What kind of first impression does your commercial property give to prospective customers? That’s the basis for these 4 spring commercial landscaping tips for businesses in Wayne County, MI. Using these tips will create an attractive and welcoming atmosphere that speaks volumes about you as a business.
Related: WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR SPRINGTIME LAWN CARE IN NEW BOSTON AND GROSSE ILE, MI?
Why Are First Impressions So Important?
You could have the most amazing products or services, but your potential customers will be turned off by cracked walkways, poor lighting, messy plant beds, or a half-dead lawn. The care you take of your commercial property’s exterior lets people know how they can expect to be treated once they step inside your door.
In short, your landscaping clearly tells people whether you care, or you don’t. If you think of your landscape as a business card, you want your business card to be eye-catching and you want it to convey the right message, which is “I care.”
First impressions are lasting, so here’s what you can do on the exterior of your business to draw people in.
1. Visibility and Attractive Signage
Is your business signage clearly visible, or is it obscured by overgrown shrubs? A new sign surrounded by an attractive and well-maintained plant bed sends a cheerful welcoming message. Taking time to spruce up your signage every spring with fresh annuals and perennials, ensuring all signage lighting is functioning properly - and if appropriate, adding a fresh coat of paint - will signal your ongoing commitment to your business and your customers.
You can also enhance your business’s brand presence with attractive paver surfaces (walkways, parking lots, outdoor gathering spaces, and entryways) and effectively send a message that says you’re successful - and as we all know, only businesses that take care of their customers are successful.
2. Safety
No matter the season and no matter the weather, all outdoor surfaces must be safe. Cracked and crumbling surfaces and tripping hazards such as tree roots pushing their way up through pavement must be addressed regularly. Upgrading to pavers is not only a visually appealing alternative to asphalt or poured concrete; it’s an upgrade in safety as well.
Quality concrete pavers are non-slip when wet (even pavers that feature smooth textures), unlike materials such as clay bricks.
Some types of pavers can be installed as permeable surfaces, meaning they allow rainwater and snowmelt to seep through to the ground below, instead of pooling on the surface and freezing.
Pavers are also highly resistant to the freeze-thaw cycle, unlike asphalt and poured concrete which will crack, chip, and crumble over time as a result. This translates into significantly lower costs over time, with no more ugly repair patches. Concrete pavers won’t need to be replaced for many decades and if individual pavers should break from impact, they can be replaced individually.
3. A Warm Welcome
Signage and safe surfaces go a long way to making your commercial property welcoming. Adding special touches such as a few planters with seasonal flowers, a small attractive picnic area for employees, a tree- or pergola-shaded bench at your entry, updated landscape lighting, an attractive retaining wall, and even a small fountain will contribute to the feeling of welcome.
4. Lower Costs
Trees that shade your building on the south and west can significantly reduce energy costs. Water-wise landscaping (smaller lawns and more ornamental native flowers, shrubs, and trees) will mean all the beauty with less maintenance. Now is the time for planting, to rejuvenate your landscaping.
Overall, investing in your spring landscape is an investment in your business.
