What Are the Most Common Commercial Landscape Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid?
Landscaping is one of the most visible and underappreciated aspects of managing commercial property.
Lack of planning, poor landscape maintenance or hiring the wrong landscape company can be costly. The fact is, many of the tried-and-true mistakes made by commercial landscaping customers automatically cost their businesses thousands of dollars wasted on their bottom line every year.
Here at R & S Landscaping, Inc we see it all. The following are the most common (and costly) commercial landscaping mistakes — and how to avoid them.
Neglecting Preventive Maintenance
Neglecting smaller problems — such as little irrigation leaks, two tall trees or a drainage issue that’s not bad enough to warrant addressing — is small potatoes, right?
But such matters can go from bad to worse in a hurry, needing expensive repairs or damaging property, or even threatening safety.
Pro strategy: Pay for year-round commercial landscape maintenance to stay ahead of problems and save money in the long run.
Poor Irrigation Practices
Being overwatered, underwatered or relying on old irrigation systems kills water and money. It can also result in unhealthy plants, soil erosion and increased utility bills if an irrigation system is not tuned properly.
- Pro Strategy: Stick the landing by investing in a smart irrigation system that adapts to weather, soil moisture and your plants’ needs.
- Commercial Landscaping Mistakes: Bad Irrigation If the irrigation for a commercial garden, flower beds, or lawn is faulty it can be extremely costly to replace what the summer sun has scorched.
Choosing the Wrong Plants
Incorrect plants for environment (geographically, sun exposure & soil) can result in expensive replacement and maintenance. Inability of exotic species to flourish and periodic replacement of flowers are also undesirable.
Pro strategy: Partner with a commercial landscaping company that chooses drought-tolerant, low-fuss, time-tested plants.
Lack of a Seasonal Plan
Commercial buildings that do not switch up landscaping for seasons usually must contend with dead turf in summer, unsafe walkways in winter and an underwhelming corporate image all year.
Pro strategy: Develop a seasonal landscape maintenance program that encompasses snow removal, spring cleanups, fall leaf management and summer enhancements.
Ignoring Drainage Issues
Poor drainage can cause standing water, plant death, pests and property damage. It’s one of the most neglected, and costly, commercial landscape mistakes.
Pro strategy: Spend the money for a professional drainage assessment to know and address problem spots before water ruins your landscape — or your property.
Landscaping Blunders Not addressing Drainage Problems
Focusing Only on Aesthetics
Curb appeal is important, but landscaping needs to work with function, safety, and maintenance considerations. Failure to address these factors can result in liabilities or increased costs at a later date.
Pro move: Approach landscape design holistically, so that beauty, safety and function are all in balance.
Hiring the Wrong Landscaping Company
Selecting a company only with their rates could be an unwise decision, since it might give you below average service, inadequate communication and wastage of money. In the end, shortchanging customers can result in even higher costs.
Pro strategy: Align with an experienced commercial landscaping partner that consistently demonstrates reliability, safety and proactive service.
Protect Your Investment
By being aware of these normal commercial landscape mistakes you can protect the value of your property, minimize liability and lower long-run operating costs.
At R & S Landscaping, Inc., we assist customers in Albuquerque and the surrounding Albuquerque metro-area to prevent unnecessary mistakes with their outdoor spaces by keeping your property properly managed through our professional commercial landscape maintenance services. Want to see how we can help?
Call R & S Landscaping today at 505-271-8419 for a free consultation.