You work hard to keep the inside of your commercial business clean, functioning, and attractive. Therefore, it makes sense to pay the same attention to the exterior appearance as well. However, it is easy for commercial property owners to ignore or be unaware or the benefits of exterior landscaping have for their business. Having a property that is obviously well taken care of on both the outside and the inside makes a good impression on customers and employees. This is why commercial landscaping services are so important. If you’re needing a commercial landscaper near you, Chris James Landscaping can help!
Having attractive landscaping is a form of positive advertisement for the business. And when maintenance isn’t properly taken care of, it can present potential mishaps or hazards that the company would have to deal with should problems arise. That being said, you can take certain protocols and procedures to maintain commercial landscaping throughout the year. Spring is the perfect time to prepare for new landscape design, grow local plants, and ensure that your business landscaping looks great through the summer and fall. Consider these 10 tips to get commercial landscaping ready for spring.
1. Clean Up
As the snow melts in New Jersey, landscapers may discover it concealed a winter’s worth of garbage and debris on their properties. Not only is this an eyesore, but it can also prevent local plants and grass from growing properly.
Clearing Out
Go around the business and pick up any trash, sticks, animal waste, and other debris uncovered by melting snow. Rake up leaves to allow fresh air to reach the grass and promote growth. Spring is also the perfect time to wash your hardscaping. Make sure pathways, patios and parking spaces are clean and power wash them if necessary. Commercial landscaping services are great for this.
2. Plan a Design
If you plan on adding to your existing landscaping, or adding entirely new landscaping, having a design in place is necessary.
Work with a Pro
It’s wise to pay professional landscapers to help you with the plan. Some companies experienced in New Jersey landscaping can help you choose plants that grow best in the region, select the right plants for the sun exposure they will receive, design a plan that allows for growth or modification and create a design that complements the building.
3. Assess the Damage
In a perfect world, the snow would melt and everything would look the same as it did in the fall. However, with the harshness of winter comes the potential for damage due to the freezing and thawing of the ground.
Stroll and Look Around
Walk around the outside and assess any damage or hazardous issues. Look for cracked sidewalks, loose pavement, broken stones, or anything else that could use repair.
4. Check the Irrigation System
Once the spring thaw happens and freezing temperatures recede, do a check of the property’s irrigation system.
What to Inspect
Check sprinkler heads, valves, and nozzles for leaks, clogs, or broken parts. If you are unfamiliar with the irrigation system, a professional can turn on the system and inspect it for you as well as repair any damage. Commercial landscaping services can assist with this if you prefer professionals to take a look.
5. Maintain the Grass
If your exterior has any grassy areas, check to see if there are any potential bare spots. For smaller spots, add some fresh soil and spread grass seed on the soil. Make sure it gets plenty of water, and it fills in nicely with a thick, lush patch of grass. If a snowplow or shovel accidentally took out some sod, or if snow mold, a common grass disease in New Jersey, has gotten into your grass, you may need to re-sod those larger areas. Chris James Landscaping offers lawn services for your grassy areas.
Guard Against Weeds
Spring is a good time to take preventative measures against weeds and crabgrass that can quickly and easily take over lawns. Applying herbicide now will be much more effective than using it after the weeds appear. By doing the maintenance now, your commercial landscaping looks great throughout the whole summer.
6. Spruce Up the Entry
Warmer weather calls for a bit more life in your commercial landscape’s appearance. Take advantage of spring by adding attractive potted greenery near the entry.
Get Rid of Winter Grime
Make sure to clean the entry area of any winter grime. Adding colorful flowers and local shubbery to the entry draws attention to your company, and it makes a good first impression on visitors.
7. Feed Your Greenery
As established greenery starts to come out of their winter dormancy and new seedlings grow, you have a great time to apply fertilizer to your landscaping.
Thinking Ahead
Fertilizer ensures greenery thrive through the warmer months. This keeps your landscaping looking good into the future.
8. Trim and Prune Trees
Trimming trees and shrubs encourages them to keep their shape, and it also helps clear walkways and other areas from any potential hazards. Tree trimming is important not just for looks, but also for safety reasons. Clearing your walkways, rooflines, and branches near windows is good maintenance practice for your business.
Clear Away Branches
The weight of snow and ice through the winter may cause broken branches, so make sure you clear these away. We offer services for this if you need.
9. Clean Existing Beds
If you have existing shubbery beds, now is a good time to freshen them up. Clean out any debris or dead plants, and add new plants and flowers. Chris James Landscaping provides services for this if needed.
Lay in New Mulch
Laying new mulch in plant beds in the spring not only improves the appearance but also helps the soil retain moisture and discourages weeds from growing in your garden beds. Some commercial landscaping companies provide free estimates for laying new mulch!
10. Get a Jump on Insects
Much like weeds, it is much easier to handle insects before they become a problem as the weather gets warmer.
Spray Right Away
Spray for bugs early to help prevent them from causing damage to your landscaping into the spring.
By following these 10 tips, your business property’s landscaping looks attractive while lowering your maintenance time and costs throughout the summer.
Thank you for reading our blog! If you’re needing a commercial landscaper near you, Chris James Landscaping can take care of you! How can we help you? Contact us today.