Commercial landscape design is a specialized field that involves planning and creating landscapes for businesses and their properties. It can include everything from creating attractive entranceways and designing functional outdoor spaces to installing irrigation systems and choosing plants that will thrive in the designated environment. If you’re considering hiring a professional for your business’ landscaping needs, here’s what you need to know about commercial landscape design. For more information, visit Arellano Landscaping St. Charles IL | Residential & Commercial.
Whereas residential landscaping typically aims to create attractive, functional spaces for individual homeowners, commercial landscaping must consider the needs and preferences of various users and the practical considerations of managing a large space. Commercial landscape designers must understand horticulture and plant physiology, facility management, business law, and marketing.
Commercial Landscaping: What It Entails
Now that we’ve answered the question “what is commercial landscape design?” let us explore what it involves in more depth.
Improving the architectural angles and lines of a property – By using plants, hardscaping, and other elements, commercial landscape designers can create or enhance the angles and lines of a building to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
Creating a natural feel by using artificial water bodies – A landscape designer can give a commercial space a more natural feel by incorporating water features such as ponds, fountains, or waterfalls.
Integrating your values into your design – By applying creative design solutions, commercial landscape designers can help you communicate your company’s values to customers, employees, and other stakeholders.
For instance, if sustainability is essential to your business, you can incorporate drought-tolerant plants or solar-powered lighting into your landscape design.
The Landscape Design
Once you contract a commercial landscape designer, they will get to know your business and what you’re looking for in a landscape design. This will usually involve an initial consultation, during which the designer will ask you questions about your company’s values, goals, and budget.
The landscape designer will also survey the property and assess the existing landscape, considering the climate, soil type, and other environmental factors.
With this information, they can create a concept plan for your approval. This plan will include an overview of the proposed design, a budget estimate, and a timeline for implementation.
Here are some of the features that a designer can incorporate into a commercial landscape design:
Plantings
Plants are a crucial element in any landscape, and commercial landscape designers will carefully select species that are well-suited to the local climate and soil type. They will also consider the amount of sunlight and water available, as well as the needs of the specific business.
For example, a childcare center might need low-maintenance plants that are non-toxic and not harmful if ingested, while a hotel might want ornamental plants that will add to the overall aesthetic of the property.
Hardscaping
Hardscaping uses non-plant materials such as stone, brick, concrete, and wood in landscape design. By creatively applying hardscaping materials, commercial landscape designers can add visual interest and functionality to a space.
For instance, concrete pavers can be used to create meandering pathways, while boulders can be used to create an informal seating area. Other hardscaping features you can incorporate into a design include retaining walls, planters, and water features.
Lighting
To enhance the safety and security of commercial space, landscape designers will often incorporate lighting into their designs. Lighting can help to create the desired atmosphere or highlight certain landscape features.
For example, you can use solar-powered LED lights to light up a pathway while using uplighting to highlight the architectural features of a building.
Irrigation
An irrigation system is a must-have for any commercial landscape, as it will ensure that the plants are adequately watered. Landscape designers will select an appropriate irrigation system for the property’s size and the plant type.
They will also consider the local climate and water restrictions when designing the system.
Landscaping Benefits The Environment
A well-designed landscape can provide many environmental benefits, such as reducing noise pollution, controlling stormwater runoff, and providing habitat for wildlife.
In addition, water conservation is an essential consideration in any landscape design. By using drought-tolerant plants and hardscaping, businesses can save water and money.
Commercial landscape design is a specialized field that considers the needs of businesses and their customers. Working with a professional landscape designer can create an attractive, functional outdoor space that reflects your company’s values. In addition, a well-designed landscape can provide many environmental benefits, such as reducing noise pollution, controlling stormwater runoff, and providing habitat for wildlife.