- Commercial landscaping enhances a business’s image, attracts customers, and requires careful planning and design.
- Designing commercial landscapes involves prioritizing visibility, sustainability, safety, and employee comfort.
- Collaborating with landscape architects, asphalt contractors, and lighting designers is pivotal for a well-executed plan.
- Incorporating brand colors, signage, company values, and logos in landscaping can powerfully showcase business brand.
The exterior of a business establishment often serves as the first point of interaction with potential clients, making it a crucial component of a company’s branding strategy. A well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing exterior can enhance a company’s image, convey professionalism, and instill confidence in its services or products. In fact, according to a study conducted by the University of Southern California, nearly 70% of consumers perceive the exterior of a business as a reflection of its management.
Furthermore, research by the Institution of Civil Engineers indicated that businesses with appealing exteriors attracted 40% more foot traffic than those without. Clearly, investing in a presentable exterior is not just about aesthetic appeal but also a strategic move to drive business growth.’
However, building and maintaining a commercial landscape requires a different approach than residential properties. Here are some things that businesses should keep in mind when building their commercial landscaping:
Know the Purpose
When planning your commercial landscape, it’s critical to first understand its primary purpose. This could range from enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your exterior, creating a relaxing space for employees, demonstrating environmental responsibility, or improving visibility from the road. The purpose will guide the design and choice of elements in your landscape.
Consider Visibility
The landscape should enhance the visibility of your business. This involves carefully selecting and placing trees, shrubs, and other elements so as not to obstruct the view of your signage from the road. Utilizing lighting can also increase visibility and create a safe environment during nighttime hours.
Focus on Sustainability
A sustainable landscape design is environmentally friendly and can reduce maintenance costs in the long run. Consider integrating native plants adapted to local climate conditions requiring less water and care. Also, think about sustainability in terms of irrigation systems and renewable materials.
Prioritize Safety
Any commercial landscape should prioritize safety for both employees and visitors. This can be achieved by ensuring transparent and well-lit pathways, minimizing potential trip hazards, and using non-toxic plants.
Create a Comfortable Space
Finally, your landscape can become a space where employees relax and rejuvenate. Consider incorporating seating areas, shade structures, and perhaps even a water feature to create a serene and inviting outdoor space.
Designing the Area
Designing the area for a commercial landscape is a critical step that sets the stage for all the elements. A well-designed site optimizes the space, dictates the flow and movement within the premises, and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal. It’s not just about planting trees and setting benches; it’s about creating a harmonious blend of all components, including walkways, parking lots, and outdoor lighting. And to execute this effectively, you might need a team of professionals.
An experienced landscape architect should be your first point of contact. These professionals specialize in creating functional, attractive designs that align with your business goals. They consider soil type, climate, and local regulations and can help you design an environmentally-friendly landscape.
In addition, a reliable asphalt contractor is indispensable for designing and constructing durable parking lots and pathways. These professionals ensure proper installation, drainage, and maintenance of asphalt surfaces, significantly enhancing their lifespan and performance.
Lastly, consider hiring a lighting designer. These professionals can set the mood of your outdoor space, enhance visibility, and promote safety during the night. They know the perfect balance of accent, task, and ambient lighting to make your premises inviting and secure.
Incorporating Branding
Incorporating branding into exterior landscaping is pivotal for businesses desiring a coherent and powerful public image. Your business landscaping can physically manifest your brand, transforming your outdoor space into a dynamic billboard that reflects your company’s values, personality, and vision.
Use Brand Colors
Integrating brand colors into your exterior landscape can create a strong visual connection between your physical location and brand. This could be achieved through flowering plants, painted features, or colored lighting that matches your brand palette.
Install Custom Signage
Custom signage is another effective way of promoting your brand. High-quality, well-designed signs can catch the eye, provide information, and reinforce your brand image. They can also serve as landmarks, making your business easier to locate.
Showcase Company Values
For a company primarily committed to sustainability, using native plants or installing solar-powered lights can be a way of showcasing these values. Similarly, a business focusing on wellness could incorporate a small outdoor fitness area or meditation garden into its commercial landscape.
Include Logo or Mascot
Including a representation of your logo or mascot in the landscape design can also be an effective branding strategy. This could be as simple as a statue or topiary or as complex as a water feature or pattern in a flower bed.
By incorporating branding into your exterior landscaping, you create a distinct, memorable image for your business and deliver a consistent brand message to your customers and employees. This alignment of your physical environment with your brand can elevate your company’s visibility and reputation, ultimately contributing to business growth.
Final Thoughts
Commercial landscaping can be a powerful tool for businesses to enhance their image, attract customers, and promote their brand. However, achieving the desired results requires careful planning, purposeful design, and professional collaboration. By prioritizing purpose, sustainability, safety, and branding, businesses can create a visually appealing and functional outdoor space that aligns with their goals and values.
