The old adage that first impressions matter is certainly true for the commercial real estate industry. From attracting prospective tenants to creating a welcoming environment for customers, the exterior presentation of a property plays a crucial role in its success. One strategy that savvy property managers are increasingly embracing is the incorporation of seasonal landscaping color change. Not only does this practice enhance the aesthetic appeal of commercial properties, but it also offers a host of strategic benefits.

As property owners, managers and their landscapers prepare for the seasons ahead, it is a good time to consider the advantages of seasonal landscaping color change for their properties and how these owners and managers can partner with their landscaper to plan for a landscaping contract that includes this dynamic feature.

Enhanced Curb Appeal and Differentiation

Seasonal landscaping color change significantly enhances the curb appeal of commercial properties, making them stand out in a competitive market. Vibrant blooms in spring, lush greens in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and elegant evergreens in winter create an ever-evolving visual spectacle that captivates passersby and leaves a lasting impression.

In spring, properties can opt for a palette of vibrant hues, with flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths injecting bursts of color into the landscape. Cherry blossoms, crabapple trees, and azaleas further enhance the springtime spectacle with their delicate pink and magenta blooms. These vibrant colors evoke a sense of renewal and vitality, signaling the arrival of warmer weather and drawing attention to the property.

As summer approaches, commercial properties can transition to a lush green backdrop punctuated by bold splashes of color. Flowering perennials like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and daylilies add vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and purple to the landscape, while annuals such as petunias, marigolds, and zinnias provide continuous blooms throughout the season. Tall grasses and ornamental foliage plants offer texture and interest, creating a dynamic and inviting outdoor environment for tenants and visitors alike. These vibrant summer colors evoke a sense of energy and abundance, enhancing the property’s appeal during the peak leasing and retail seasons.

In autumn, commercial properties can embrace the rich and warm tones of the season, with foliage transitioning from vibrant greens to shades of red, orange, and gold. Trees such as maples, oaks, and sweet gums set the landscape ablaze with their fiery foliage, while shrubs like burning bush and viburnum add accents of crimson and burgundy. Ornamental grasses and late-blooming perennials contribute to the autumnal display, their golden hues echoing the colors of falling leaves. These rich and vibrant autumn colors create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, drawing people outdoors to enjoy the crisp air and natural beauty of the season.

Year-Round Tenant Satisfaction and Property Value

Well-planned seasonal landscaping goes beyond mere aesthetic appeal; it fosters a sense of belonging and pride among tenants, ultimately contributing to higher satisfaction and retention rates. When tenants are greeted by a dynamic landscape that evolves with the seasons, it creates an atmosphere of freshness and vitality that enhances their overall experience of the property. The changing colors and textures of seasonal plants offer a tangible reminder of the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life, instilling a sense of connection to the natural world and the community within the property.

Furthermore, seasonal landscaping can serve as a focal point for social interaction and community engagement. Whether it’s a communal garden space, a flower-lined pathway, or a shaded seating area, these outdoor amenities provide tenants with opportunities to connect with one another and foster a sense of camaraderie. Shared experiences such as gardening workshops, seasonal festivals, or outdoor yoga classes can strengthen bonds among tenants and create a vibrant and inclusive community within the property.

In addition to fostering tenant satisfaction and community cohesion, well-maintained seasonal landscaping can also have a positive impact on the financial performance of the property. Properties with attractive and meticulously maintained landscapes often command higher rental rates and property values, as tenants are willing to pay a premium for the enhanced quality of life and aesthetic appeal. Moreover, a well-landscaped property creates a positive first impression for potential tenants and investors, increasing its desirability and marketability in a competitive real estate landscape.

Promotion of Wellness and Productivity

Access to green spaces and natural elements within the workplace environment is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in promoting employee well-being and productivity. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact that exposure to nature can have on mental health, stress reduction, and overall job satisfaction. By incorporating seasonal landscaping into commercial real estate properties, employers can create inviting outdoor environments that offer employees a respite from the confines of the office and encourage connection with the natural world.

Seasonal landscaping not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of commercial properties but also provides employees with opportunities for relaxation, rejuvenation, and social interaction during breaks and lunch hours. Whether it’s a serene garden retreat, a shaded seating area surrounded by native plants, or a meandering pathway lined with seasonal blooms, these outdoor spaces offer employees a chance to recharge their batteries, clear their minds, and return to work feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Moreover, the presence of green spaces and natural elements in the workplace has been linked to improved cognitive function and creativity. Exposure to natural light and greenery can boost mood and concentration levels, leading to greater focus and productivity among employees. In fact, research has shown that workers in environments with views of nature or access to outdoor spaces report higher levels of job satisfaction and lower rates of absenteeism and turnover.

By prioritizing the integration of seasonal landscaping into commercial real estate properties, employers demonstrate their commitment to creating healthy and supportive work environments that prioritize employee well-being. These outdoor spaces not only serve as a valuable amenity for current employees but also contribute to attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive job market. Ultimately, investing in the development of green spaces within the workplace is not just a sound business decision—it’s a testament to the value placed on the health, happiness, and productivity of the workforce.

Cost-Effective Sustainability and Community Engagement:

By partnering with their landscaper to plan for seasonal color change, property managers can adopt sustainable landscaping practices that reduce water consumption and maintenance costs. Native and adaptive plant species that change with the seasons not only require less upkeep but also support local ecosystems and biodiversity. Furthermore, seasonal landscaping initiatives can be leveraged to engage with the surrounding community through events, workshops, and educational programs, strengthening the property’s ties to its neighborhood.
While different climate zones in the United States may necessitate different options for commercial real estate properties across the contiguous lower 48 states, here are some initial options that properties might consider that can be applicable for many of the different climate zones. Partnering with your landscaper to identify which options are best for your climate zone is always a best practice.

Strategic Collaboration with Landscapers:

Property managers can maximize the benefits of seasonal landscaping color change by collaborating closely with their landscaper service partner. This partnership should begin with a comprehensive assessment of the property’s landscape and a discussion of the desired aesthetic, budget, and sustainability goals. Together, the property manager and landscaper can develop a customized landscaping plan that incorporates seasonal color change, selecting plant species and design elements that will thrive throughout the year. Regular communication and feedback ensure that the landscaping contract remains flexible and responsive to evolving needs and seasonal changes.

Spring

• Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): This small tree or shrub produces delicate white flowers in early spring, followed by edible berries loved by wildlife.
• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Also known as bee balm, wild bergamot blooms with lavender-pink flowers in late spring and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): With its distinctive red and yellow flowers, red columbine blooms in spring and thrives in a variety of conditions, from sunny meadows to shaded woodlands.

Summer

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): This hardy perennial features bright yellow flowers with dark centers and blooms throughout the summer, attracting pollinators and adding a pop of color to the landscape.
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A favorite of butterflies and bees, purple coneflower produces bold pink or purple daisy-like flowers from mid-summer into fall and thrives in a wide range of soil types.
• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): This native grass adds texture and interest to the landscape with its blue-green foliage that turns striking shades of red, orange, and bronze in the fall.

Autumn

• New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): This late-blooming perennial boasts masses of purple or pink flowers that provide essential late-season nectar for pollinators and add a burst of color to the fall landscape.
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): With its upright habit and attractive seed heads, switchgrass turns striking shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall, providing food and shelter for wildlife.
• Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.): This tall, robust perennial produces large clusters of pink or purplish flowers in late summer and early fall, attracting butterflies and other pollinators to the landscape.

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