10 Commercial Landscape Design and Enhancement Ideas

Assess Your Current Landscape

Before embarking on a new landscaping endeavor, it’s essential to evaluate the existing landscape features of your commercial property. Take the time to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing landscape design, recognizing both its strengths and weaknesses. Seeking guidance from a landscape expert is advisable, as certain areas may require more attention than simply introducing a new landscaping feature. For instance, if your irrigation system is inefficiently functioning, it could result in substantial water wastage and repair expenses. Prioritizing investment in a new smart irrigation system may prove to be a wiser allocation of resources compared to enhancing curb appeal with new landscaping features.

In the event that all elements of your current landscape are functioning optimally, consider conducting surveys or gathering feedback from stakeholders to pinpoint areas for potential improvement. Consulting with a landscaping experienced in catering to commercial clients can also yield significant benefits. These professionals typically bring fresh ideas and insights you may not have previously considered. Additionally, they have access to tools like 3D landscape design that will help you visualize your new landscape enhancement project.

Enhancements for Curb Appeal in Traverse City, MI

Enhancing curb appeal is frequently cited as the main motivation for landscaping improvements at commercial properties. It’s a logical choice, considering that an impressive landscape can effectively distinguish your business. Remember, boosting curb appeal doesn’t always mean a large-scale landscaping overhaul. Explore the following ideas to draw attention to your business:

• Create a more welcoming entrance: Before installing any new landscaping, ensure that the entrance to your business is clearly defined and easily accessible. This may mean trimming back trees or removing overgrown shrubs. Try incorporating elements such as colorful seasonal plantings or a vibrant flower bed to add visual interest near your signage. Shrubs that can be easily trimmed are a great choice near signage or roadways as well. For the pathway where guests will enter your business, consider lining the area with decorative planters or annual flowers. Near the entrance itself, try adding tall or visually striking plants or trees that can help frame the entrance itself and draw attention from a distance.
• Add landscape lighting: Landscape lighting can be added in a variety of locations to help enhance curb appeal. Consider installing low-profile pathway lights or uplighting to illuminate key features and guide visitors to the entrance. Adding lighting to signage or elements near your entrance or sign can help add interest as visitors pass by as well.
• Incorporate seasonal plantings: If your landscape already has established beds or trees, seasonal annual flowers can be a great and economical way to enhance your landscape in our busy summer months. New landscape beds for annual flowers can be created at key areas like entrances, signage, or walkways. Annual flowers can also be added to container gardens that match your brand’s colors or include its logo.
• Enhance your landscape with hardscape features: Looking to elevate the professionalism of your business landscape to include hardscape features like paver walkways, paver entrances, or retaining walls near your signage that include raised landscape beds with plantings. Hardscape can bring a new level of sophistication to your property and help it stand out for all the right reasons.

Functional Enhancements for Commercial Properties

Landscape enhancements can also bring function to your commercial property. Making your outdoor space more usable can benefit both employees and clients. Try some of these functional enhancement ideas:

• Add outdoor seating: Would visitors stay at your property longer if you had an outdoor seating area? Do your employees love being outdoors in our beautiful summers? Would having an outdoor work area increase productivity? Outdoor seating doesn’t just have to be available at restaurants. A simple patio with plantings can create a cozy outdoor space for employees or clients to enjoy, a functional space for meetings or consultations to be held, or used as an overflow space to help house additional visitors.
• Incorporate green spaces: Our short Northern Michigan summer season means we all love to spend time outdoors when Spring breaks into summer. The addition of a green space that includes benches or unique and beautiful landscaping elements can draw visitors to your place of business. A unique space can make your company the talk of the town and a place to stop by or drive by just because of how beautiful it is. A green space also is a beautiful backdrop for photos to be taken in front of, which can increase your brand’s visibility naturally.
• Consider sustainable landscaping solutions: Show your employees and clients your core values and identity by including sustainable landscaping solutions. Native plants reduce the need for excessive water, permeable pavers allow rainfall to easily infiltrate the ground, rain gardens help absorb and filter rainwater runoff, green roofs reduce energy consumption and improve insulation, rainwater harvesting systems collect rainwater for irrigation purposes, and smart irrigation systems minimize water waste. Maybe even give a robotic lawn mower a try.
• Add a calming water feature or stunning pergola: If you already have a patio or outdoor seating area, increase its usability by adding a relaxing water feature or pergola that protects against the hot summer sun. These features make the space more beautiful and encourage employees and guests alike to get outside and enjoy your outdoor space.
• Use thoughtful elements for small spaces: Stuck with a small outdoor area? Use every bit of space thoughtfully. Make elements like seating multi-functional by adding built-in storage underneath or planters with beautiful flowers attached at the ends.

Consider Maintenance Necessary

When meeting with your landscape contractor, be sure to discuss the level of maintenance your new landscape features will require. Try mentioning these questions or topics to your landscape designer before you make the final decision:

• What are some low-maintenance planting options that are native or drought tolerant you would suggest? These require less water, fertilization, and general maintenance to thrive.
• Will I need to install additional irrigation zones? If your irrigation system is outdated or is your project installation is large you may need extra zones or sprinkler heads so that your new plantings can perform well.
• What type of upkeep or adjustments will I need to make throughout the season to keep up with my landscape? Think about plantings that may need pruning or cutbacks for example.
• Do you perform landscape maintenance services? It is wise to partner with your landscape installation team to also perform the maintenance at your property. They know the details of your property well.

Selecting Commercial Landscaping Services in Grand Traverse and Leelanau County, MI

As you embark on your landscaping journey, remember that selecting the right commercial landscape provider is crucial. Partnering with a company experienced in working with commercial clients ensures that you receive professional guidance tailored to your property’s unique needs. Look for providers who offer comprehensive services, from initial assessments and creative design solutions to sustainable practices and maintenance plans.

In Grand Traverse and Leelanau County, MI, selecting a knowledgeable and reliable landscape partner is the key to transforming your property. Take the time to research, seek recommendations, and ensure the landscape provider you choose aligns with your vision and values. With the right team by your side, you can create a stunning, functional, and sustainable landscape that sets your business apart.

Ready to enhance your commercial landscape in Grand Traverse or Leelanau County, MI? Check out some of the commercial properties we service and fill out our contact form today to meet with an account manager!