Understanding Commercial Landscaping Costs for Multi-Location Businesses

As a facility manager or executive team member of a multi-location business, you understand the importance of maintaining a clean, safe, and well-functioning outdoor environment for your business. Professional landscaping can enhance the appearance and value of your property, improve safety and accessibility for customers and employees, and improve the customer experience.

However, one of the biggest challenges of managing commercial landscaping is understanding and controlling costs. In this article, we’ll guide you through the necessary elements to consider when creating a budget for commercial landscaping for your multi-location business.

Factors that Affect Cost

The cost of commercial landscaping can vary widely depending on several factors. The size and complexity of the property, the type of commercial landscaping services required, and the location of the business all play a role in determining the overall cost. For example, a large multi-location business with several properties spread across different regions will have different landscaping needs and costs compared to a smaller business with a single property.

Property Size and Number of Locations

Larger properties with more complex landscaping, such as multiple gardens, water features, and lighting systems, will typically require more time and resources to maintain and, therefore, be more expensive. On the other hand, smaller properties with more straightforward landscaping features will have a lower cost. 

To understand the size of your properties, we recommend creating boundary maps that include the square footage of different exterior facility areas, including your landscaping, buildings, and parking lots.

Landscaping Requirements

The type of landscaping services required is also an essential factor affecting cost. Basic services such as lawn mowing, hedge trimming, and tree pruning are generally less expensive than complex services such as irrigation system installation and design, hardscaping, and lighting. For example, installing an extensive irrigation system on a property can cost thousands of dollars. There may be additional costs in the event there are any unique treatments required to manage invasive plants or invasive insects. In contrast, regular lawn mowing services may only cost a few hundred dollars per month.

Business Location

The location of the business also plays a role in determining the cost of commercial landscaping. Properties in areas with extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall or prolonged drought, will require specialized equipment and resources. Additionally, properties located in urban areas with high traffic and pollution may require more frequent maintenance to keep the landscaping looking its best. The cost of labor and materials can also vary depending on the location of the business, so it’s important to factor this into the overall cost.

Types of Vegetation

Lastly, the type of vegetation and the required maintenance level will also affect the cost. Some plants are more demanding in water, pruning, and fertilization and, therefore, require more care, making related services more expensive. Consider the cost of plants and the maintenance required to keep them healthy and beautiful.

The size and complexity of the property, the type of landscaping services required, the location of the business, the type of vegetation, and the level of maintenance required, are all key factors that can affect the cost of commercial landscaping. Understanding these factors and how they interact with each other can help facility managers and executive teams to create a budget that is realistic and effective.

Budget Considerations

Creating a realistic budget for commercial landscaping is crucial for managing costs. When creating a budget, it’s essential to prioritize and allocate funds for different services based on the needs of each property. For example, a property in a colder climate may require more snow and ice removal services. In comparison, a property in a warmer climate may require more irrigation and water management services.

It’s also important to consider ongoing maintenance costs when creating a budget. This includes regular services such as lawn mowing, hedge trimming, and less frequent services such as tree pruning and mulching. A managed service provider like Grounds Control USA can help you create a maintenance plan that fits your budget and meets your property’s specific needs.

The Benefits of Working with a Managed Service Provider

Working with a managed service provider like Grounds Control USA can help you save money on commercial landscaping costs. Our team of experts can provide cost-effective solutions that meet your budget while providing reliable and high-quality service. We also have a wide range of services, such as landscape maintenance, snow and ice removal, and parking lot maintenance, which can help you to manage all of the exterior facilities of your multi-location business.

Case Studies

One of our recent clients, was Self Help Credit Union. With over 35 locations across the eastern coast, we were able to help reduce a significant workload and remove barriers and complexities within their vendor management operations. By creating a customized maintenance plan for each location and utilizing our expertise in cost-effective solutions, we were able to help them improve their exterior facility management program without compromising the quality and safety of their properties.

Conclusion

Commercial landscaping is essential to managing your multi-location business’s exterior. Understanding and controlling costs is a crucial aspect of this process. By considering the factors that affect the cost, creating a realistic budget, and working with a managed service provider like Grounds Control USA, you can ensure that your properties are well-maintained without breaking the bank.