Expert Advice for Creating a Resilient Landscape

Having great landscaping is an effective way to make a property seem more valuable. According to one study, people perceive real estate with attractive landscaping as being 15% more valuable.

While the value of good landscape design is clear, maintaining an impressive landscape is easier said than done. Commercial landscape design is tricky because it’s too easy to go overboard and end up with a long-term maintenance headache.

Many commercial spaces are avoiding these problems by investing in resilient landscaping design. So what is resilient landscaping, and what advantages does this style have over a typical design? Read on to learn more.

What Is Resilient Landscaping?

Simply put, resilient landscaping is when you implement durable landscape ideas to create a space that can withstand the environment. A well-designed, resilient landscape can easily withstand heavy rain, drought, and everything in between.

Through an intelligent combination of native plants, irrigation systems, and knowledge of the local ecosystem, you’re getting attractive landscaping that thrives with minimal intervention. Often, you’ll find the system looks after itself.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

Since there’s not much need for upkeep, you can significantly lower your maintenance expenses. Some commercial landscaping looks impressive but requires round-the-clock care from a maintenance crew. This approach seems crazy once you’ve seen how a resilient design can look great all year round.

Exceptional Sustainability

Companies are always looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment. A resilient landscape is more than just property enhancement, it also uses significantly fewer resources than a conventional design. A resilient landscape exists in harmony with the local environment – they’re actually beneficial for the local ecosystem.

Resilient Landscape Design Saves Water

Meticulously saving water is one of the most important resilience landscaping tips. If you need to bring in excessive amounts of water from outside the ecosystem, you’re wasting water. Unless your company operates in Death Valley, there are plenty of local plants that will survive with minimal assistance. 

By selecting the right native plants and making intelligent use of irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting, it’s possible to create a landscape that’s totally self-sustainable. Say goodbye to that expensive water bill, your new landscaping knows how to take care of itself.

Use Native Plants

Native plants will help you use less water, and you’ll also need less landscape maintenance. If you try to grow plants outside their ecosystem, they’ll struggle to survive.

Think of a hot, dry state like New Mexico. Trying to maintain a lawn there would use a staggering amount of water, and even then, the grass would still die off in a heatwave. 

Consider using native plants such as Desert Marigolds or Apache Plumes. These plants are perfectly adapted to the harsh New Mexico sun, and they’ll survive through the harshest heatwaves. When you use native plants, they’ll last decades, whereas inappropriate plants often need to be replaced, adding to your expenses. 

Using native plants also means you won’t have to resort to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. After all, these plants have evolved for countless years to adapt perfectly to the local soil and climate. 

Support the Local Ecosystem

A resilient landscape is so in tune with the local ecosystem that it actually helps with biodiversity. By using local plants, you’re creating a habitat for the local wildlife. You’ll likely start to see birds, insects, and even small mammals living in the area. 

Many studies have shown that getting out into nature is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, but people often simply don’t have the time. By bringing nature to the workplace, you have the opportunity to spend time in nature every workday. 

Test the Soil

Of course, there’s more to creating a self-sustaining landscape than just picking local plants. You’ll need to check the quality of your soil too. In some cases, the nutrient levels or pH balance might not be quite right. This could make it difficult for native plants to thrive. 

The good news is that you can easily address this. By adding things like compost, manure, or mulch, you can alter the makeup of the soil to better accommodate local life. 

Even if the soil has the right properties, you’ll need to treat it to get optimal results. You might consider applying a layer of mulch to help seal in moisture, or you might use soil aeration techniques to prevent the soil from compacting. 

Figuring out soil is often more art than science, so finding a knowledgeable pro is usually best. 

Don’t Forget Inspections

Just because your commercial landscape is self-sustaining and adapted to local conditions, it doesn’t mean you don’t ever need inspections. A resilient garden doesn’t mean you’re immune from issues like pest infestations or diseased plants. By getting periodic inspections, you can catch these issues early, and address them before they get expensive. 

Inspections can also verify your resilient system is working as intended. For example, if you have a water conservation system, is it working at peak efficiency? Over time, clogs, leaks, and general wear and tear can reduce the effectiveness of your design. 

The only way to prevent these issues is to have your landscaping inspected by a qualified professional as often as possible. 

Want to Invest in Resilient Landscaping for Your Commercial Location?

As you can see, resilient landscaping is a smart investment. A well-designed, expert-crafted landscape utilizing local plants and optimized water systems will likely pay for itself in time. But, it’s about more than just saving cash, a resilient landscape exists in perfect harmony with the local plants and wildlife. 

By embracing the local ecosystem, your company is making a sustainable contribution to local biodiversity. Of course, for resilient landscaping to work as intended, it needs to be designed by a knowledgeable pro. 

Here at Grounds Control USA, we pride ourselves on our extensive skill in landscaping techniques. We combine these skills with an exceptional understanding of local nature to put together a perfect, resilient landscape. Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can build a stunning landscape for you.