In the world of commercial properties, initial impressions are crucial. How your property looks speaks volumes to visitors and customers, showcasing your company’s values and culture. That’s why companies often rely on professionals like Landscape Workshop to maintain and design their landscapes for a positive first impression.

How To Budget For Commercial Landscaping Services

A well-maintained and attractive landscape can create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to enter, while a neglected one can leave a drab and unkempt impression. That’s why budgeting for commercial landscaping services is a crucial decision for property owners and managers.

Allocating Your Budget

One of the first questions that often comes to mind is how much should you allocate for landscaping in your overall budget. Experts generally recommend allocating between 25 and 35 percent of your overall budget for commercial landscaping projects. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the costs can vary significantly depending on your specific goals and the type of property you manage.

The Importance of First Impressions

Imagine yourself as a customer approaching your property. What do you see? Is your building surrounded by eye-catching plants, neatly trimmed grass, and other appealing features like ponds or shaded seating areas? Or does it appear neglected and uninviting? Your property’s landscaping is the first impression visitors have, and it can shape their perception of your company. Investing in landscaping shows that you care about your property and enhances the overall impact you make on customers.

Defining Your Landscaping Goals

Different types of commercial properties have distinct landscaping requirements. Whether you manage a shopping mall, restaurant, medical building, or any other type of property, you need to define your landscaping goals. Do you want a casual and warm atmosphere or a more regimented and uniform appearance? For example, a medical facility might aim for a clean and welcoming aesthetic, keeping accessways clear, while a restaurant could opt for lush plantings and privacy screens with trellises and vines.

Having clear landscaping goals helps you prioritize features that align with your property’s specific needs. Consulting with a professional landscaper can be invaluable in identifying these priorities and planning accordingly.

Where to Allocate Your Budget

When planning your commercial landscaping budget, it’s essential to consider various elements that can make a significant impact. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Inviting Entrance Area: Designing an inviting entrance area with healthy plantings and attractive container gardens can create a positive first impression for visitors. Clear signage and thoughtful plantings can guide visitors to the entrance.

• Seasonal Flowers: Including vibrant seasonal flowers in your plan can have a remarkable impact, providing an immediate sense of warmth and care. You can choose a natural array of colors or opt for blooms that match your brand colors to make visitors look forward to visiting your property.

• Edge Landscaping: The “drive-by” view is crucial for impressing potential customers passing by your property. Allocate a portion of your budget to establish eye-catching plantings and tidy lawns at the edges of your landscape to attract first-time visitors.

• Seasonal Cleanups: Seasonal cleanups offer excellent value by tidying up clutter, storm debris, and giving the property a fresh start. Spring and fall cleanups are often recommended.

• Mulching: If your property needs a quick refresh, laying down a new layer of mulch is a great way to instantly improve the landscape’s appearance. The bright, uniform color of fresh mulch looks both uniform and tidy.

• Shade Trees: Adding trees for shade and beauty goes a long way in improving the overall aesthetics of your property. Well-maintained islands with shrubs and grasses can also help parking lots feel inviting and direct pedestrians along designated paths.

• Design for Sustainability: Consider designing for sustainability to reduce maintenance and watering costs. Lawns, while often beautiful, can be high maintenance and expensive to water. Converting lawns to perennial plantings separated with mulch can be a more efficient and affordable alternative.

• Irrigation: It’s crucial to allocate a portion of your budget for irrigation. Consider investing in automated systems and drip irrigation for efficient watering practices, while also factoring in ongoing maintenance costs to ensure a thriving and cost-effective landscape.

Landscaping Budget Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a successful landscaping budget, there are common mistakes you should avoid:

1. Treating Landscaping as a One-time Expense: Landscaping is not a one-and-done cost. Living plants are affected by seasons and weather, requiring year-round maintenance.

2. Underestimating Timelines: Most landscaping companies are booked in advance, so plan early to secure seasonal flower rotations, cleanups, and enhancements.

3. Lack of Flexibility: Nature is unpredictable, so be adaptable and understand the limits of plants and soil. Some plants may not thrive in certain conditions.

4. Thinking of Landscaping as a One-time Project: Landscaping is an ongoing process, requiring regular maintenance such as seasonal plant replacements, mulch replenishment, and lawn care services.

Landscape Workshop Can Work Within Your Budget

Budgeting for commercial landscaping services is a crucial step in maintaining and enhancing your property’s appeal. By carefully allocating your budget, defining your landscaping goals, and avoiding common budgeting mistakes, you can create a welcoming and well-maintained environment that leaves a positive impression on visitors and customers. Consulting with experienced landscapers like Landscape Workshop can help you develop a customized plan and budget breakdown to achieve your landscaping goals. Invest in your property’s landscaping to show that you care about your space and make a lasting impression on all who visit. Contact us today to get an estimate.