Commercial Landscaping Blog, San Jose | Bay Area | Santa Clara, CA

7 Must Have Green Trends By a Commercial Landscape Company

Written by Sabrina Ayala | Jan 4, 2022 2:45:00 PM

Environmentally friendly credentials are fantastic for boosting the appeal of all manner of properties. HOA communities can distinguish themselves from their competition while enjoying better occupancy, and higher resale values. Commercial and business properties can draw greater talent and enhance public brand perception. All the while, those managing the property in question can revel in lower water consumption, reduced maintenance costs, and a mighty step towards LEED Certification.

A trusted and forward-thinking commercial landscape company is an ideal ally in generating the benefits that come with sustainable property planning. Green landscaping should harness the very latest innovations, while being implemented in proportion with local eco-systems, a property's unique micro-climate, and the needs of the enterprise with which it shares the space. If you are keen to go green, read on to discover some of the latest green trends in commercial landscape maintenance in San Jose Ca, and how they can offer a powerful boost to both green credentials and bottom line.

1.  Getting High-Tech with Smart Irrigation Technology

For commercial landscape contractors in the bay area, innovating within the realm of water conservation should always be a top priority. The prospect of investing in smart irrigation technology may seem prohibitive; however, today's smart systems quickly provide a return on investment thanks to their comprehensive capabilities.

Weather-based irrigation controllers, moisture sensing devises, and pressure regulating check valves ensure the precision administration of water—allowing plants to thrive with close to zero water wastage. An experienced landscape designer will be able to advise on the types of smart irrigation available, ranging from subsurface or point-source drip irrigation, through to the addition of water efficient heads on existing infrastructure— minimizing wind drift and over-spray onto hardscape, pavement, or building structures.

2.  Reducing Costs and Getting Eco-Friendly with Recycled Materials

With sustainability in mind, conscientious commercial landscape contractors will make creative suggestions in regard to re-use of onsite materials, such as boulders, bricks, and pavers. Re-purposed materials may be incorporated into new designs, or simply placed within retaining walls to reduce your costs directly.

Your trusted commercial landscape contractor will also be able to source the latest in recycled landscaping products. Recycled stone and plastics alongside wood byproducts are harnessed to create great alternatives to traditional wood decks, benches, and raised planters. Decomposed granite, recycled rubber mulch, and re-purposed brick can be used to create strikingly attractive and low-maintenance features.

3.  Breaking the Mold with Drought Resistant Lawn Conversions

While a conventional lawn may be the classic central feature of landscaping internationally, landscapes are increasingly falling out of favor thanks fundamentally to their overuse and excessive maintenance demands. With traditional lawns requiring high volumes of water and constant attention to keep a space aesthetically pleasing, it's no wonder that attractive alternatives have become a growing green trend.

Skilled and eco-aware commercial landscaping services have responded by mastering the application of drought-resistant ornamental grass varieties, resilient creeping ground-cover plants, and aesthetically appealing xeriscaping. With a knowledgeable commercial landscape designer driving planting and landscaping strategies, lawn conversions can offer fantastic appeal year-round, standing up beautifully to drought, solar radiation, cold, and wind in equal measure. Along the way, water demands for landscaping can be reduced dramatically.

4.  Staying Ahead with Strategic Water Management

Research tells us that around 20% of water used in and around public landscaping is usually lost—generally due to poor system design, leaks from decaying infrastructure, and inefficient practices such as excessive watering and incorrect run times. The cost of these losses can add up significantly over time, making paced audits of your watering systems from commercial irrigation services a worthwhile initiative.

Your commercial landscape company will quickly spot and resolve damaged components, ensuring that the current set up still reflects an optimal use of water. For properties with substantial footfall from retail visitors or residents, damage—and on occasion, vandalism— can add to the need to keep a close eye on watering infrastructure. An experienced landscape contractor will take factors such as foot-traffic and the age and condition of the system into account, before making an audit frequency recommendation. Simple remedial repairs to valves, piping, and misaligned sprinkler heads require minimal time and resources, but make all the difference when the water bill arrives.

5.  Harnessing Low-Impact Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Pest control within landscape settings is often perceived as a source of stress. The presence of pests can have a negative impact on residents, workers, and visitors alike; while the prospect of chemical control doesn't tie in well with contemporary preference for earth-friendly property management. Happily, IPM serves as an ideal solution, employing sustainable green strategies to mitigate the presence of unwelcome wildlife.

Trending HOA landscape companies in the bay area who have their fingers on the pulse should be acting as environmental stewards, opting for pest resistant plants and materials, using natural and biological control, and trapping where necessary—all while assisting in the encouragement of cultural practices on site that make a property less appealing to pests. By integrating IPM into your property's management, an environment that remains safe for people and pets while doing no harm to the planet becomes absolutely attainable.

6.  Safeguarding H20 With Water Recycling Apparatus

Recent droughts in the bay area have enhanced awareness of the value that commercial landscape companies play in helping owners and managers to conserve precious H20. As many increasingly think differently about water conservation, one of the resources being tapped—quite literally—is water recycling. Alongside drought-tolerant landscaping and efficient irrigation that is properly designed, installed, and maintained, an additional option is the managing and storing of grew water and storm water run-off so that it can later be used whenever required.

7. Reducing Water Needs with Drought Friendly Landscaping

Speaking of drought-tolerant landscaping, the trend for using plants that aren't phased in the slightest by protracted periods of drought is certainly on the up. Once established, such species will inevitably use half the water of traditional lawn and planting, while still providing a thriving and blooming landscape.

In fact, opting for this strategy can also reduce commercial landscape maintenance demands, as far less mowing and tending is called for. Planting of this nature can remain at its best all year-round, no matter how the climate may shift with the seasons. Bay area commercial landscapers are perfectly poised to help their customers keep costs and environmental impacts low, and ensure the delight of all who inhabit these green spaces, buoyed by the verdant view.

If you are ready to transition to green, Flora Terra is ready to assist. Adopting low impact strategies works wonders for property perception, while reducing costs, and lessening the impact on our environment. 

Discover how FloraTerra Landscape Management we can help!

Call 408.275.1200 or click below. 

ABOUT US:

FloraTerra and our affiliates are conveniently based throughout the greater bay area. As a leading commercial landscape company, we specialize in corporate campus developments, commercial office, retail centers and common interest developments. Since 1998, our company and partners have installed and maintain some of the most prestigious commercial developments throughout the Silicon Valley.

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