8 Factors that Affect Enhancement & Renovation Projects
Planning and executing a well thought out, functional landscape enhancement or renovation – that adds value to your property while meeting budget requirements – is no easy task. Let’s take a look at the elements that make a commercial landscape enhancement project or renovation a success, so you can be prepared when it’s time to make changes or upgrades to the properties you manage.
1. Project Goals
Working with a landscape partner that recognizes your goals and has a good understanding of existing or potential challenges the property faces is key when planning a successful enhancement or renovation strategy. Your property may be experiencing issues such as drainage, water usage, or erosion – or may simply be in need of a refresh. Renovation goals may be immediate or long-term, or a combination of both. It’s important that your property’s landscape enhancement plan is customized and tailored to your needs – so that expectations are met (or exceeded!).
2. Prep & Demo
Preparing the property for a new landscape enhancement or renovation is the first step in the revamp process, once you and your landscape partner have established a creative direction and goals for the project. This step usually requires demolition and/or grading. Your landscape contractor will evaluate the property to determine if and what existing landscape should be removed, the process and fees associated with debris removal, irrigation modifications needed, etc. – all of which should be factored into your renovation budget and timeline. If your budget or preferences require keeping existing landscape elements, it’s important to consider how this will effect the overall outcome (the end result could lack the cohesive, visual appeal of a total renovation).
3. Plants & Trees
Several factors come into play when selecting new plants and trees for your property. First, it’s essential that you and your landscape partner choose plants and trees best suited for the space, that enhance overall landscape functionality and design, and will make the most impact. Your landscape partner will work with you to determine which species of plants and trees will accomplish your goals while providing long-term, healthy solutions for your property’s landscape.
Plant and tree placement is also key in an enhancement or renovation. Think long term and how this tree will grow. The size of the plant or trees, root structure, proximity to structures and/or walkways, and water requirements are all factors in placement considerations.
Lastly, plant and tree availability will affect renovation and enhancement projects and may require alterations to plans if certain species are hard to find or not locally available. Your landscape partner will be knowledgeable in the most ideal plant and tree options in your area and make suggestions based on your property’s objectives.
4. Irrigation
Irrigation and water management play a large role in successful renovation and enhancement plans. A water management plan should include advanced irrigation technology that’s best suited for the plant palette and placement, address water requirements, reduce water usage and costs, all while keeping landscape healthy. There’s usually an establishment period, once a new project is complete, that may require more water for a short time. It’s important that irrigation is managed closely, to ensure plants mature properly – initially and over time. Also consider the maintenance when designing an irrigation system. Some plants actually prefer drip irrigation, while others do not.
5. Property Layout
Leveraging your outdoor space to enhance curb appeal for your business or community is key with any landscape enhancement or renovation project.
Smaller, city spaces may pose challenges for landscape installation – for example – while larger, open areas are more accessible.
Your landscape partner will identify the challenges and opportunities your property faces to maximize the impact of your landscape, provide realistic options, all while enhancing your building’s architecture and overall aesthetic.
6. Mulch/Rock
Mulch and rock both provide benefits in a landscape enhancement or renovation. It’s important to find a solution that works with the theme and objectives of your new landscape project.
Mulch, for example, is a great option to help suppress weeds and retain moisture, making your landscape healthy and requiring less maintenance and water. On the other hand, there are ongoing costs associated with mulch, as it has to be refreshed and replenished a few times a year.
Rock offers similar benefits to mulch and may be a better option for your renovation, depending on the design and goals of property. Rock looks great in drought-tolerant landscapes but does require a higher initial investment compared to mulch – but with less maintenance costs in the future as it’s a more permanent option.
7. Soil Type
In addition to water, soil type is also a major factor in plant and tree health and will affect the types of plants and trees suitable for your property.
Rocky, hard, clay, or compacted soil is harder to cultivate and poses challenges for installations. Landscapers have to consider what species of plants will thrive in these conditions and may even recommend that the soil be amended, for optimal results.
8. Budget
All of the factors above play a role in budget planning and estimating. It’s crucial that objectives for the property be aligned with budget requirements so that goals are achieved. You may have a small budget to work with, without much flexibility, and opt for a smaller enhancement with less established plants – that will mature over time. For larger budgets, a full-scale renovation may be recommended, especially if plants are expected to grow to full maturity more quickly, for visual reasons.
Our skilled Enhancement and Renovation Team has solutions for all budgets and timelines, and will partner with you to customize and tailor a landscape enhancement or renovation plan, based on your property’s individual goals and objectives. Reach out to your Account Manager today, or contact us now, for more information!