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College & University Landscaping Best Practices

The visual appeal, functionality, and overall atmosphere of college and university campuses go far beyond pleasing aesthetics — they drive better learning outcomes, enhance well-being for students and faculty, and help attract and retain students. Thoughtful, well-designed landscaping and hardscaping help educational institutions influence all these aspects, which means that investing in outdoor spaces on campus can lead to real financial returns and a better future for all stakeholders involved.

At Elevate Outdoor, we understand the unique needs of educational institutions and provide tailored landscaping solutions that deliver value, increase brand appeal, and enhance the overall experience. In this article, we will explore the best practices for college and university landscaping, focusing on sustainable designs, the benefits of native plants, and the financial and business returns of strategic landscaping.

The Role of Campus Landscape Design

Inviting Outdoor Spaces

Smart outdoor design encourages student interaction, physical activity and outdoor studying on campus. Seating arrangements such as hardscaped wall seating, shade-providing trees, and green spaces draw students and faculty outdoors — whether for a game of frisbee on the quadrangle or an hour of quiet reading in a favorite shady spot. By creating spaces that invite use, campuses can enhance social cohesion and provide a pleasant atmosphere conducive to academic success.

Accessibility and ADA Compliance On Campus

Campus environments should be inclusive and accessible, and both public and private institutions are subject to ADA regulations. ADA-compliant design integrates features that accommodate individuals with disabilities: ramps, curb cuts, wide and smooth pathways that allow for wheelchair access, and tactile paving for the visually impaired. Additionally, seating areas and outdoor facilities must provide adequate space for maneuverability and seating options for individuals with varying needs. By prioritizing ADA compliance, your campus will meet legal requirements and foster an inclusive atmosphere that delivers a great overall experience for all students, faculty, and stakeholders.

Promoting Safety

Leaders in education know how critical safety is on campus. Strategic design and placement of trees and plants can enhance campus safety outdoors by improving visibility, accessibility, and overall security. Trees and shrubs should be positioned to avoid obstructing sightlines near entrances, exits, and along pathways, ensuring clear visibility for students and staff. This is particularly important near crosswalks and parking lots, where unobstructed views can prevent accidents. Additionally, low-growing plants can be used near walkways to maintain open lines of sight, while taller trees can be placed further back to provide shade without compromising security.

Proper landscape maintenance is also key to ensure that trees and plants do not obstruct pathways, signage, or lighting. Trimming overgrown branches and shrubs reduces the risk of accidents by preventing them from blocking walkways and entry points. Regular inspections and pruning of trees help identify and remove dead or weakened branches that could potentially fall and cause injury or property damage during storms or high winds. Additionally, well-maintained landscaping can deter criminal activity by eliminating potential hiding spots for intruders, especially in poorly lit areas. By maintaining healthy and properly trimmed vegetation, schools can create a safer environment for students, faculty, and visitors, ensuring that the campus remains welcoming and secure.

Benefits of Campus Landscaping

Enhanced Well-Being

Green spaces have been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. By providing areas for relaxation and recreation, campuses can enhance the well-being of students and faculty. Green spaces offer a respite from the rigors of academic life, allowing individuals to unwind and connect with nature. This, in turn, can lead to improved focus, creativity, and overall mental health.

In fact, a study conducted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic uncovered that 98% of college students reported engaging in some form of self-care to boost mental health, with 38% of those surveyed citing spending time outdoors as their number one preferred method of self-care.

Aesthetic Appeal

A visually appealing campus can attract prospective students and faculty and makes a positive impression on visitors. Beautiful landscapes, including gardens, lawns, and water features create a welcoming atmosphere. The visual appeal of the campus can significantly influence the decision-making process of prospective students and faculty, making it a vital component of the institution’s branding. A 2022 Student Voice study found that for more than two-thirds of college students, campus facilities played a significant role in their university selection. 

Increased Property Value

Strategic landscaping can increase the value of campus properties, making them more attractive for future investments. This increased property value can be a significant advantage when seeking funding or investments for campus improvements and expansions.

Financial ROI

Proper landscaping can lead to long-term financial savings by reducing maintenance costs and improving energy efficiency. For example, planting trees strategically can provide shade, reducing the need for air conditioning in nearby buildings. Similarly, using native plants that require less water and maintenance can lower overall landscaping costs. These savings, combined with the increased property value, contribute to a strong financial return on investment.

Sustainable Campus Landscape

Water-Efficient Irrigation

Implementing smart irrigation systems that reduce water usage and ensure plants receive the optimal amount of water is a cornerstone of sustainable landscaping. These systems can include sensors that monitor soil moisture levels and weather conditions, adjusting irrigation schedules accordingly. This not only conserves water but also promotes healthier plant growth by providing the right amount of hydration.

Renewable Materials

Using eco-friendly materials for hardscaping and other landscape features is essential for sustainability. Materials such as recycled concrete, sustainable wood, and permeable paving can reduce the environmental impact of landscaping projects. These materials often have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance, further contributing to sustainability.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Installing energy-efficient outdoor lighting that enhances safety while minimizing energy consumption is a key aspect of sustainable landscaping. LED lights, solar-powered fixtures, and motion-sensor lighting can reduce electricity usage and lower energy costs. These lighting solutions provide adequate illumination for safety and security while being environmentally friendly.

