As another year winds down, we always like to take a look at what brought us here and see what we can take away from the lessons we’ve learned. As a property manager, you’re always on the go – making sure things are running smoothly, meeting deadlines, and keeping tenants and guests happy – and knowing what’s happened can sometimes help you look ahead.
Emerging or continuing trends can have a profound impact on how your commercial property is managed, and staying on top of these changes can help you keep your outdoor spaces healthy, safe and looking their best. Let’s take a look at the top trends and issues from this year that may affect your commercial landscape for the next few years.
Environmental Factors
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Shifting Climate - Warming temperatures have shifted the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, which has affected northern states in particular. This has affected which plants and trees are best suited to certain locations, and although not every area has seen a major change, the fact that the USDA has issued a new map shows that there is enough of a shift in patterns to justify the change.
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Stormwater Issues - One of the changes associated with warming temperatures is increased storm activity and severity. Several storms and rain events this year have had tremendous impacts – Hurricane Helene being the most recent – and although not all storms are of this magnitude, increased rainfall presents stormwater management issues for property managers.
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Drought Management - On the other side of the coin, however, is between the storms, drought conditions have placed an emphasis on water management across the U.S., especially in the west and southwest regions. Xeriscaping, rain gardens, and other green infrastructure practices have become more popular – and in some cases, the law – as areas experience lower levels of rain.
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Native Species - Overall, a landscape that’s resilient and can handle the stresses of a growing season with minimal intervention is a great asset for a property manager. For the last several years, states and municipalities have worked to eliminate invasive species and emphasized native species in new projects, and many landscape providers and property managers alike have also seen the benefits – which include less irrigation and pesticide requirements, better drought tolerance, and longer lifespans.
Trends to Monitor
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Demand for Sustainability – if the above mentions of changing weather patterns have showed us anything, Mother Nature has a way of wrecking even the best laid plans. The push for more sustainable landscapes is gaining momentum, and techniques like hardscaping and rainwater harvesting, and the use of recycled materials like recycled concrete and reclaimed wood have all been used successfully.
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Smarter Solutions – Technology has allowed us to automate a lot of day-to-day tasks, and things like irrigation systems and solar lighting arrays give property managers the ability to manage these tasks easily while maximizing efficiency. On the provider side, improved workflow management tools have increased efficiency and helped maximize time on the jobsite for crews and supervisors.
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Green Spaces as Office Spaces – Guests and employees are utilizing green spaces as extensions of offices or common areas. Hospitals and office buildings in particular have seen the benefits of creating welcoming outdoor spaces for people to relax, unwind, or find a change of scenery (no pun intended…) to make their days a little more interesting. Finding ways to incorporate these spaces in your landscape can improve your image and make your property more desirable.
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Budget Constraints – This is a universal truth, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Every day, you’re asked to do more with less, and whether it’s addressing run-of-the-mill operating expenses or dealing with a major issue, you know what your property needs more than anyone, and it’s essential to have partners who are in constant communication and understand those needs as well as you do.
When it comes to maintaining a pristine commercial property, your expertise is invaluable. As one year rolls into another, a look back can help prepare you for what’s to come – and so can a strong partnership. Working alongside a landscape and tree care provider who is as invested in your success as you are is critical. We can provide the insights, expertise, and cooperation you need to get the job done right the first time, every time.
