Here are six trends that will impact landscape planning, design and maintenance within the next few years.
- Experiential landscape design. – Today’s landscapes are intentionally installed for living, working and playing and bring together form and function for a quality outdoor experience. Office landscapes continue to be built more frequently to include walking and bicycle paths, dining areas or gardens to enhance employees experience. Integrating with nature is an important solace for some employees and can lead to better well-being and performance at work.
- Weather resistant landscaping – Unpredictable weather patterns call for landscape enhancements that withstand extreme conditions and allow spaces to be enjoyed on unseasonably cool or warm days, withstand wind and are flood and drought proof. Tall order! More landscapes are planned with the unexpected in mind, such as pergolas with retractable canopies that can protect outdoor areas in wind, rain and snow. Outdoor heaters can provide outdoor seating on chillier days. Hardier materials in planting will handle drastic temperature fluctuations.
- Water conservation and xeric designs – Sustainability in landscaping comes down to the conservation of materials and inputs and none is more basic than water management. The integration of water conservation is taking off including the use of native plants and trees for planting which typically use less water. More sensitive timing devices for irrigation are also required.
- Enhanced equipment and technology – The latest tools on the market consider ease of use and storage while incorporating more eco-friendly innovations. Late model mowers feature low or even no-emissions, are battery-powered, and are quieter. Lawn and garden tools are also designed for easier storage in smaller spaces. Battery powered hand-tools are sweeping through the equipment shops of the leading commercial landscapers. These reduce noise, which is a huge selling benefit at retirement communities. Commercial landscape professionals are also integrating media technologies such as mobile apps, drones for right-of-way scouting and 3D modeling for more efficient bidding and resource scheduling. Here is our tool for calculating tree trimming costs.
- Low maintenance installations – Installations that combine the power of a new look with a lower cost of maintenance over time, are sure to hit the sweet spot for campus managers. That includes synthetic lawn areas, xeric designs to save water and planting native plants which take less inputs to thrive. Also using more brick and hardscapes, mulching and perennials.
- Organic designs – Commercial clients are starting to want a more asymmetrical and organic looking feel for the grounds. Landscape managers like the casual and more approachable feel with an organic design that closely follows the patterns of natural growth in a forest or meadow. This creates a need more for smarter irrigation systems and while the perception of this design is that it’s lower in monthly maintenance costs, that is not always the case.
So there are six big trends in commercial landscaping designs. If you need need a quote, text or call our commercial services team at 720-840-0291.
You also might like this article about our initial landscape audit which can include a drone based aerial inspection for a broader and more holistic view.
Sources
Seven Green Industry Trends for 2019 by Jill Odom. January 1, 2019 – Total Landscape Care
Five Commercial Landscaping Trends February 2, 2018 Facility Landscape