Campus Landscaping with Native Plants

Low Maintenance

Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water, fertilizers, and pesticides. This low-maintenance aspect makes them an excellent choice for campus landscapes. They thrive naturally with minimal intervention, reducing the time and cost associated with regular maintenance. This allows the campus maintenance team to focus on other important tasks.

Support for Local Wildlife

Native plants provide habitat and food for local wildlife, promoting biodiversity. By planting species that are indigenous to the area, campuses can support the local ecosystem. This not only benefits wildlife but also enhances the educational value of the landscape, providing opportunities for biology and environmental science students to study native flora and fauna.

Sustainability

Native plants are more resilient to local pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments. Their ability to thrive without excessive water or fertilizers makes them a sustainable choice for landscaping. This aligns with broader sustainability goals, reducing the campus’s environmental footprint and promoting a healthier ecosystem.

Want to discover native plants in your region? The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin has a fantastic database where you can explore native plants by state.

Featured Project: Lindenwood University Campus Enhancement

Our team designed and installed driveways, mulch, patios, plantings, retaining walls, steps, and walkways for Lindenwood University in St. Louis. Since the project’s completion, Lindenwood University has seen freshman enrollment rise for three consecutive years. While many factors contribute to this success, we’re confident that beautifying the campus has played a role in attracting more students! 

Key Features in Campus Landscaping

Walkways and Pathways

Well-designed walkways enhance accessibility and connectivity across the campus. They provide clear, safe routes for students and faculty to navigate the campus efficiently. By integrating aesthetically pleasing materials and designs, walkways can also enhance the overall look of the campus. Properly maintained pathways prevent accidents and ensure that everyone can move around the campus comfortably.

Seating Areas

Providing comfortable seating areas encourages outdoor activities and social interaction. These areas can be designed with various materials and styles to complement the campus’s overall aesthetic. Strategic placement of seating areas near popular campus spots, such as cafeterias and libraries, encourages their use and creates vibrant outdoor hubs for students and faculty to gather and relax.

Recreational Spaces

Designating areas for sports, exercise, and other recreational activities promotes a healthy lifestyle. Recreational spaces can include fields for sports, outdoor fitness equipment, and spaces for yoga or meditation. These areas not only support physical health but also provide students with opportunities to socialize and engage in campus life.

Green Spaces

Integrating lawns, gardens, and tree-lined areas enhances the aesthetic appeal and provides spaces for relaxation. Green spaces serve as natural havens where students can study, relax, or enjoy outdoor activities. These areas are essential for creating a serene campus environment that fosters well-being and creativity.

Financial and Business ROI for Campus Landscaping and Hardscaping

Increased Enrollment

A beautiful and well-maintained campus can attract more students, leading to increased enrollment and tuition revenue because most prospective students consider the campus environment when choosing a college or university. 

Higher Property Values

Well-designed landscapes enhance the overall look of buildings and facilities, creating a cohesive and polished appearance. As we previously mentioned, this increased property value can be a significant advantage when seeking funding or investments for campus improvements and expansions.

Operational Savings

Sustainable landscaping practices can reduce maintenance costs and improve energy efficiency, leading to long-term savings. By implementing smart irrigation systems, using native plants, and installing energy-efficient lighting, campuses can lower their operational expenses. These savings can be reinvested into other important campus projects, further enhancing the institution’s value.

Elevate Outdoor’s track record with national brands and educational institutions demonstrates our ability to deliver exceptional results that provide measurable ROI.

Best Practices for Campus Landscaping Maintenance

Scheduled Inspections

Regular inspections are crucial to identify and address issues early. This proactive approach ensures that the landscape remains in optimal condition and reduces the likelihood of costly repairs; in other words, you’ll be able to fix small problems before they become big issues.

Seasonal Care

Adapting maintenance practices to seasonal needs is essential for maintaining a healthy landscape. This includes adjusting irrigation schedules in summer to prevent drought stress and focusing on leaf removal and winterization in the fall. Seasonal care ensures that plants and landscape features are prepared for the changing weather conditions. It also protects your overall investment in the landscaping by encouraging perennial plants and shrubs to bounce back in spring year after year.

Sustainable Practices

Using eco-friendly products and practices to maintain the landscape is a key component of sustainable maintenance. This includes using organic fertilizers, composting plant waste, and minimizing the use of chemical pesticides. Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also create a healthier campus for students and faculty.

Professional Management

Engaging professional landscaping services ensures that high standards are consistently met. Professional landscapers have the expertise and resources to manage large campus landscapes efficiently. They can provide specialized care for different plant species, maintain hardscape features, and implement advanced landscaping techniques.

Elevate Your Campus Landscape

Implementing best practices in college and university landscaping not only enhances the visual appeal and functionality of campuses but also provides significant financial and business returns. At Elevate Outdoor, we combine our expertise with a commitment to sustainability and high-quality results to create landscapes that enrich the educational experience. Connect with us today to learn how we can help elevate your campus landscape and deliver value through professional, on-time, and tailored landscaping solutions.

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