Parking lot landscaping sets the tone for a customer or resident’s experience when they enter your property, so it shouldn’t be an afterthought! A well-maintained parking lot landscape can make customers see your business in a better light and feel safer. Smart commercial landscaping can also prevent issues that can result from poor drainage, which can require costly repairs down the line. After all, the parking lot of your business or multifamily property is an expensive asset! In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of smart parking lot landscaping and the factors you should consider when planning your next construction project.
Why Parking Lot Landscaping Matters
You only have one chance to make a first impression.
The old adage that your mom used to say when convincing you to dress up as a kid applies to your commercial property, too. The parking lot is typically the first thing customers see when they arrive at a business. Manicured grass, clean walkways, and thriving trees and shrubs set a positive tone that makes visitors feel welcomed and valued. After all, if the business cares this much about the parking lot, they’re likely to care a lot about the experience inside the four walls! On the other hand, the neglect forecasted by cracking pavement, rampant weeds, and dying plants can put your customer in a negative mindset.
People need to feel safe to have a good experience.
After air, food, and water, safety ranks next in the hierarchy of human needs. Effective landscaping helps people feel safe on your property when proper lighting ensures visibility during nighttime hours and trees and shrubs don’t obstruct sightlines. Well-defined pedestrian walkways, maintained greenery, and clear signage help guide foot and vehicle traffic, which can also reduce the risk of accidents and potential liabilities for your business.
It boosts satisfaction and rental rates.
Customers tend to stay longer and spend more in retail environments that are well-landscaped. Effective commercial landscaping can even boost the rental rates you can command for office space or multifamily housing. A study by the International Society of Arboriculture concluded that landscaping with a good aesthetic value added approximately 7% to the average rental rate of a building.
Key Landscaping Considerations for Commercial Parking Lots
Plant Selection
It’s important to choose the right plants to set your parking lot landscaping up for success. Drought-resistant and native plants help conserve water and withstand varying climate conditions, while low-maintenance shrubs and trees reduce upkeep costs. Additionally, selecting non-invasive species prevents future landscaping issues.
Here are some excellent plant options for parking lot landscapes:
Trees
Shrubs and Bushes
Perennials and Ground Cover
Drainage and Erosion Control
Proper drainage is crucial for maintaining the integrity of a parking lot. Without effective water management, pooling and erosion can damage pavement and create hazardous conditions for vehicles and pedestrians. Strategic landscaping can help absorb excess water, reduce runoff, and prevent flooding issues.
Seasonal Maintenance
Landscaping should provide year-round appeal. Seasonal plant choices ensure that the parking lot remains attractive no matter the time of year. Regular maintenance—such as pruning, leaf removal, and irrigation system upkeep—is essential to keeping landscapes vibrant and functional.
Traffic Flow and Pedestrian Areas
A well-landscaped parking lot should facilitate smooth traffic flow while ensuring pedestrian safety. Clearly marked walkways, strategically placed trees and shrubs, and designated green spaces can enhance navigation and create an organized, aesthetically pleasing environment.
Case Study: Setting the Club Standard
Our team partners with Club Car Wash to create curb appeal and functionality for their parking lots nationwide. By incorporating drought-resistant plants, enhancing lighting, and optimizing green spaces for customer flow, we helped create a safer, more inviting environment. This transformation resulted in increased customer satisfaction and positive business impact.
Bring Safety and Appeal to Your Commercial Parking Lots
Effective parking lot landscaping requires expertise, strategic planning, and ongoing maintenance. Elevate Outdoor specializes in creating sustainable and visually appealing commercial landscapes tailored to your property’s needs.
Ready to enhance your property’s curb appeal and functionality? Connect with an Elevate Outdoor expert today to discuss your next project, or read our Club Car Wash case study to see how our landscaping solutions can transform your business.
