March 25, 2022
5 Ways Commercial Landscape Design Can Totally Transform Your Property
Commercial landscape design is so much more than just planting some plain shrubs and grass and keeping them trimmed.
Today, visitors to your commercial property expect to be welcomed into your space by an inviting entrance, colorful plants, and interesting features.
Modern Commercial Landscape Design
When you’re coming up with a master plan for your commercial landscaping, it’s in your best interest to partner with a good landscape architect who understands current trends and can help you create an outdoor environment that actually benefits your bottom line!
That’s right. Good landscaping around your commercial property can actually make you money.
The National Association of Landscape Professionals published an article on the benefits of landscaping. In their report, they cite research from the University of Washington which point out that:
- Commercial offices with high-quality landscaping receive 7% higher rental rates.
- Retail areas with nice trees and landscaping attract shoppers that are willing to spend 9-12% more.
- Shoppers will travel farther and spend more time in retail districts that have good tree canopies and attractive landscaping.
- Employees working in office buildings with good landscaping report higher job satisfaction, lower levels of stress, and better overall health.
It has been said that your landscaping (especially your entrances) is your building’s “handshake.” It’s the first impression people make about your property…and, indirectly, you.
So make sure you’re making the most of your commercial landscaping. Here are some ideas to help.
Landscape Design Ideas for Commercial Buildings
1. First, and most importantly, you need a professional landscape. If you want your business or property to be taken seriously, it should look like it was designed and installed well.
This is not the place to do a favor for your nephew who wants to make some extra money this summer. Hire him to keep it clean, but don’t trust something this important to anyone other than a professional commercial landscape company.
Companies like ours who have been doing this for years (decades, in our case) understand how valuable your landscaping is and know how to do it right. Our landscape architects are some of the best in the business, and you’d be amazed at what they can do with what others would consider an “ordinary property.”
2. Create interesting outdoor spaces. The big trend in residential landscaping now is to blur the line between indoors and out. Homes are being built with large sliding glass walls that totally open family rooms onto covered porches and patios.
People want to experience more of nature.
There’s no reason you can’t achieve the same thing with your commercial property. Even if opening up a wall on your building isn’t possible, you can do things to combine the inside and outside.
a. Use large planters inside. If you have a large lobby or common spaces, plant trees indoors that don’t require a lot of sunlight. Install a living wall. Add a fountain or other water feature. Place interesting indoor plants throughout your building.
b. Move furniture outside. Most commercial buildings (especially offices) have common areas with seating for guests and employees. Outdoor seating can be so much more than a park bench here or there!
If space allows, why not create a large covered patio or courtyard with comfortable all-weather seating options surrounded by lots of plants? Consider adding gas fire pits for cooler days or fans for the summer. If you do, you’ll quickly find that it will be hard to find a seat!
3. Invest in flowerbeds. With so many flower and shrub options available, don’t settle for “construction grade” foundation plantings and sloppy sod work around your commercial property. Flowerbeds are a great place to create a “wow” response as people walk up to your building.
By investing in beautiful flowerbeds, you’re sending the message to your guests (or residents if your property is apartments or condos) that they are important. You’ve invested time and money into presenting them with something appealing when you didn’t have to. (And plenty of properties don’t…just take a look around.)
In the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we have so many flower and shrub options. There’s no excuse not to have incredible flowerbeds!
4. Consider xeriscaping. If you want to create a low-maintenance landscape that requires little or no irrigation, you might consider xeriscaping. It’s a landscaping style that uses drought-tolerant plant selections in place of water-hungry flowers and shrubs. Many times, grass is removed and replaced with a combination of ground covers, boulders, pavers, and gravel.
Before you pass on the idea because you imagine it’s just a bunch of cactus and rocks, think again. We have an amazing variety of colorful native Texas plants available to us. Highlighting them in your commercial landscape design could be a great idea!
5. Don’t forget your parking lots. Asphalt and concrete aren’t the only choices you have when it comes to creating places for people to drive and park on your property.
Permeable surfaces allow water to filter down into the soil reducing runoff (and possibly dangerously slick surfaces). There are several options for designing attractive parking lots using permeable asphalt, concrete, interlocking pavers, and even grass you can drive on.
Commercial Landscape Lighting Design
When the sun goes down, you don’t want your commercial property to become dark and uninviting. Well-designed commercial landscape lighting provides plenty of safety and makes your property usable after dark, but it can also set it apart by creating an inviting space that people will want to spend time in.
Street lights that illuminate your parking lot aren’t enough. Adding path lights, step lights, and low-wattage lights throughout your trees and flowerbeds can go a long way towards creating a welcoming environment. (Hang lots of string lights above those outdoor seating areas and just watch the people gather.)
Partner With a Leader in Dallas Commercial Landscape Design
Whether your commercial property is an office building, residential complex, or retail store; new construction, or an established place in need of a refresh, professional commercial landscape design will make all the difference.
When you’re ready to transform your property, let our team of experienced landscape architects help you design the perfect landscape to compliment your buildings.