoning laws, environmental regulations, and safety standards to prevent problems with regulatory authorities.
This protects you from penalties and ensures the safety of property occupants.
You should work with your landscape designer to ensure these requirements are adequately followed to keep your building complaint.
These integrations are best done at the design phase to ensure that you receive prompt approval for your landscaping permit.
Poor commercial landscaping will have to be redone, which will lead to more expenses further down the road. Without the right regulatory standards, the commercial value of your property could be negatively affected.
Endnotes
Commercial property values are affected by the environment which is why building owners should care about landscaping.
Choose an experienced commercial landscape designer to plan out your designs.
Ensure that all the relevant permits are acquired and your designs meet local laws and regulations.
Hardscaping is also an important part of your commercial landscape.
Ensure that you have outdoor spaces that allow your building occupants to enjoy the use of your landscape, park, and socialise.
Finally, ensure that your plans fit within your budget.
