Winter is the perfect time to conduct landscape planning for your building, warehouse, or facility. Planning ahead is the best way to ensure your facility is taken care of at the appropriate time.
Preparing for spring now will make sure that your facility looks its best as the season changes. Landscaping planning takes more steps than you might think, which is why you need to begin the process now.
Here are some things to consider with your facility management company while you prepare for spring and start your landscaping planning this winter.
Assess your current landscaping situation
Begin your preparation by walking around the grounds of your facility with your Facility Solutions Manager (FSM) to assess your current landscaping situation. Consider your objectives and make notes about areas you would like to improve. Also note the areas where your current landscaping was successful last year. Plan to recreate those areas elsewhere.
Check out the landscaping at similar facilities and see if you can find inspiration from what others have done.
Construct your budget
The next step is to figure out your landscaping budget. Landscaping costs can depend on a number of variables, so it can be best to ask your FSM. They have the necessary experience and will be able to come up with a quote for the planting and maintaining of your landscaping for the next year.
This step also depends on how intricately you plan your landscaping. If you are only planning to improve the maintenance of existing landscaping, then your budget will be much lower than if you are planning to add a lot of new plants and trees.
Understand your climate
There might be a big difference between the type of landscaping you want and the landscaping that your climate will allow. It is imperative that you choose plants that are appropriate for your climate.
You also need to consider where you are planning your landscaping. Does the area get enough sunlight and rainwater? Your FSM will be an important resource when you are completing this step because they already understand landscaping in your local climate.
Pest Control
Unfortunately, with landscaping comes pests. Local wildlife such as bugs, vermin, and other creatures can ruin new landscaping without the proper precautions. Some plants and trees have natural protection against certain pests. You can also choose to implement pest control such as wire mesh or fencing to help protect your landscaping investment.
Plan landscaping to increase curb appeal
Curb appeal is one of the most important cosmetic improvements facility managers should invest in. It helps your building look appealing to potential customers and tenants. Landscaping is a major part of curb appeal.
Plan your landscaping to enhance the curb appeal of your facility. Again you can take a look at how the other facilities and buildings in your area have designed their curb appeal. It is also important to remember to landscape your parking lot. Parking areas are where first impressions are made.
Plan for maintenance
Landscaping is not a one-and-done addition to your facility. Plants and trees grow and need to be maintained by your facility management company. You should include year-round maintenance in your budget and choose landscaping that is easy to maintain.
You will be grateful that you spent time this winter planning and budgeting your landscaping when spring comes and the exterior of your building is beautiful and budding.
Let City Wide Facility Solutions help with your landscaping planning this winter. Call us today for a free consultation! 855-879-2937
